How to Become a Pilot in India: Eligibility & Fees

Becoming a pilot is one of the most exciting and rewarding career choices. The aviation industry in India is expanding rapidly, creating significant demand for skilled pilots. If you have ever dreamt of soaring through the skies and want to know how to become a pilot in India, this guide will help you understand the entire process, including eligibility, training, and associated costs.

Whether you wish to fly for a commercial airline, join the Indian Air Force, or become a private pilot, this article covers everything you need to know about how to become pilot in India.

Types of Pilots in India

Before diving into the eligibility and fees, it's essential to understand the different types of pilots:

1. Commercial Pilot (CPL) – A commercial pilot can fly passenger and cargo aircraft for airlines and private aviation companies.
2. Private Pilot (PPL) – A private pilot can fly for personal use but cannot earn money from flying.
3. Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL) – The highest level of pilot certification required for captains of large commercial airlines.
4. Military Pilot – A pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy, or Army Aviation Corps who flies fighter jets, transport aircraft, or helicopters.

Each type of pilot requires different training and qualifications. Let’s explore how to become pilot in India based on the eligibility criteria, training process, and fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a Pilot in India

1. Educational Requirements

• You must have completed 10+2 (Senior Secondary) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
• A minimum aggregate of 50% marks is required for most flying schools and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) certifications.
• If you didn’t study Physics and Mathematics in 12th, you can take these subjects from NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) to become eligible.

2. Age Limit

• Student Pilot License (SPL): Minimum age – 16 years
• Private Pilot License (PPL): Minimum age – 17 years
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Minimum age – 18 years
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): Minimum age – 21 years

3. Medical Fitness

• To become a pilot, you need a Class 1 Medical Certificate issued by a DGCA-approved medical examiner.
• Pilots must have perfect vision (6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6).
• No history of serious medical conditions like epilepsy, mental illness, or color blindness.

4. Entrance Exams (If Joining Through Government Schemes or Air Force)

• Indian Air Force (IAF) Pilots: Need to clear NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam or AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test).
• Cadet Pilot Programs: Airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet have their own selection tests for cadet programs.

Now that we have covered the eligibility criteria, let’s move on to the process of how to become pilot in India.

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot in India

1. Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL)

The first step in how to become pilot is enrolling in a DGCA-approved flying school and obtaining an SPL. Requirements:

• Age: 16 years or above
• Pass an oral exam conducted by the DGCA
• Clear Class 2 Medical Test

2. Get a Private Pilot License (PPL)

Once you obtain an SPL, the next step is to train for a Private Pilot License (PPL). This requires:

• At least 40-50 flying hours
• Passing theory exams on air regulations, aviation meteorology, navigation, and aircraft technical knowledge
• Completing a flying test

3. Earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

To work as a professional pilot in airlines, you need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Steps include:

• Completing 200 flying hours
• Passing DGCA written exams and skill tests
• Completing instrument flying and night flying training

Once you have a CPL, you can start applying for airline jobs in India.

How to Become a Military Pilot in India?

If you want to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), you need to:

1. Join NDA after the 12th and clear the NDA entrance exam, followed by the SSB interview.
2. Apply for the AFCAT exam to join the Air Force as a Short Service Commission (SSC) officer.
3. Get trained at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal and earn a military pilot certification.

Fees for Pilot Training in India

The cost of pilot training varies based on the type of pilot license and the flight school you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated fees:

Additional Costs

• DGCA Exams and Medical Tests: ₹1 - ₹2 Lakhs
• Type Rating (For Commercial Pilots): ₹20 - ₹40 Lakhs (depends on the aircraft type)
• Flight Simulator Training: ₹5 - ₹10 Lakhs

Many students opt for education loans or scholarships to manage these expenses. Airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia also offer cadet pilot programs that provide guaranteed jobs upon completion.

Top DGCA-Approved Pilot Training Institutes in India

If you're wondering how to become pilot through the best institutions, here are some DGCA-approved flying schools:

1. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Kochi)
2. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Chandigarh)
3. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Pune)
4. Capt Gopi Aviation Academy
5. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Dehradun)
6. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (Mumbai)

These institutes provide structured CPL and PPL training programs.

Conclusion

Becoming a pilot in India is a challenging but rewarding career choice. If you have a passion for flying, now is the perfect time to explore how to become pilot and take the first step toward an exciting aviation career.

To recap, here’s what you need:

• Meet the eligibility criteria (10+2 with Physics and Math, medical fitness, and minimum age)
• Choose the right training program (PPL, CPL, or Air Force route)
• Complete the required flying hours and clear DGCA exams
• Prepare financially or apply for scholarships and loans

With dedication and proper training, you can achieve your dream of becoming a pilot and embark on a thrilling career in the aviation industry!