Become a Pilot in India: Training, Careers, and Aviation Jobs

To become a pilot in India after 12th, you must pass Class 12 with Physics and Math, clear a Class 2 and Class 1 DGCA medical, enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school, and complete around 200 flying hours to obtain your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). You will also need to pass DGCA exams including Air Regulations, Meteorology, Technical General, and Radio Telephony. After CPL, you can apply for airline jobs or pursue a Type Rating for specific aircraft.

The cost of pilot training in India typically ranges from ₹35–50 lakhs depending on the flying school, aircraft fleet, and location. This includes ground training, flight hours, medicals, and licensing fees. Some students also choose to complete part of their flying abroad, which can affect costs. Always confirm detailed fee structures with your chosen academy.

Top pilot training institutes in India include Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Bombay Flying Club, CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, and Government Flying Training School, Bengaluru. Each school has different facilities, fleet, and fees, so it's important to research their DGCA approval status, placement record, and student reviews before applying.

To become a commercial pilot in India, you must clear the DGCA CPL theory exams: Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General, and Technical Specific. You must also pass the Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR) exam conducted by WPC. These exams test your knowledge of aviation rules, aircraft systems, weather, and communication procedures.

The average salary of a commercial pilot in India ranges from ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakhs per month for First Officers in airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India. Captains with more flying hours can earn ₹5–8 lakhs monthly. Salaries depend on experience, type ratings, and airline pay scales.

Yes, being a pilot is considered a lucrative and respected career in India. With the aviation industry expanding rapidly and airlines adding new aircraft, demand for qualified pilots is rising. However, it is also a competitive field requiring discipline, investment, and continuous training to maintain licenses and certifications.

Yes, commerce students can become pilots in India. If you didn’t have Physics and Math in 12th standard, you can clear these subjects through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) as additional subjects. After that, you can apply to flying schools and follow the same process to obtain your Commercial Pilot License.