How to Become an Airline Pilot After 12th PCB in India
Becoming an airline pilot in India after completing 12th grade with a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) background is a unique yet viable pathway, although traditionally, students from a PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) background are often preferred due to the mathematical and technical nature of the training. However, with a PCB background, aspiring pilots can still achieve their goal with dedication and careful planning.
The journey begins with meeting essential eligibility criteria, including being at least 17 years old to pursue a Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 years old for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). A critical step is passing a medical examination by a DGCA-approved medical examiner to ensure you meet the health standards required for flying.
The next phase involves enrolling in a DGCA-approved flight school. These institutions offer comprehensive training programs that include both ground school and flight training. Ground school covers theoretical subjects such as Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Planning, and Air Regulations—each crucial for understanding aviation principles and ensuring flight safety. Flight training, on the other hand, includes hands-on instruction in flying aircraft, where you will accumulate the necessary flight hours under the guidance of experienced instructors.
After completing your training and passing the required exams, you will apply for a CPL through the DGCA. This license enables you to operate as a commercial pilot. Gaining experience through roles such as a flight instructor or co-pilot is essential for advancing your career and eventually qualifying for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which is necessary for working with commercial airlines. This career path demands significant investment, rigorous training, and perseverance, but it leads to a fulfilling and prestigious profession in aviation.
In addition to the training and licensing requirements, you must also meet certain qualifications to become an airline pilot in India. You must have a diploma, or higher, in either physics, chemistry or biology. You must also have a valid passport and be able to speak and write English fluently. You must also be able to pass a psychological test, medical examination and background check.
Career Path
Once you have obtained a commercial pilot’s license, you can begin to pursue a career as an airline pilot. You can begin your career as a private pilot, flying smaller aircraft. From there, you can work your way up to become an airline pilot, flying larger planes. As an airline pilot, you will be responsible for the safety of passengers and crew aboard the aircraft. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all of the aircraft’s systems are functioning properly.
Eligibility Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Minimum Age | 17 years for a Student Pilot License, a key age when exploring how to become a pilot and how to become airline pilot |
Educational Qualification | 10+2 with PCM (for direct eligibility); however, if you’re on the how to become pilot path with PCB, an additional Mathematics qualification is necessary |
Medical Fitness | Class 1 and Class 2 Medical Certificate from DGCA-approved doctors is a requirement for those on the journey of how to become a pilot or how to become airline pilot |
Vision Requirements | 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 in the other to qualify for how to become pilot routes |
Language Proficiency | Fluent in English (speaking and reading) to meet how to become a pilot standards |
Note: Since you have completed your 10+2 with PCB, an additional step to qualify would be taking a bridge course or passing Mathematics at a recognized institution. This is required for most how to become a pilot and how to become airline pilot training programs in India.
There are two main pathways for students who want to pursue how to become a pilot in India after completing PCB:
To pursue how to become an airline pilot, you’ll need to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Here is an overview of the process:
Key Examinations for CPL
If you aim to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force, you can join through AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) after graduation.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a pilot in India after completing PCB:
Since you completed PCB, you’ll need to fulfill the Mathematics requirement. You can do this by:
Here’s a list of popular DGCA-approved flying schools in India that will support your goals in how to become a pilot and how to become airline pilot:
Flying School | Location |
---|---|
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics | Chandigarh – Highly rated in how to become pilot training |
National Flying Training Institute | Gondia, Maharashtra – Recognized for how to become airline pilot training programs |
Carver Aviation | Baramati, Maharashtra – Trusted option for how to become a pilot |
Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy | Hyderabad – Known for its quality in how to become pilot programs |
Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy | New Delhi – Provides a strong foundation for how to become an airline pilot |
Ground training covers essential subjects like:
You’ll need a minimum of 200 flying hours to fulfill how to become a pilot requirements, broken down as follows:
Training Type | Flying Hours Required |
---|---|
Dual Flying | 150 – Essential in achieving the how to become a pilot requirements |
Solo Flying | 50 – Vital for how to become airline pilot experience |
Cross-Country and Night Flying | Included in above hours – Part of how to become pilot training |
To obtain the CPL, you must pass exams in subjects such as:
Upon completing your flying hours and exams, you can apply for your CPL from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the final step in how to become a pilot in India.
Expense Type | Estimated Cost in INR |
---|---|
Ground Training | 2-5 lakhs – A necessary expense in how to become a pilot training |
Flight Training (200 hours) | 25-35 lakhs – Essential for how to become an airline pilot |
Medical Examinations | 10,000 - 20,000 – Required for those on how to become pilot paths |
CPL Examination Fees | 1-2 lakhs – Important for how to become a pilot certification |
Additional Costs | 50,000-1 lakh – Includes books and uniform needed in how to become an airline pilot training |
Total Estimated Cost | 30-45 lakhs – Overall cost associated with how to become pilot in India |
Here’s a list of some of the best flying schools in India that offer how to become a pilot programs:
Flying School | Location | Estimated Cost (INR) |
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Note: Costs vary based on facilities, duration, and type of training provided.
Yes, you can pursue how to become a pilot after PCB by completing an additional course in Mathematics or passing Mathematics through NIOS.
You must be at least 17 years old to begin training on how to become pilot.
The duration typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, which varies on availability and weather conditions, key factors in how to become a pilot.
Becoming an airline pilot after completing your 12th grade with a PCB background is a structured process that involves meeting educational requirements, undergoing rigorous training, and obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications. By following the outlined steps, including choosing a reputable flight school, passing medical examinations, and gaining relevant flight experience, you can embark on a successful career as an airline pilot in India.
29th March, 2025
04:00 PM
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