How to Become a Pilot After 12th in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Becoming a pilot after 12th in India is a dream for many students passionate about aviation. This guide covers every step, from eligibility to training, costs, and career prospects, with practical advice and internal links to Golden Epaulettes Aviation for deeper insights.

Why Choose a Pilot Career After 12th?

• High demand for skilled pilots in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
• Attractive salary packages and global career opportunities.
• Exciting, dynamic work environment with continuous learning.
• Respect and prestige associated with the profession.

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a Pilot After 12th

To start your journey as a pilot in India, you must meet these requirements:

Step-by-Step Process: How to Become a Pilot After 12th

Here is a clear, ordered path to follow:

• Complete 12th Standard:
  Pass 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. If you’re from Commerce/Arts, clear these subjects through open school.
• Meet Medical Standards:
  Obtain a DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate from an authorized medical examiner.
• Choose Your Pathway:
• Civil Aviation (Commercial Pilot License - CPL)
• Defence (Indian Air Force via NDA)
• Select a DGCA-Approved Flying School:
  Research and enroll in a recognized flying academy. For details, visit the
• Clear Entrance Exams:
  Most flying schools conduct entrance tests covering Physics, Maths, and English.
• Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL):
  Start with ground school and basic flight training.
• Progress to Private Pilot License (PPL):
  Complete at least 60 flying hours.
• Accumulate Flying Hours:
  For CPL, you need a minimum of 200 flying hours.
• Pass DGCA Exams:
  Clear theoretical and practical tests in Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, and Technical subjects.
• Get Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
  After meeting all requirements, apply for CPL from DGCA.
• Type Rating and Airline Training:
  Undergo type rating for specific aircraft and airline induction training.
• Apply for Jobs:
  Start applying for pilot jobs with airlines, cargo companies, or charter services.

Pathways to Become a Pilot After 12th

Top DGCA-Approved Flying Schools in India

Pilot Training Course Structure

• Ground School Subjects: Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, Technical General, Radio Telephony.
• Flight Training: Minimum 200 hours for CPL.
• Examinations: DGCA written and practical tests.
• Medical Fitness: Regular check-ups as per DGCA norms.

Cost of Becoming a Pilot in India

• Private Pilot License (PPL): ₹10–₹15 lakh
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): ₹35–₹50 lakh (including flying hours, ground school, and exams)
• Additional Costs: Medical exams, study materials, type rating (may cost extra)

For detailed cost breakdown, see

Key Entrance Exams and Licenses

• DGCA Entrance Exam: Mandatory for CPL aspirants.
• IGRUA Exam: For admission to the prestigious Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi.
• SPL (Student Pilot License): First step before PPL and CPL.
• PPL (Private Pilot License): For private flying.
• CPL (Commercial Pilot License): Required for professional flying.

Medical and Physical Fitness

• 6/6 vision in one eye, correctable 6/6 in the other.
• No major physical or mental health issues.
• Regular medical check-ups as per DGCA standards.
• For more on medical requirements, visit

Career Prospects and Future Scope

India is set to become the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2030.

Growing demand for commercial pilots due to new airlines, more airports, and government schemes like UDAN.

Career options: Airline pilot, cargo pilot, flight instructor, charter pilot, corporate pilot.

FAQs: How to Become a Pilot After 12th

Q1: Can Commerce or Arts students become pilots?
Yes, but you must pass Physics and Mathematics via open school before starting pilot training

Q2: What is the minimum age to become a pilot?
You must be at least 17 years old to start pilot training

Q3: Is medical fitness mandatory?
Yes, DGCA Class 1 medical fitness is compulsory for CPL aspirants

Q4: How long does it take to become a commercial pilot after 12th?
Typically, 18–24 months if you clear all exams and flying hours on time

Conclusion

Becoming a pilot after 12th in India is a structured process that requires dedication, academic preparation, medical fitness, and financial investment. With the right guidance and training from a reputed institute like Golden Epaulettes Aviation, you can achieve your dream of flying high. Explore all the resources, prepare well, and take your first step towards a rewarding aviation career today.