How to Become a Pilot After 12th in India in 2026?
- Shriyansh Talekar
- Feb 12
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 13
Quick Facts at a Glance
Requirement | Details |
Minimum Qualification | Class 12 with Physics & Mathematics (bridge course available for other streams) |
Minimum Age | 17 years for Student Pilot Licence |
Medical Fitness | DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate |
Training Duration | 18-24 months |
Total Investment | ₹50-70 lakhs (CPL only); ₹75-90 lakhs (with Type Rating) |
Starting Salary | ₹1.5-3 lakhs per month (First Officer) |
Captain Salary | ₹8-15 lakhs per month |
2026 Update : The DGCA has approved bridge courses enabling commerce and arts students to pursue pilot training.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Criteria To Become a Pilot After 12th
(2026 updated guidlines)
Aspiring pilots must fulfil specific requirements laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before commencing flight training.
Educational Qualifications for Aspiring Pilots:
Candidates must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognised board with the following subjects:
Physics – Mandatory
Mathematics – Mandatory
Minimum Marks – 50% aggregate in Physics and Mathematics combined
Students who completed Class 12 without Physics or Mathematics can now qualify through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) bridge courses. More details in the section below.
Age Requirements
Licence Type | Minimum Age |
Student Pilot Licence (SPL) | 16 years |
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) | 17 years |
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) | 18 years |
Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) | 21 years |
There is no upper age limit for pilot training. However, most airlines prefer candidates below 32 years for entry-level First Officer positions. The mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots in India is 65 years.
Medical Requirements
DGCA mandates two levels of medical certification:
(A) Class 2 Medical Certificate
Required before starting any flight training
Conducted by DGCA-empanelled medical examiners
Tests include vision, hearing, blood pressure and general health assessment
Cost : ₹4,000-6,000
(B) Class 1 Medical Certificate
Required before solo flying and CPL issuance
Conducted at DGCA-approved centres (AFCME Delhi, IAM Bengaluru, etc.)
Comprehensive examination including cardiac screening, audiometry and psychological assessment
Cost : ₹18,000-22,000
Validity: 1 year (under 40 years), 6 months (40+ years)
Important : Candidates should complete medical examinations early. Unexpected medical issues can delay training by months.
Physical Standards For Both Males & Females
Parameter | Requirement |
Height | Minimum 152 cm |
BMI | 18.5 - 25 (healthy range) |
Vision | 6/6 in each eye (correctable with glasses up to ±6.0 diopters) |
Colour Vision | Normal colour perception (Ishihara test) |
Hearing | No more than 20 dB hearing loss in either ear |
LASIK and PRK surgeries are permitted provided the candidate waits 6 months post-surgery before the medical examination.
Can Non-Science Students Become Pilots? (2026 DGCA Update)
Yes, commerce and arts students can become pilots. This is one of the most significant changes in Indian aviation training in 2026.
What Changed?
Until 2025, only students with Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 could pursue pilot training. The DGCA has now approved a pathway for commerce and arts students through recognised bridge courses.
How the Bridge Course Works
Step 1 : Complete Class 12 in any stream from a recognised board
Step 2 : Enrol in Physics and Mathematics modules through:
NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) – Most common option
State Open Schools recognised by DGCA
Other DGCA-approved institutions
Step 3 : Clear both subjects with minimum 50% marks
Step 4 : Proceed with standard pilot training pathway
Bridge Course Details
Aspect | Details |
Duration | 3 - 6 months |
Cost | ₹15,000 - 40,000 |
Examination Centres | Available across major Indian cities |
Syllabus | Aviation-relevant Physics (mechanics, motion, aerodynamics) and Mathematics (trigonometry, calculus) |
NOTE : Students should verify that their chosen bridge course provider has valid DGCA recognition. Training hours logged after completing unrecognised courses may not be accepted.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot After 12th in India (2026 Updated)
The journey from Class 12 student to commercial pilot follows a structured pathway regulated by the DGCA.
Step 1 : Obtain DGCA Computer Number
Every aspiring pilot must register on the DGCA's eGCA portal and obtain a unique Computer Number (Student ID). This number is essential for:
Registering for DGCA examinations
Logging flight hours officially
All communications with DGCA
Documents Required: Birth certificate, Class 12 marksheet, identity proof, passport-size photographs
Processing Time: 2-4 weeks
Step 2 : Complete Class 2 Medical Examination
Before beginning flight training, candidates must obtain a Class 2 Medical Certificate from a DGCA-empanelled doctor. This confirms basic fitness to commence training.
Step 3 : Enrol in a DGCA-Approved Flying School
Only flight hours logged at DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) count towards licence requirements. Before enrolling, candidates should verify:
Valid DGCA approval certificate (check on official DGCA website)
Fleet condition and aircraft availability
Instructor qualifications and experience
Student-to-instructor ratio
Historical pass rates for DGCA examinations
Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
Step 4 : Complete Ground School Training
Ground school covers theoretical knowledge required for DGCA examinations:
Subject | Topics Covered |
Air Regulations | Indian aviation law, DGCA rules, international conventions |
Air Navigation | Map reading, flight planning, GPS navigation |
Meteorology | Weather patterns, cloud formations, aviation hazards |
Technical General | Aircraft systems, engines, instruments |
Technical Specific | Specific aircraft type knowledge |
Radio Telephony | Aviation communication procedures |
Duration : 3-6 months (classroom or blended learning)
Step 5 : Obtain Class 1 Medical and Student Pilot Licence
Before solo flying, candidates must upgrade to Class 1 Medical Certificate and obtain their Student Pilot Licence (SPL).
Step 6 : Complete Flight Training
DGCA requires minimum 200 hours of flight time for CPL, including:
Flying Type | Minimum Hours |
Total Flight Time | 200 hours |
Pilot-in-Command (PIC) | 100 hours |
Cross-Country Flying | 20 hours |
Instrument Flying | 10 hours |
Night Flying | 5 hours |
Flight training progresses through:
Dual instruction with qualified instructor
First solo flight (major milestone)
Cross-country navigation exercises
Night flying training
Instrument flying training
Realistic Timeline : 12-18 months (weather and aircraft availability dependent)
Step 7 : Clear DGCA Examinations and Skill Test
After completing ground school and flight training:
Pass all DGCA theory examinations
Complete a skill test (check ride) with DGCA-appointed examiner
Submit application with logbook, test reports and medical certificate
Receive Commercial Pilot Licence upon verification
Step 8 : Obtain Additional Ratings
Most airlines require additional ratings beyond basic CPL:
• Instrument Rating (IR): Permits flying in low-visibility conditions using instruments
• Multi-Engine Rating (MER): Required for flying multi-engine aircraft
• Type Rating: Aircraft-specific certification (e.g., Airbus A320, Boeing 737) - usually provided by airlines
Types of Pilot Licences in India
Licence | Purpose | Flight Hours Required | Career Scope |
SPL (Student Pilot Licence) | Training purposes only | N/A | No commercial use |
PPL (Private Pilot Licence) | Personal/recreational flying | 40 hours | Cannot be employed as pilot |
CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) | Professional flying | 200 hours | Airlines, charters, instruction |
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence) | Airline captain | 1,500 hours | Captain at commercial airlines |
Typical Progression : SPL → PPL → CPL → Build Hours → ATPL
Cost Of Pilot Training In India After 12th (2026 Breakdown)
Itemised Cost Structure
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (2026) |
DGCA Registration & Computer Number | ₹5,500 |
Class 2 Medical Examination | ₹4,000-6,000 |
Class 1 Medical Examination | ₹18,000-22,000 |
Bridge Course (non-science students) | ₹15,000-40,000 |
Ground School Training | ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs |
Flight Training (200 hours) | ₹45-55 lakhs |
DGCA Examination Fees | ₹20,000-25,000 |
RTR Licence (Radio Telephony) | ₹12,000-15,000 |
Books, Travel, Miscellaneous | ₹50,000-1 lakh |
Total Investment Scenarios
Training Path | Total Cost |
CPL Only (Science Student) | ₹55-65 lakhs |
CPL with Bridge Course (Non-Science) | ₹56-65 lakhs |
CPL + Multi-Engine + Instrument Rating | ₹60-70 lakhs |
Complete Package (CPL + Ratings + Type Rating) | ₹75-85 lakhs |
Return on Investment
Career Stage | Timeline | Approximate Earnings |
Flight Instructor | Year 1 | ₹12-18 lakhs/year |
First Officer (Regional) | Years 2-3 | ₹72-90 lakhs/year |
First Officer (Major Airline) | Years 4-7 | ₹2.5-3.5 Cr/year |
Captain | Years 8+ | ₹1-1.5 crores/year |
Most pilots recover their training investment within 4-5 years of joining an airline.
Career Opportunities After CPL
Entry-Level Positions
Role | Description | Monthly Salary (2026) |
Airline First Officer | Co-pilot on commercial flights | ₹1.5-3 lakhs |
Flight Instructor | Training new pilots at flying schools | ₹1-2 lakhs |
Charter Pilot | On-demand private flights | ₹2-4 lakhs |
Cargo Pilot | Freight and logistics flights | ₹2-3.5 lakhs |
Corporate Pilot | Business jet operations | ₹2-5 lakhs |
Pilot Salary In India Per Month Structure (2026)
Position | Experience | Monthly Salary | Annual Package |
Trainee First Officer | 0-1 year | ₹1.5-2.5 lakhs | ₹18-30 lakhs |
First Officer | 2-5 years | ₹2.5-4 lakhs | ₹30-50 lakhs |
Senior First Officer | 5-8 years | ₹4-6.5 lakhs | ₹50-80 lakhs |
Captain | 8-15 years | ₹8-12 lakhs | ₹1-1.5 crores |
Senior Captain | 15+ years | ₹12-18 lakhs | ₹1.5-2.2 crores |
Highest Paying Airlines in India (2026)
Air India – ₹1.5-2 crores/year (Senior Captain)
IndiGo – ₹1-1.5 crores/year (Captain)
Akasa Air – Competitive packages matching major carriers
International carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways) – ₹2-3 crores/year (requires licence conversion)
Industry Outlook
India's aviation sector presents strong opportunities for new pilots:
Fleet Expansion: Indian carriers have ordered 1,500+ aircraft for delivery over the next decade
Pilot Shortage: Industry estimates indicate demand for 10,000+ new pilots by 2030
Airline Growth: Akasa Air expansion, Air India restructuring and regional connectivity programmes creating positions
Retirements: Senior pilots approaching mandatory retirement age of 65
Top Flying Schools in India (2026)
Several DGCA-approved institutions offer quality pilot training:
Maverick Aviation, Mumbai – Known for experienced instructors, transparent pricing and placement support with major airlines.
Other Notable Institutions:
Bombay Flying Club
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Amethi
CAE Gondia (formerly NFTI)
Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology, Hyderabad
Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI), Bhubaneswar
When selecting a flying school, candidates should prioritise DGCA approval status, fleet condition, weather-flying days per year and verifiable placement records.
Indian Air Force Pilot Route
Students seeking military aviation careers have alternative pathways:
After Class 12 : NDA Entry
National Defence Academy (NDA) offers the primary route for 12th-pass candidates:
Aspect | Details |
Eligibility | Unmarried, 16.5-19.5 years, Class 12 with Physics & Mathematics |
Selection | UPSC written exam + SSB interview + medical |
Training | 3 years at NDA Khadakwasla + Air Force Academy |
Outcome | Permanent Commission, B.Tech degree |
After Graduation: CDS/AFCAT Entry
Combined Defence Services (CDS): Graduate entry through UPSC examination
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT): Direct IAF entry for graduates; age limit relaxed to 26 years for CPL holders
Key Differences from Commercial Aviation
Factor | Commercial Pilot | IAF Pilot |
Training Cost | Self-funded (₹75-85 lakhs) | Government-funded |
Service Bond | None | 10-14 years |
Aircraft | Commercial jets | Fighters, transports, helicopters |
Starting Salary | Higher (₹1.5+ lakhs/month) | Lower initially, full military benefits |
Exit Options | Flexible | Possible after service completion |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can commerce or arts students become a pilot?
Yes. As of 2026, non-science students can pursue pilot training after completing Physics and Mathematics through NIOS or other DGCA-recognised bridge courses. The bridge course typically takes 3-6 months and costs ₹15,000-40,000.
What percentage is required in Class 12?
The DGCA requires a minimum 50% aggregate in Physics and Mathematics combined. Overall Class 12 percentage is less critical than PCM performance.
Can women become pilots in India?
Absolutely. India has one of the highest percentages of female commercial pilots globally (approximately 12-15%). All DGCA regulations apply equally regardless of gender. Major airlines actively recruit female pilots.
Is there an age limit for pilot training?
Minimum age is 17 years for Student Pilot Licence. There is no upper age limit for training, though airlines typically prefer candidates below 32 years for entry-level positions.
Can candidates with spectacles become pilots?
Yes, with conditions. DGCA permits vision correction up to ±6.0 diopters. Contact lenses are allowed. LASIK/PRK surgery is acceptable if stable for 6+ months before medical examination. Complete colour blindness is disqualifying.
How long does it take to become a pilot after Class 12?
Typical timeline:
Bridge course (if required): 3-6 months
Ground school: 3-6 months
Flight training: 12-18 months
Total: 18-30 months
Actual duration depends on weather, aircraft availability and individual progress.
What is the cost of pilot training in 2026?
CPL training costs approximately ₹50-60 lakhs. With additional ratings (Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating) and Type Rating, total investment reaches ₹75-90 lakhs.
Can one become a pilot after Class 10?
Flight training cannot commence immediately after Class 10. The minimum age for Student Pilot Licence (SPL) is 16 years, and DGCA requires Class 12 completion with Physics and Mathematics.
However, Class 10 students can take preparatory steps:
Preparation Step | When to Start |
Choose PCM stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) in Class 11 | Immediately after Class 10 results |
Research DGCA-approved flying schools | Class 11 |
Begin physical fitness routine (important for medical clearance) | Class 11 |
Complete Class 2 Medical examination | After turning 16 |
Register on DGCA eGCA portal | Class 12 |
Visit flying schools for orientation | Class 12 |
Students who plan early often complete their DGCA registration and medical clearances during Class 12. This allows them to commence flight training immediately after board examinations, saving 3-6 months compared to those who start planning after Class 12 results.
For students interested in military aviation, preparation for NDA (National Defence Academy) entrance examination can begin during Class 11 itself.
What is the difference between PPL, CPL and ATPL?
PPL (Private Pilot Licence): Personal flying, 40 hours required, no commercial use
CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence): Professional employment, 200 hours required
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence): Captain qualification, 1,500 hours required
How many flying hours are needed for CPL?
DGCA mandates 200 hours total flight time including 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command, 20 hours cross-country, 10 hours instrument flying and 5 hours night flying.
What is the DGCA Class 1 medical examination?
A comprehensive medical assessment including vision, hearing, cardiovascular (ECG, stress test), respiratory, neurological and psychological evaluation. Cost is ₹18,000-22,000 with validity of 1 year for pilots under 40.
Which medical conditions disqualify candidates?
Absolute disqualifications include complete colour blindness, epilepsy, severe cardiac conditions, Type 1 diabetes and active substance abuse. Some conditions (LASIK-corrected vision, controlled Type 2 diabetes, mild asthma) may be acceptable case-by-case.
What salary do pilots earn in India?
Starting salary (First Officer) : ₹1.5-3 lakhs/month. With experience, Captains earn ₹8-12 lakhs/month. Senior Captains at major airlines can earn ₹1.5-2+ crores annually.
Which airline pays the highest?
Air India (post-privatisation) offers ₹1.5-2 crores/year for senior captains. International carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways pay ₹2-3 crores/year for experienced captains.
How many years to become a captain?
Typical progression takes 8-12 years from CPL to Captain, depending on airline seniority systems and flight hour accumulation rate. Captain upgrade requires a minimum 1,500 total flight hours.
What should candidates look for in a flying school?
Essential factors: Valid DGCA approval, modern aircraft fleet, experienced instructors (5,000+ hours), good weather/flying days, transparent pricing, verifiable placement records and accommodation facilities.
Is JEE required to become a pilot?
No. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is not required for pilot training. JEE is meant for engineering college admissions and has no connection to aviation licensing.
To become a commercial pilot in India, candidates need:
Class 12 pass with Physics and Mathematics (minimum 50%)
DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Training from a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation
200 flight hours and cleared DGCA examinations
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) governs pilot licensing in India, not engineering entrance boards. Students often confuse this because both paths require Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
Can Indian pilots work abroad?
Yes, after converting the DGCA licence to the destination country's licence (EASA for Europe, FAA for USA). The easier path is gaining experience with Indian airlines first, then applying to Middle East carriers which actively recruit Indian pilots.
What are cadet pilot programmes?
Airlines like IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air offer cadet programmes where they sponsor CPL and type rating training in exchange for a service bond (typically 5-7 years). These programmes guarantee employment upon successful completion.
Can pilot training be done part-time?
Yes. Several options exist: BSc Aviation + CPL integrated programmes (3 years), weekend/evening ground classes while pursuing other degrees or online ground school with flexible scheduling.
What are the chances of getting a job after CPL?
With India's aviation sector expanding and pilot shortage projected through 2030, employment prospects are strong. CPL holders typically find positions as flight instructors, charter pilots or airline first officers within 6-18 months of licence issuance.
Conclusion
Pilot training after Class 12 in India follows a clear, regulated pathway through the DGCA. The 2026 landscape offers expanded opportunities with bridge courses for non-science students and strong industry demand driven by fleet expansion.
The journey requires substantial investment (₹50-90 lakhs) and 2-3 years of dedicated training. However, career rewards are significant-starting salaries of ₹1.5-3 lakhs monthly scaling to ₹1+ crore annually for experienced captains.
Success in aviation requires meeting eligibility criteria, selecting a reputable DGCA-approved training institution, completing required flight hours and examinations and building experience through instructor or charter roles before airline placement.
For students serious about aviation careers, early planning-beginning with medical clearances and school research during Class 12-provides the best foundation for a successful pilot journey.
