How to Become a Pilot After 12th; Know Eligibility, Courses, Stages, Flying Schools and Fees in India

4 min read

Somdatta Roy

Senior Content Writer | Updated on - Aug 1, 2025

Are you considering a career in aviation after completing Class 12 board exams? This article provides a comprehensive, process to becoming a pilot in India.

This resource is designed to help you navigate the journey to the cockpit, offering insights into available pilot courses after 12th grade, detailed eligibility requirements, associated costs, and information on leading flight training institutions. Discover the various paths to achieving your ambition of flying and formulate a plan tailored to your aspirations.

Qualifications Needed to Become a Pilot in India

To pursue a career as a pilot in India, candidates must fulfill the following essential eligibility criteria:

Age: Must be at least 17 years old.
Educational Qualification: Candidates are required to have successfully completed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects.
Medical Fitness: A mandatory Class 2 medical certificate, issued by a doctor approved by DGCA.

Pilots' (Male & Female) Physical Eligibility Requirements

Both male and female must fulfill strict physical requirements in order to become pilots in India. These requirements ensure the safety and capability of pilots in demanding flight environments:

Requirement	Male	Female
Minimum Height	5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)	5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Body Mass Index (BMI)	18.5 - 25	18.5 - 25
Visual Acuity	6/6 vision in each eye without correction	6/6 vision in each eye without correction
Color Vision	Normal color vision	Normal color vision
Hearing	Good hearing, with each ear experiencing no more than 20 dB of hearing loss	Good hearing, with each ear experiencing no more than 20 dB of hearing loss
General Fitness	Physically strong and in good health, free from serious illnesses that could make it difficult to fly safely	Physically strong and in good health, free from serious illnesses that could make it difficult to fly safely

DGCA Medical & Pilot Training

DGCA Medical Certificate

Requirement: Class 2 Medical Certificate from a DGCA-approved doctor.
Purpose: Essential health assessment for a demanding profession.
Eligibility: Class 10 pass, minimum 16 years old.
Validity: Up to 4 years (or 24 months for SPL holders).

Pilot Courses Overview

Enrollment: After Class 12 (Physics & Math) and obtaining a Class 2 Medical.
Location: DGCA-approved flight training academies.
Training Components:
1. Ground Course: Theoretical studies.
2. Flying Training: Practical flight experience.

Civil Aviation Pilot Pathway

Pathway for civil aviation pilot are given here:

License/Stage	Description	Requirements
Student Pilot License (SPL)	The foundational first step in civil aviation training.	Passing a written examination on: Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Aircraft, Aviation Meteorology and Engines.
Private Pilot License (PPL)	After initial training, it enables you to fly for personal purposes.	Obtained after SPL; requires a minimum of 40 flying hours under the supervision of a flight instructor.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)	Enables you to fly for commercial purposes (e.g., airlines, cargo).	Obtained after PPL; requires at least 200 flying hours, which must include cross-country flying, instrument flying, and night flying.

Ground Course for Pilots

Aspiring pilots, after meeting medical and educational criteria, attend a Ground Course at an authorized flying school to learn aircraft systems and flight principles.

Subjects covered include:

Air Navigation: Principles and techniques for guiding an aircraft.
Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns and their impact on flight.
Air Regulations and Human Performance: Rules governing aviation and factors affecting pilot performance.
Aircraft Technical and Engine: In-depth knowledge of aircraft mechanics and powerplants.
Radio Telephonic Communication: Protocols for clear communication with air traffic control.

Stages to Become a Pilot in India After 12^th Class

Check out the stages for becoming a pilot after 12^th:

Stage/Requirement	Description	Details / Considerations
Select a Reputable Flight School	Crucial for effective training.	Factors to Consider: Fleet & Facilities, Instructor Experience, Placement Records. (e.g., Insight Aviation's IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme)
Accumulate Flying Hours	Practical flight training, progressing from basic to advanced maneuvers.	For CPL: 200 Total Flight Hours (solo & dual), 100 PIC Hours, 20 Cross-Country, 10 Instrument, 5 Night Flying.
Clear DGCA Examinations	Pass a series of rigorous examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.	Subjects: Air Navigation, Meteorology, Technical General, Technical Specific (aircraft type), Air Regulations.
Obtain Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL)	Formal license allowing you to work as a commercial pilot.	Apply after completing training and passing all required DGCA exams. Enables work in airlines, charter companies, etc.
Advanced Training and Type Rating	Enhance employability and prepare for specific aircraft and multi-crew environments.	Type Rating: Training on specific aircraft models (e.g., Airbus A320, Boeing 737). Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) Training: Prepares for multi-pilot cockpit operations.
Apply for Jobs	Begin your professional piloting career.	Seek opportunities with airlines, charter companies, and other aviation sectors.

Best Flying Schools in India: Courses and Average Fees

A list of some reputable DGCA-approved flying schools in India with their average course fees are tabulated below:

College Name	Average Course Fees (INR)
The Bombay Flying Club Courses	34.56 Lakh
Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Courses	20 Lakh
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi Courses	38 Lakh
Adventure Flight Education Private Limited Courses	25.56 Lakh-32.87 Lakh
Academy of Carver Aviation Courses	9.78 Lakh-43.05 Lakh
CAE - National Flying Training Institute Courses	42 Lakh
Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Courses	42.85 Lakh
Airway India Courses	49.27 Lakh
Dean International Flight School Courses	25.66 Lakh
High Flyers Aviation Services Courses	28.06 Lakh

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: The DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate is a mandatory certification for aspiring pilots, obtained from a DGCA-approved doctor and examiner after Class 12. It's crucial because it assesses the candidate's physical and mental health, ensuring they are fit to handle the demanding and stressful nature of the piloting profession. This certificate can be applied for by anyone who has completed Class 10 and is at least 16 years old, and it remains valid for up to 4 years.

Ans: To become an Indian Air Force pilot, candidates can join through four main pathways, each with specific eligibility criteria and selection processes:

National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam: For unmarried male and female candidates aged 16.5-19.5 with Class 12th (Physics & Math).
Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam: For graduates aged 20-24.
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT): For male and female graduates aged 20-24 (up to 26 with a CPL).
NCC Special Entry: For male candidates with an Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate (and SSC entry for both genders).

Ans: The salary range for pilots in India varies significantly with experience and the type of airline:

Freshers (Commercial Pilot License holders): INR 1.5 Lakhs-INR 3 Lacs/month.
Experienced Captains (5+ years): INR 5 Lacs to INR 10 Lakhs/month.
International Airline Pilots: INR 8 Lacs to INR 20 Lakhs/month.

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