Key takeaways:
- Pass 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics, clear medical tests
- Enrol in a ground school and pass the DGCA exams
- Start flying training and earn your CPL
- Become a commercial pilot
In the coming decade, commercial airlines will need more skilled pilots to cater to the customers’ needs. Pursuing your aviation career would be the most intelligent decision for you if you are passionate about flying. Several commercial airlines have ordered new flights, creating demand for skilled pilots.
So, let’s find out how you can realise your dream of becoming a pilot in India.
Are You Eligible to Be a Pilot?
To realise your dream of becoming an aviator, the first question you need to ask is – “How to become a pilot?”
First, you have to know if you are eligible to be a pilot. Check the following table to understand the eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Age | Minimum 17 years for Private Pilot Licence (PPL)Minimum 18 years for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) |
| Education | Must pass class 12th with Physics and Maths (minimum 50% marks) |
| Non-Science Students | Can complete the NIOS bridge course in Physics and Mathematics |
| Medical Fitness | DGCA Class 2 (for initial eligibility check), Class 1 required before applying for a CPL |
Table 1: Eligibility Criteria for becoming an airline pilot in 2026
Yes, you read it right, Commerce and Arts students can also become airline pilots by completing the NIOS bridge course in Physics and Mathematics. Now, let’s move to the stepwise guidance for ‘how to become a pilot’.
Roadmap to the Cockpit
The journey to becoming a commercial pilot starts with registering on the online eGCA platform. It is a single-window online platform launched by the DGCA.* Then pass the medicals and pass the theoretical papers, and advance towards becoming a skilled pilot.
*DGCA full form is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which is a statutory regulatory body that governs civil aviation in India.
Step 1: eGCA Portal Registration
The first step of – ‘how to become a pilot in India’ starts with registering yourself on the online platform by DGCA. Visit – www.dgca.gov and select the ‘eGCA Login‘ option at the top right-hand corner, then select ‘eGCA Login‘ or ‘Sign Up‘ (if you are a first-time user) option.
However, before you start with the Sign Up process, keep your valid documents to prove your identity and academic certifications (e.g., photograph, Aadhaar, Passport, 12th pass marksheet and certificate, etc.).
After DGCA approves your profile, they will assign a unique Computer Number. This number will be your identifier for all kinds of future aviation processes – registration for exams, medicals, or an application for a licence.
Step 2: Pass the DGCA Medicals
The next step is passing the DGCA medicals. All commercial pilots must be in good health to operate an aircraft. So, the DGCA have designed a few medical tests for aspiring pilots to pass and qualify to become skilled pilots.
These are Class 2 and Class 1 medical examinations. Make sure that you pass these tests before you enrol in a pilot course or purchase an aviation textbook. There are multiple authorised medical examination centres across the country.
Remember to get the medical examination done from one of the DGCA-authorised centres only.
Step 3: Master Aviation Theories at DGCA Ground Schools
The next thing you need to do is enrol in a pilot course in India. For example, if you enrol in our CPL Ground Class, you will start taking classes for theoretical subjects in aviation. Our pilot courses in India are designed to take you through ground classes, where you learn the following topics:
- Air Regulations
- Meteorology
- Air Navigation
- Technical General
- Technical Specific
- Radio Telephony Restricted
After you master the theoretical part, clear the DGCA exams on the subjects. Then you can transition to flying training.
Step 4: Step Towards Flying Training
If you thought that flying training is all about learning to fly an aircraft – you don’t have the complete picture yet. This is an important part to answer the question – ‘How to become a pilot in India?’
Flying Training Organisations offer multiple aircraft, like Cessna 152, Piper Cherokee, etc., which are used in the training of future aviators like you.
Figure 1: How to Become a Pilot in India?
First, you need to get a Student Pilot Licence (SPL), which allows you to learn the basics of flight operation and learn under the guidance of an instructor. After the required flight hours are achieved, you get a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Finally, you will need 200 hours of flying training to be eligible and apply for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Step 5: Grab RTR (A) Licence
The RTR licence, or Radio Telephony Restricted licence, is a crucial one to communicate with other aircraft and Air Traffic Control (ATC). Even if you complete a pilot course in India and get a commercial pilot licence, you cannot operate an aircraft without an RTR licence.
In aviation, pilots communicate with ATC and other pilots following a standard communication procedure. With an RTR licence, you ensure safety and seamless communication while operating an aircraft.
Before you apply for a Radio Telephone Operator’s Restricted (Aeronautical) or RTR-A, you should know that the licence is issued by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
You will need to pass two papers on the subject to get the licence.
Step 6: Get Additional Ratings
After you obtain the Private Pilot Licence or Commercial Pilot Licence, bag a Multi-Engine Rating (MER). It will allow you to fly aircraft with more than one engine. Besides, an Instrument Rating (IR) will let you fly aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Getting an IR means you are qualified to fly an aircraft under low visibility, clouds and adverse weather.
Getting an additional rating is a crucial part of understanding how to become a pilot in India. These additional ratings will help you become the skilled pilot you always wanted to be.
Step 7: Start Applying for Airlines
After DGCA issues a CPL in your name, start applying for commercial pilot vacancies across different commercial airlines. You can also explore other opportunities like:
- Chartered Plane Pilot
- Cargo Plane Pilot
- Private Jet Plane Pilot
Initially, you might start your career as a first officer or co-pilot on a commercial aeroplane and gradually become a captain of the aircraft.
In Conclusion..
Before you start following your passion to become a commercial pilot and enrol in a pilot course in India, make sure you are fit for the role. Check medical fitness as per the DGCA guidelines, and pass 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. Then do the necessary financial planning and start preparing for ground school subjects.
Once you complete the ground school and start your flying training, you will become a pilot after obtaining the licence.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to become a pilot after 12th?
Becoming a pilot after 12th is easy; you just need to meet a few criteria. Pass 12th with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board, pass the medicals (Class 2 and Class 1), then clear the DGCA exams and pass the flight training to earn your PPL/CPL. Now you are ready to become a pilot.
2. Can I become a pilot after studying Arts or Commerce in 12th?
Yes, you can become a pilot after 12th, even after studying Arts or Commerce in 12th. You need to pass these two subjects from NIOS, and you are ready to enrol in a pilot training course in India.
3. How much does it cost to become a pilot in India?
The actual cost of pilot training varies depending on the FTOs, the type of licence, and the additional ratings you want to go for. In general, you might have to spend approximately 60-90 lakhs rupees.
4. Can I take an education loan to finance the pilot training course fee?
Yes, you can apply for an education loan to finance your pilot training course. You must be an Indian citizen and secure admission in a DGCA-approved institution to apply for the loan. If you are studying in an Indian college, you are eligible to apply for a loan amount of up to 2 Crore rupees.
5. What is the starting salary of a commercial pilot in India?
For a commercial pilot starting as a First Officer, the salary may start from ₹1.5L – ₹3.5L, including all the allowances.