How to Become a Pilot After Graduation in India – Eligibility, Cost & Jobs

Many graduates in India decide to change their career path and choose aviation. It's not too late to become a pilot after completing a bachelor’s degree. In fact, maturity and clarity at this stage can help you pursue your dream of flying professionally with better focus.

This guide will explain how to become a commercial pilot in India after graduation, covering eligibility, costs, exams, licenses, and job options available in 2025. Whether you studied engineering, commerce, or arts, you’ll find a path here.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Check If You Meet the Basic Eligibility

To pursue CPL after graduation, you must still meet the basic DGCA requirements:

Tip: If you didn’t study Physics and Math in 12th, you can take them through NIOS. Golden Epaulettes Aviation helps students enroll and clear these bridge subjects.

Step 2: Pass DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 Medicals

Before you begin training or register for exams, clear the DGCA medicals.

Ordered List: Medical Steps to Follow

• Schedule an appointment with a DGCA-approved doctor for Class 2 medical
• Receive your PMR (Permanent Medical Record) number
• Book Class 1 medical at AFCME, IAM, or other authorized centers
• Collect and submit final reports to DGCA

Step 3: Enroll in DGCA Ground Classes for CPL Exams

You must pass five DGCA exams to become a pilot after graduation:

• Air Navigation
• Air Meteorology
• Air Regulations
• Technical General
• RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted)

Unordered List: Benefits of Joining Golden Epaulettes Aviation

• Detailed CPL syllabus coverage
• Doubt sessions, mock tests, and practice papers
• Personalized mentoring
• RT oral practice

Exam-specific strategies to avoid reattempts

You can choose between classroom or online CPL classes at Golden Epaulettes Aviation.

Step 4: Register and Clear DGCA Exams

Each subject is tested every 3 months by DGCA. You can plan your schedule and attempt 2–3 papers per session.

For complete DGCA registration help, visit the Golden Epaulettes

Step 5: Choose the Right Flying School

After clearing 2–3 subjects, you can begin flying training at a DGCA-approved flying school.

Flying School Factors to Consider:

• Aircraft quality and availability
• Weather conditions for flying
• Instructor qualifications
• Safety record
• Course fees and time to complete 200 hours

*Foreign CPLs must be converted to Indian license via DGCA. Golden Epaulettes helps with license conversion coaching.

Step 6: Complete 200 Hours of Flying

To qualify for CPL, you must complete the following:

Total: Minimum 200 flying hours to apply for CPL.

Step 7: Pass RTR (Aero) for FRTOL License

After flying, pass the RTR (Aero) exam to receive your Flight Radio Telephony Operator License.

Unordered List: RTR Exam Details

• Conducted by WPC + DGCA (2 parts)
• Covers communication protocols, aviation phrases
• Requires oral communication practice
• Held twice a year in major cities

Golden Epaulettes Aviation conducts RT mock sessions for better success in oral rounds.

Step 8: Apply for CPL (Commercial Pilot License)

After completing all requirements, submit your application to DGCA for CPL.

Required Documents:

• 12th marksheet with Physics and Math
• Graduation certificate
• Medicals (Class 1 + 2)
• Flying logbook with 200 hrs verified
• DGCA exam results
• RTR (Aero) certificate
• FRTOL number

CPL processing usually takes 3–6 weeks if papers are complete. Visit Golden Epaulettes' for help.

Step 9: Type Rating & Airline Jobs

Most airlines require Type Rating for aircraft like A320, B737 etc.

Golden Epaulettes helps students choose approved Type Rating partners and offers Airline Interview Prep.

Career Options After CPL

After earning your CPL, graduates have many career paths:

Ordered List: Job Options for Pilots in India

• Airline Pilot (After Type Rating)
• Flight Instructor
• Charter Pilot
• Corporate Jet Pilot
• Survey/Mapping Aircraft Pilot
• DGCA Inspector (with experience)

Simulator Instructor

Read more about these roles on the Golden Epaulettes

Cost Breakdown of Becoming a Pilot After Graduation

Total Cost Range: ₹37 lakhs to ₹85 lakhs (depending on choices)

Unordered List: FAQs About Becoming a Pilot After Graduation

• Can I become a pilot after B.Com or B.Sc? → Yes, as long as you have 12th with Physics and Math.
• Is it too late to start after 22–25 years? → No. Many pilots start at 25+ and have long careers.
• Can I get education loans for pilot training? → Yes, many banks and NBFCs offer them.
• Do I need to be an engineer to become a pilot? → No. Stream doesn't matter beyond 12th PCM.
• Is coaching necessary for DGCA exams? → Strongly recommended to avoid delays and multiple attempts.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve completed your graduation and now want to fly professionally, it’s absolutely possible. Thousands of graduates like you have started successful aviation careers through the CPL after graduation path.

You don’t need an aviation degree to become a commercial pilot. You need clarity, discipline, and trusted support. Golden Epaulettes Aviation provides everything from exam prep to airline interview coaching.

Start now. Your seat in the cockpit is waiting.