Are you excited about being a commercial or a professional pilot in India? Being a Pilot here is considered as one of the luxury jobs. However, the career pathway how to become a pilot in India is not very clear because of the unavailability of such information. Students often believe that becoming a pilot costs very much. Well, the life of a pilot is quite interesting. From long flights to international layovers, pilots live a luxury life. Being a commercial/professional pilot in India can earn you a good livelihood and social acknowledgment.
Interesting Fact
Do you know about the speed of a commercial airplane? An aircraft flies with the highest speed between 800 kmph to 1000 kmph. That’s whopping fast!
This blog will answer your queries on how to become a pilot in India. We will start from the basics and then touch on all the necessary details. We will be talking about the pilot courses, pilot colleges, eligibility, and many more. In terms of future prospects, we will list the job opportunities and the average salary. So, fasten your seat belt and get ready to take off!
Topics covered
Different Types of Pilots in India
Before knowing about the process, you better know about the different types of Pilots. This will give you clarity regarding your future. In India, the aviation industry has several types of pilots. Each with its unique roles and responsibilities:
- Commercial Pilots: They operate flights for airlines, transporting passengers and cargo domestically and internationally. They are highly trained and must hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
- Airline Transport Pilots: These are the most experienced pilots who usually command large commercial aircraft. They must possess an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), the highest level of pilot certification.
- Cargo Pilots: They specialize in transporting goods rather than passengers. They often work for courier companies and operate at night.
- Military Pilots: They serve in the Indian Air Force, flying fighter jets, transport aircraft, or helicopters. Their training is specific to military needs.
- Helicopter Pilots: These pilots operate helicopters in various sectors like tourism, rescue operations, or oil and gas exploration.
Now you know the different types of pilots in India. This will help you be a step closer to the answer that you have been looking for.
You can also explore Career as a Commercial Pilot here!
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How to Become a Pilot in India
Becoming a pilot in India is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It involves tough training, entrance and licensing exams, and an investment of time and resources. Here are the steps that will give you an answer to the question of how to become a pilot in India.
Clear the Educational Eligibility
- The first step is to complete a 10+2 education in Physics and Mathematics.
- These subjects are prerequisites for pilot training.
- These subjects build your foundation for becoming a pilot.
Clear Your Medical Fitness
- Aspiring candidates must be medically fit as per the standards set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- This includes eyesight requirements, physical fitness, and more. You can visit the official website of DGCA for more information.
Entrance Exam
- Next, the aspiring candidates need to clear the entrance exam conducted by various flying schools.
- The exam tests the candidate’s aptitude and understanding of Physics and Mathematics.
Pilot Training
- After clearing the entrance exam, candidates undergo pilot training at a DGCA-approved flying school.
- The training includes ground classes and flying hours.
Private Pilot License
- After completing a minimum of 40 hours of flight, of which 20 hours must be solo, candidates can apply for a PPL.
- Private pilots are mainly trained for leisure/refreshment purposes.
Commercial Pilot License
- To obtain a CPL, candidates must complete 200 hours of flight (150 hours if the training is done at a DGCA-approved institute).
Instrument Rating and Endorsement
- Pilots must also get their instrument rating and type endorsement, which allows them to fly during poor visibility and to fly specific types of aircraft.
Airline Transport Pilot License
- This is the highest level of pilot certification.
- Pilots need a minimum of 1500 hours of flight experience to apply for an ATPL.
Now, after you have gone through all the eight important steps, you are ready to fly as a first officer on a commercial flight. Now since you know the process, let’s move on to the top pilot courses in India.
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Pilot Courses in India
Knowing about the pilot courses is the first and the most important step regarding becoming a pilot. These courses provide you with the necessary theoretical and practical learnings. Here are some of the top pilot courses that you should know about.
For your reference, we have divided the courses into three levels – certificate courses, undergraduate courses, and postgraduate courses. Let’s look at each type of course one by one.
Certificate Pilot Courses
There are some certificate courses that will help you with how to become a pilot. Some of the top certificate courses for becoming a pilot include:
- Aviation: Aircraft Ground Support Equipment
- Aviation: Airline Customer
- Cabin Crew Training
- Security Operations, Processes & Strategies in Aviation
- Service Course: Aviation Industry
Undergraduate Pilot Courses
The undergraduate courses regarding how to become a pilot are a great way to start after 12th. You just need to appear for the entrance exams. Some of the top UG courses to become a pilot include:
- B. Tech (Bachelor of Technology) Aeronautical Engineering
- B. Tech (Bachelor of Technology) Avionics Engineering
- B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Aeronautical Engineering
- B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Aerospace Engineering
- B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Aeronautical Science
- B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Aviation
- BBA Airport Management
- BBA Aviation Operations
- BMS in Aviation Management
These courses can be directly, or indirectly related to becoming a pilot. For more information, you can also refer to our blog Aviation Courses After 12th.
Postgraduate Pilot Courses
After you are done with the UG courses, you can also pursue the postgraduate courses. These courses will add up to the specialization in your learning experience. Some of the courses are:
- M.E. (Master of Engineering) Aeronautical Engineering
- M.E. (Master of Engineering) Aerospace Engineering
- M.Sc. (Master of Science) Aeronautical Science
- M.Sc. (Master of Science) Aerospace Engineering
- M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Aeronautical Engineering
- M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Aerospace Engineering
- M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Avionics Engineering
- MBA in Aviation
- MSc in Aviation
These were some of the top certificates, UG, an PG pilot courses. Now that you know about the courses, you must be aware of the top flying schools in India.
Top Flying Schools in India
You are just a step away regarding how to become a pilot in India. We talked about the process, the eligibility, and the courses. Now, it is high time we should talk about the flying institutes in India.
The table below contains the list of the top flying schools in India. Along with the name, the pilot training fees have also been mentioned below.
| Top Flying Schools in India | Pilot Training Fees |
| Indian Institute of Aeronautics | Rs. 1.70 lakh |
| The Bombay Flying Club (BFC) | Rs. 10 lakhs |
| Indian Institute of Engineering and Aeronautics | Rs. 12 lakhs |
| Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics | Rs. 20 lakhs |
| Wingsss College of Aviation and Technology | Rs. 23 lakhs |
| Hindustan Aviation Academy | Rs. 4 lakhs |
| Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy | Rs. 42 lakhs |
| National Flight Training Institute | Rs. 50.05 lakh |
These were some of the top Indian institutes for pilot training in India. Students are advised to know that the fees mentioned above can change based on the requirements and different courses.
Also, know about the Indian Air Force Career here!
Career Opportunities After Becoming a Pilot in India
After becoming a pilot in India, a world of opportunities opens up. Pilots can work with commercial airlines, flying passengers and cargo domestically and internationally. They can also serve in the military, operating fighter jets or transport aircraft. Private charter companies offer opportunities for pilots to fly business executives and VIPs. Pilots with a love for adventure can work in tourism, flying helicopters for sightseeing tours.
The cargo industry needs pilots to transport goods, often involving international travel. With the rise of technology, drone piloting has become a demanding field. Also, experienced pilots can become flight instructors, sharing their knowledge with aspiring aviators.
Average Salary of a Pilot in India
In India, pilots earn different salaries depending on their experience, the airline they work for, and their location. On average, pilots make between ₹1 lakh to ₹4 lakhs per month as a base salary. But they can earn even more with extra cash benefits, averaging around ₹8,77,056 per month. Different airlines pay different amounts.
For example, IndiGo pays about ₹2,93,676 monthly, while AirAsia pays around ₹4,01,107 on average. The amount pilots make can also depend on how long they’ve been working and their job position within the airline. For instance, senior pilots might earn more than newer pilots. Overall, being a pilot in India means getting paid well with chances to move up in your career.
Information Source: GlassDoor India
Summing It Up!
We hope that we were serve you to on the question of how to become a pilot in India. Becoming a pilot in India offers an exciting but challenging career path with great rewards. There are different types of pilots, like commercial, cargo, military, and helicopter pilots, each with unique opportunities. To become a pilot, you need to meet educational requirements, undergo training, and get licenses.
Top flying schools in India provide training, but fees may vary. After training, pilots can work for airlines, the military, or in tourism. Salaries range from ₹1 lakh to ₹4 lakhs per month, with additional benefits. The aviation industry continues to offer promising opportunities for pilots.
That’s all for today! If you still have questions, why don’t you connect with our experts?
iDreamCareer is here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful career. Avoid any hesitation and seize the opportunity to confidently discover and pursue your dream career.
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FAQs
To become a pilot in India, one must complete 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics, be medically fit as per DGCA standards, and pass the entrance exam of a flying school. Subsequent pilot training leads to obtaining a pilot license.
After 12th, you need to pass a medical fitness test and the entrance exam of a flying school. Then, complete the required pilot training and flying hours to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Becoming a pilot usually takes 2-3 years. This includes time for ground training, flight training, and accumulating the necessary flight hours to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). However, the duration can vary based on individual circumstances.
Becoming a pilot is challenging as it requires rigorous training, medical fitness, and a strong understanding of Physics and Mathematics. However, with dedication, discipline, and a passion for flying, it’s an achievable goal.
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Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
