Do you imagine yourself flying confidently through the sky in a neat uniform? Pilots have a considerable responsibility to safely transport passengers, crew, and cargo during countless journeys, despite the breath-taking view from the cockpit. Pilots are experienced, talented, and licensed individuals who must complete various training courses to fly an airplane or helicopter. Do you want to be a pilot? Do you want to know how to become a pilot after the 12th? This post is for you!
But do you know?
There are around 17,726 pilots in India, of which 2,764 are women.
Although once considered a niche field, post-12th pilot courses are now on their way to becoming one of the most important educational sectors in the country. If you are wondering what to do after the 12th to become a pilot and you end up choosing the right program, you can earn a lot of money. In this article, we will review some of India’s best pilot training courses after the 12th class and institutes.
Without further ado… Let’s dive in…
Topics covered
What all is covered in this post?
To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about how to become a pilot after the 12th.

Types of pilots
A pilot as a career option has a broad platform, which can further branch into various sub-currents. Each stream specializes in different subjects and technical features, which helps students choose their major subject of study. Some of the main stratifications available to aspiring pilots are listed below,
- Airline Pilots: They are the most common type of airline pilot. They operate aircraft that carry passengers and are mostly employed by airlines. A person with a commercial pilot’s license can become an airline pilot.
- Private Pilots: These pilots operate private jets or airplanes. They are hired by millionaires who have private jets. To become a private pilot, you need to have a private pilot’s license.
- Sport Pilots: These pilots fly planes for any type of sport. They fly below 10,000 feet and are mostly confined to their own range.
- Flight Instructors: They teach students to become pilots. They are hired by educational institutions to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
- Air Force Pilots: They fly high-tech jet aircraft for various Air Force missions. To become an Air Force pilot, one must pass the AFCAT exam and then train in the Air Force.
Skills required to become a pilot
As a pilot, you can benefit from developing a core skill set. You can face all kinds of challenges as a pilot, and having good skills can help you succeed in many situations. It is desirable if you have the following:
- Ability to work well in a team and demonstrate leadership qualities
- Communication and teamwork
- Decision-making and stress management
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent spatial awareness and coordination, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
- Good understanding of mathematics and physics
- Leadership
Eligibility to become a Pilot
To enroll in any of the aviation courses after the 12th, you must meet the requirements of the institute or academy. After completing 12th grade, the following requirements must be met to become a pilot:
- You must be at least 17 years of age and have a minimum 10+2 score of 50% to start your studies, which may vary depending on the Institute’s requirements.
- You must pass the MPC Intermediate subjects [Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry] and English Intermediate.
- If you are not a science student, you can take the required topics as a private candidate through a state board or at the National Institute of Open Schooling.
- You will need a medical certificate from the relevant authorities.
- You must have a minimum height: of 5ft 2in (157cm) & maximum height: of 6ft 3in (191cm).
License required to become a Pilot
Commercial Pilots flies passenger or transport airplanes such as Airbus and Boeing for ferrying passengers or goods across a country or across the world. They may also fly jets owned by wealthy people and companies. Some Commercial Pilots fly helicopters too. Following is the list of Licenses required to become a pilot after the 12th:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): A private pilot license allows a person to operate small aircraft and private aircraft. They cannot fly commercial aircraft. Millionaires or government agencies use them to fly private jets.
- Certified Pilot Instructor (CFL): A CFL license allows a person to provide flight lessons at flight training schools. They pass on their experience to the next generation.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): After 12th grade, the most sought-after license to become a pilot is the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Individuals with a commercial pilot’s license can operate large commercial airline aircraft.

Admission procedure for becoming a Pilot
All that is required is a pass in Mathematics and Science in XII. According to the DGCA, there are no rules to specify the required percentage. Here’s what you’ll need if you want to apply for pilot training after the 12th.
Pass DGCA Class 2 medical education
Must pass Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Class 2 Medical Education. Airline pilots must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, while commercial pilots must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some flight schools have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of 2- to 4-year colleges/universities that offer an appropriate aviation or aeronautics (FAA) degree.
Enter the flight school
To obtain a pilot’s license, you must complete a certain number of hours of flight training. The type of pilot program sought determines the number of training hours required. A commercial pilot’s license, for example, requires 250 flight hours, while an airline pilot’s license requires 1,500 flight hours. Formal education will give you a basic education; however, you can hire a private tutor or even join the military to gain more in-depth knowledge and experience.
Accumulate the required number of flight hours
A minimum of 200 flight hours is required. The first step is to accumulate the required number of flight hours, followed by a written assessment demonstrating your flying ability and passing a physical examination. The main thing is to be confident and well-prepared. Below is a list of the main pilot licenses issued by each country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA):
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP)
- Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL)
- Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL)
- Certified Pilot Instructor (CFL)
- Pass exams.
As a condition of employment, some airlines require pilots to pass aptitude tests and psychological examinations. Once assigned, pilots are required to complete additional weeks of training and flying to become experienced as co-pilots. Having previous experience with a small airline is usually beneficial in the long run if you later want to join a major airline.
Get a CPL certificate
Promotion from pilot to captain is entirely determined by seniority and experience. Additional FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), written and practical tests will be required to obtain additional flight ratings. You can continue to learn and research changes in the industry. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) host educational seminars and webcasts to help pilots develop and master their craft.
Top Institutes to pursue a Pilot course after the 12th
In this section, we will provide you with a list of top colleges for pursuing a pilot course after the 12th along with the fees.
Flight Training Colleges | Average Annual Fees (INR) |
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 |
Government Aviation Training Institute | Rs. 55 lakhs |
Best courses for becoming a Pilot
Students who wish to become pilots in India must be at least 17 years old and present a physical fitness and medical certificate. Following are the best courses for becoming a Pilot after the 12th:
Certifications to Become Airline Pilot
- Aviation: Aircraft Ground Support Equipment
- Aviation: Airline Customer
- Cabin Crew Training
- Security Operations, Processes & Strategies in Aviation
- Service Course: Aviation Industry
UG Courses to Become Pilot
- 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
PG Courses to Become Pilot
- 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
Career opportunities
The pilot’s profession is one of the most prestigious, challenging, and promising in the world. It is well known that pilots are highly skilled and skilled professionals. The primary duty of an airline pilot is to operate the aircraft’s engines and controls to navigate and steer the ship. He or she also checks hydraulic and engine systems for safety before the flight and monitors fuel consumption and aircraft systems in flight. To operate an airline, prospective pilots must have a set number of flight hours and be in good physical and mental health. They can be used on state-owned airlines as well as private domestic airlines and international airlines.
Top recruiting companies for pilots:
- Air Asia
- Air Costa
- Air India
- Air India Charters Ltd
- Alliance Air
- India Jet Airways
- IndiGo
- Spice Jet
Conclusion
There are ample opportunities for pilots in India with a fast-growing industry. Along with being a lucrative profession, pilots enjoy benefits such as flexible work schedules, job security, unlimited training opportunities, travel discounts, etc. There is a high demand for air travel in India and it is expected to double in the coming years. So, there’s no better time than now to start learning to fly!
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Also, read;
- AFCAT Exam
- Indian Air Force
- Toughest Exams in India: The Hardest Competitions
- Join Indian Air Force after 12th: Your Best How-To Guide
- Indian Air Force Career- Comprehensive Guide
- Air Hostess: The Ultimate Guide
- A-Z Guide to a Successful Career in Hotel Management
- A Career in Hospitality Management
- Popular 12th Pass Job Options
- How to Become a Security Guard
FAQs
Ideally, it would take 3 to 4 years to become a pilot, which is how long it takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight.
Becoming a commercial airline pilot requires considerable study and training, as well as many hours of flying. Becoming a commercial pilot requires a lot of dedication, commitment, and hard work, but it can be a rewarding career for those who love to travel and enjoy challenges.
An airline pilot has the highest salary among all other types of pilots. The average salary of an airline pilot is INR 46,87,900.
You don’t have to go to university to become a pilot, but it might be a good idea. There is no right or wrong answer to whether you should go; it depends entirely on individual circumstances.

Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.