Becoming a commercial pilot in India is a dream for many. It offers a respected job in flying. However, it needs a lot of hard work, training, and passing some exams. You need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to be a pilot. This journey includes important steps like finishing school and passing health checks to ensure you are fit to fly.
To start, you must complete your Class 12 education with subjects like Physics and Mathematics. After that, you will take a medical exam to check your health. Then, enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school, where you will learn how to fly and gain experience. Once you log enough flight hours, you can take the exams to get your CPL and start your flying career!
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Eligibility for Becoming a Commercial Pilot in India
You need to finish Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. While getting 60% is preferred, it’s not required. If you studied commerce or have a math background, you can take Physics through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and still be eligible to become a pilot.
How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India After 12th
There are nine steps to becoming a pilot, as mentioned below. Each step is important for your training and certification process.
- Finish your 10+2: Make sure you take Physics and Math.
- Pass the medical test: You’ll need to pass a basic medical exam (Class 2).
- Join a flying school: Enrol in a DGCA-approved school and get your Student Pilot License (SPL).
- Start flying: Complete 40-60 hours of flying to earn your Private Pilot License (PPL).
- Build your flying hours: You’ll need to log 200 hours of flying to qualify for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
- Pass DGCA exams: These cover subjects like navigation, weather, and aircraft knowledge.
- Get your CPL: Once you have it, you can apply for airline jobs.
- Do additional training: You might need special training for specific aircraft (type rating).
- Keep gaining experience: The more you fly, the faster you’ll move up in your career!
Finish Your 10+2
Complete your Class 12 education with Physics and Mathematics. If you studied commerce, you can still take Physics through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). This step is important for learning about flying and meeting pilot training needs.
Pass the Medical Test
- Class 2 Medical Examination: This is the first health check you need for a Student Pilot License (SPL). It’s done by DGCA-approved doctors and checks your health, vision (you need to see 6/6, with glasses if needed), hearing, and fitness to fly.
- Class 1 Medical Examination: This is a more detailed health check needed before getting your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). It includes all Class 2 tests and additional checks on your heart, lungs, and brain to ensure you are fit to fly.
Join a Flying School
Enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school to start your pilot training. Training can be costly, usually between ₹25 lakh and ₹50 lakh. Many students choose to take exams and train as pilots in other countries, where it can take about two years.
Some well-known flying schools include Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Bombay Flying Club, Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC), Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA), and Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation (HICA).
Start Flying
Complete 40-60 hours of flight training to earn your Private Pilot License (PPL). This license allows you to fly privately and is important before moving on to commercial pilot training.
Build Your Flying Hours
You need to log at least 200 flying hours to qualify for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). These hours must include both solo and dual flights to show your flying skills.
Pass DGCA Exams
You must pass exams by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These tests cover navigation, weather, rules, aircraft knowledge, and flight planning, which are necessary for getting your CPL.
Get Your CPL
Once you have your Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you can apply for jobs with airlines. This license is essential for anyone wanting to be a commercial pilot.
Do Additional Training
After getting your CPL, you may need extra training called type rating for specific aircraft. This training helps you learn how to safely operate different planes.
Keep Gaining Experience
Continue flying to gain more experience and flight hours. The more you fly, the better you become, which helps you advance faster in your aviation career.
Salary: Expected Earnings and Pay
The salary of a pilot varies based on experience, rank, and the airline. Entry-level pilots earn less, but salaries increase significantly as they advance to captain positions.
Position | Salary Range (per month) |
Trainee/Junior Pilot | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
First Officer | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Captain | ₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000+ |
*The salary mentioned comes from Glassdoor.com, but it can change based on the airline, experience, and industry standards.
Read Also: Pilot Salary in the US
Supplementary Points to Becoming a Pilot in India
- Training Duration: It usually takes about two years to become a pilot.
- Coaching Institute Fees: Flying school fees can range from ₹25 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
- Career Growth: New pilots can move up to first officer and captain positions, which offer higher salaries.
- Career Transition: Pilots can also switch to other jobs in aviation, like flight instructors or management, for more options.
Gaurav Taneja: A Pilot’s Career Journey
Gaurav Taneja, also known as “Flying Beast,” is a famous YouTuber, pilot, and fitness lover from India. He was born on July 9, 1986, and studied engineering at IIT Kharagpur, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Later, he moved to the USA to learn more about flying and got his commercial pilot license.
After coming back to India, Gaurav worked with big airlines. In 2018, he started sharing his daily life and flying adventures on YouTube. People love his down-to-earth style and the way he connects with them.
Conclusion
Becoming a pilot in India is an exciting journey that needs hard work and dedication. You have to complete your studies, pass medical tests, and get enough flight hours to earn your license. With the right effort, anyone can reach their dream of flying.
A fun fact is that India has the highest number of female pilots in the world. This shows that anyone, no matter their gender, can succeed as a pilot. It’s a career full of opportunities for everyone who has the passion and commitment to fly.
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FAQ’s
Yes, being a commercial pilot has some risks, like bad weather and technical problems. But pilots are trained to handle these situations safely.
Yes, the pilot exam can be tough. It tests you on subjects like navigation and weather. With good study and practice, you can pass it.
In India, you can start pilot training at 17. There isn’t a strict upper age limit, but airlines usually prefer pilots under 35 years old.
Yes, you can become a pilot after finishing your 12th grade. You need Physics and Mathematics, but you can take Physics through NIOS if you studied commerce.
Yes, pilots can earn good money. Starting salaries vary, but experienced pilots can make a high income, making it a rewarding job.

Hi, I’m Kanika. I’ve always had a deep love for travel and storytelling, but for me, storytelling is not just about words – it’s also about visuals and creating experiences. As an aspiring designer, I find myself constantly exploring different creative paths, whether it’s filmmaking or design (I guess I just like keeping things exciting!). I also love to play the guitar.