How to Become a Pilot After 12th in India | Admissify Blog

Last Updated on July 1, 2025

How to Become a Pilot after 12th: Aspirants who dream to soar high in the skies, amidst the wandering clouds and overlooking the shimmering lights from the city lights during night, then the aviation industry awaits you. However, the path to becoming a licensed aviator or pilot is not as simple as it may seem. There are numerous hurdles you’ll have to overcome in order to truly become a licensed pilot in India. Therefore, it is crucial for one to keep abreast of the know-hows of becoming a pilot after the 12th in India.

Continue reading the blog to learn more about how to become a pilot after 12th in India, eligibility criteria and licensing requirements in India. 

Why Become a Pilot in 2025?

The aviation industry is one of the most up and coming industries that is not only lucrative but dynamic and ever growing. That said, the aviation industry offers handsome salaries to deserving and skilled individuals. If you’re a qualified pilot, you can expect a starting salary ranging from INR 2.5 LPA to INR 10+ LPA in India and even higher abroad.

And this is just the entry-level bracket, our salary can significantly increase with experience, international licenses, and flight hours. Moreover, being a licensed aviator comes with immense respect and admiration. Pilots are often viewed as professionals who carry great responsibility, and their status in society reflects that. It’s a career path that commands honour and distinction. Anyhow, if you’re passionate about travelling and exploring new cultures, then becoming a pilot is the perfect choice. The job naturally involves visiting new destinations and interacting with people from different backgrounds. 

Pilots live an adrenaline-filled life with new challenges every day. No two flights are ever the same, each day brings fresh experiences that test your decision-making and technical skills. So, if you’re someone who thrives in dynamic environments, this career is tailor-made for you.

How to Become a Pilot After 12th in India?

Here is a step-by-step guideline which you must follow if you are aspiring to pursue a career as a pilot in India. Adhering to this roadmap is especially crucial for those who wish to become a pilot in India after 12th. Have a look.

Choose Your Type of Pilot License

Individuals aspiring to become a pilot in India after 12th must first decide upon the pilot license type, depending upon their career goals. Therefore, one must have a clear picture of what they wish to achieve in the long run as a licensed aviator in India. Some of the most common types of pilot licenses that you can opt for after 12th are Student Pilot License ( an entry-level license to begin training), Private Pilot License (allows candidates to fly privately), Commercial Pilot License (is required for one to become a commercial airline pilot), and Airline Transport Pilot License (is the highest degree or level required to achieve the position of captain in airlines)

Educational Qualifications for Becoming a Pilot After 12th

Individuals aspiring to become a pilot in India after 12th must have completed their class 12 with Physics and Maths as their major subjects from recognised boards such as CBSE, ICSE, or any other state board. Apart from that, one must have acquired a minimum aggregate score of 50%-60%. This bracket may vary with different aviation institutes.

Students who have opted for different subject streams other than PCM in India can appear for Physics and Math exams via NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or other recognized boards.

Meet Medical Fitness Requirements

It is crucial for an aviation aspirant to qualify some of the stringent medical examinations set by the industry and meet global standards. Here are the medical fitness requirements one must pass to become a pilot in India:

• Candidates are required to qualify for the Class 2 Medical for SPL and initial flight training.
• One must pass their Class 1 Medical to apply for CPL licenses, conducted by DGCA-approved medical examiners.
• Students are required to qualify in basic medical tests for vision, hearing, ECG, BMI, and blood pressure.
• One must have 6/6 vision (correctable with glasses) and no color blindness.

Enroll in a DGCA-Approved Flying School

This is the most crucial step in the entire roadmap. One must choose the correct DGCA-approved flying school and enroll accordingly. Select institutes that align with your career goals and can help you pave your path into the lucrative aviation industry.

• The minimum duration for becoming a pilot after 12th in India is 18 to 24 months.
• One must have at least 200 hours of flying experience to apply for a CPL license.
• The average fees for an aviation course in India vary between INR 35 to INR 55 Lakhs, depending upon the school.

Some of the top aviation schools are:

• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Chandigarh)
• Capt. Gopi Aviation Academy (Hyderabad)
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology (Delhi)
• CAE Global Academy (Gondia)
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Academy (Bangalore)

Appear for the DGCA Exams

Once students are done choosing their preferred institute, they must acquire a CPL by passing the theoretical and practical DGCA examinations in core subjects such as:

• Air Navigation
• Air Regulation
• Meteorology
• Technical General
• Radio Telephony

Obtain Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

After completing flight training and clearing the exams, apply for your CPL through DGCA. You will also need to submit your medical reports, logbook, and training certificates.

Apply to Airlines or Gain Experience

Once a candidate acquires a CPL license, they must apply to domestic/international airlines and gain as much flying experience as they can. One can even add to their experience through charter flying, instructor roles, or co-pilot jobs.

Aspirants should know that airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and others conduct internal Cadet Pilot Programs, which can add valuable experience and strengthen an aviation aspirant’s portfolio.

How to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce in India

The aviation industry and career is not just limited to science students in India. If you are from the commerce background, do not get disheartened as there are ways even commerce students can become a pilot in India after 12th. The process is more or less similar to the generic procedure, just with a few more caveats. Have a look.

Complete Class 12 from a Recognized Board

If you have completed your 12th in commerce without Physics and Mathematics, you are not eligible to apply for CPL directly.

Take Physics and Math Through NIOS or Any Recognized Board

You must study Physics and Mathematics as subjects, this is a DGCA requirement. Here’s what to do:

• Enroll in NIOS (open schooling) or any recognized board.
• Appear for only Physics and Mathematics exams.
• Once you clear both, you will meet the eligibility requirement for CPL training.

 Follow the Same Steps as Science Students

After completing the necessary subjects, students must first clear their Class 2 and Class 1 medical exams, join a  DGCA-approved flying school, accumulate 200 flight hours, pass DGCA CPL exams, and obtain their CPL. IN the end, candidates must apply for airline jobs.

So that was all about how to become a pilot after class 12 in India. Now, let us go through the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for pilot training and courses after 12th. 

Pilot Training Courses After 12th: Qualification & Admission 2025

Students aspiring to become pilots in India must stay informed about the various qualifications required for pursuing this career path. That said, these qualifications may differ depending on the type of license one is aiming for. Each license has its own set of criteria, and in addition to that, various DGCA-approved flying institutes in India may have their own specific requirements that candidates must adhere to.

Have a look at the table below to understand the eligibility criteria for different types of pilot training licenses in India:

Type of License	Academic Criteria	Medical Criteria	Criteria for Flight Training	Age Limit
Private Pilot License	Must have passed their class 12 (with core subjects Physics and Maths)	Class 2 Medical Certificate	Minimum experience of 40 to 50 flying hours.	17 or above
Student Pilot License	Must have passed their 10th board exams.	Class 2 Medical Certificate	The student is required to clear the basic ground training and written exam.	16 or above
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)	Must have passed their class 12 (with core subjects Physics and Maths)	Class 1 Medical Certificate	Minimum experience of 1500 flying hours.	21 or above
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)	Must have passed their class 12 (with core subjects Physics and Maths)	Class 1 Medical Certificate	Minimum experience of 200 flying hours.	18 or above
Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL)	Must have passed their class 12 (with core subjects Physics and Maths)	Class 1 Medical Certificate	The student must adhere to the structured airline-specific training program.	18 or above
Flight Instructor Rating (FIR)	Must have a CPL	Class 1 Medical Certificate	Must have additional instructor training and additional assessments.	18 or above

What are the Top Flying Schools in India? 

Here is a list of some of the top flying schools in India for those who wish to become a pilot after 12th. 

Name of the Institute	Location	Annual Fees (Approx)
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology	Delhi	INR 40–45 lakhs
Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy	Patiala	INR 35–40 lakhs
CAE Gondia (IndiGo Cadet Program)	Maharashtra	INR  70+ lakhs
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics	Chandigarh	INR 40 lakhs
Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy	Hyderabad	INR 45–50 lakhs

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Pilot Training in India 

There are various government and bank-funded scholarship programs designed to provide financial aid to students for whom pilot training may seem expensive. Gone are the days when quality training and education were out of one’s reach just because they were not financially packed enough. Today, thanks to such courses, your dream of becoming a licensed aviator is just within your grasp.

Government Scholarships

Several government bodies offer scholarships to support students from economically weaker or socially disadvantaged backgrounds. These scholarships often cover a portion of the tuition fee and can significantly reduce the financial burden.

• Merit Cum Means Scholarship (Ministry of Minority Affairs):
  This scholarship is aimed at students belonging to minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi). It supports students pursuing professional and technical courses, including aviation, based on family income and academic performance.
• SC/ST Scholarships by State Governments:
  Many state governments provide exclusive financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, exam fees, and other academic expenses associated with pilot training.

 Bank Loans

Most leading public and private sector banks in India offer education loans specifically for pilot training, particularly when the course is pursued at a DGCA-recognized flying school.

Banks in India offer loans up to INR 40 lakhs. 

These loans, however, may depend on the bank, course, and flying school. Apart from that, a collateral is required for higher loan amounts (usually above ₹7.5 lakhs). In India, there are flexible repayment options with moratorium periods until course completion.

Banks like State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and HDFC Bank are some of the common lenders offering such loans.

 Airline Cadet Programs

Many airlines in India offer Cadet Pilot Programs, which are either fully sponsored or partially funded. These programs are offered in collaboration with reputed global aviation training academies.

• Financial Aid: Covers part or full cost of training, depending on the program.
• Guaranteed Placement: Candidates who successfully complete the program are usually offered placement as a First Officer (co-pilot) in the sponsoring airline.
• Highly Competitive: These programs involve rigorous selection procedures, including aptitude tests, psychometric assessments, interviews, and medical evaluations.

So that was all about training, fees, procedure, eligibility criteria required for becoming a pilot after 12th in India. Hope the blog has helped you answer your queries about how to become a pilot after 12th. Here are some FAQs for you to further clear your queries.

Read Also:

20 Best Courses after 12th Commerce with High Salary

30+ Best Career Options After 12th: Courses Jobs, & Salary

FAQs

Q. Can you become a pilot in India after 12th without PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)?

To become a commercial pilot in India, studying Physics and Maths is crucial. However, if you are a student from any other stream or background, you can opt for additional science subjects such as Physics and Maths through NIOS. 

Q. What is the duration of pilot training after 12th in India?

The duration of pilot training to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is typically 18 to 24 months, depending on the flying school, weather conditions, and your pace of training.

Q. What exams do you need to clear to become a pilot in India after 12th?

You must pass DGCA-conducted exams in Air Navigation, Air Regulation, Meteorology, Technical General, Technical Specific, and the RTR (Radio Telephony) exam to obtain your CPL.