How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Pilot? Complete Timeline & Guide 2025

Becoming a pilot in India is a structured journey that involves ground school, flight training, exams, and licensing. The total duration depends on the license type, training route, and individual progress. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of how many years it takes to become a pilot, with practical timelines, tables, and expert tips.

Pilot Training Duration: Quick Overview

Step-by-Step Timeline: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India

1. Eligibility & Medicals (1 month)

• Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics & Maths, age 17+.
• Medical: Class 2 and Class 1 DGCA medicals (can be done in parallel with ground school).

2. Ground School & DGCA Exams (4–6 months)

• Study theoretical subjects (navigation, meteorology, regulations).
• Clear DGCA exams (held every 2 months).

3. Flying Training (200 Hours) (8–12 months)

• Minimum 200 hours of flight training, including solo, cross-country, night, and instrument flying.
• Duration depends on weather, aircraft availability, and student progress.

4. Radio Telephony & English Language Proficiency (1–2 months)

Complete RTR and ELP tests, required for CPL.

5. Type Rating (2–3 months)

• Specialized training for commercial jets (e.g., Airbus A320, Boeing 737).
• Can be done in India or abroad, often after obtaining CPL.

6. Airline Selection & Hiring (3–6 months)

• Prepare for airline interviews, simulator assessments, and psychometric tests.
• Timeline varies based on openings and readiness.

Total Duration: 18–24 Months (CPL) + 2–3 Months (Type Rating) + 3–6 Months (Airline Selection)

With good planning and discipline, the core CPL training can be completed in as little as 15–18 months, but most students take 18–24 months from start to finish

Table: Pilot Training Timeline Breakdown

How Long Does It Take for Other Pilot Licenses?

Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Duration: 6–12 months
• Requirements: 10+2 (science preferred), Class 2 medical, 40–50 flying hours

Suitable for hobbyists or those wanting to fly privately.

Student Pilot License (SPL)

• Duration: 2–3 months
• Requirements: 10th pass, age 16+, basic ground training, written test

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

• Duration: 3–5 years after CPL
• Requirements: CPL holder, Class 1 medical, 1500 flying hours, additional exams

Defence Route: Indian Air Force Pilot Training Duration

• NDA (National Defence Academy): 3 years of academic/military training, followed by 1–1.5 years at Air Force Academy.
• CDS (Combined Defence Services): Graduation, then 18 months at Air Force Academy.
• Total: 4–7 years, depending on route and selection

Factors Affecting Pilot Training Duration

• Weather: Monsoon or fog can delay flying hours.
• Aircraft Availability: More aircraft means faster hour completion.
• DGCA Exam Scheduling: Efficient planning reduces waiting time.
• Medical Delays: Early scheduling avoids bottlenecks.
• Student Readiness: Passing exams and skill tests on the first attempt saves time.

Typical Pilot Training Journey: Example Timeline

• Class 2 & Class 1 Medicals: 1 month (parallel)
• Ground School: 4 months
• DGCA Exams: 6 months (can overlap with ground school)
• Flying Training: 10 months
• RTR & ELP: 1 month
• Type Rating: 2.5 months
• Airline Application & Selection: 3–6 months
• Total: 18–24 months (can be shorter with smart planning).

Tips to Complete Pilot Training Faster

• Start medicals early, ideally during ground school.
• Choose a flying school with a large fleet and good weather.
• Schedule DGCA exams and RTR/ELP tests efficiently.
• Prepare for airline selection with mock interviews and simulator sessions.
• Use coaching and mentorship, like that offered by

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I become a pilot in less than 2 years?
Yes, with disciplined planning and favorable conditions, CPL training can be completed in 15–18 months, but 18–24 months is more common

Q2: How long does it take to become an airline pilot?
After CPL and type rating (about 2 years), airline selection can take another 3–6 months, depending on job openings and readiness.

Q3: Does training abroad take less time?
Some countries offer faster training (12–18 months), but license conversion for India adds extra time and cost.

Q4: What if I fail a DGCA exam?
You can reappear, but this will extend your total training duration.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a pilot in India typically takes 18–24 months for a Commercial Pilot License, with extra time for type rating and airline selection. Defence routes take longer, usually 4–7 years post-12th. Careful planning, choosing the right school, and using expert support from institutes like Golden Epaulettes Aviation can help you complete your training efficiently and start your aviation career sooner.v