How to Become a Pilot in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Pilot in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

A Complete Guide to Cadet and Non-Cadet Pilot Training Routes in India

Becoming a pilot in India is a structured process that requires careful planning, training, and examinations. There are two primary routes to becoming an airline pilot in India:

1. Cadet Pilot Program

A self-funded program directly tied to an airline, ensuring a streamlined path to employment. The key advantage of this program is that you already have a conditional job offer from an airline, eliminating the struggle of finding a job after training.

2. Non-Cadet Route

This involves completing pilot training independently and then applying for airline job openings as they arise.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

For Non-Cadet Pilots:

✅ Must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (no minimum percentage required).

✅ Must be medically fit as per DGCA standards.

✅ Vision must be 6/6 with or without glasses.

For Cadet Pilots:

✅ Must have 60% or above in Physics, Mathematics, and English, with an aggregate of 60%. ✅ Age Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years (CPL issued only after turning 18).
• Maximum age: Varies by airline (IndiGo: 35 years, Air India: 30 years).

Step 2: Complete Class 2 Medical Examination

🔹 Conducted by DGCA-authorized doctors (list available on the DGCA website).

🔹 Ensures you are fit to proceed with further pilot training.

Step 3: Apply for a Computer Number

🔹 Required for registering for DGCA exams.

🔹 Apply online via DGCA’s portal.

Documents Required:

📌 10th & 12th mark sheet verification from the respective board.

📌 CBSE and ICSE verification can be done online, while state boards may require an offline process.

Step 4: Assess Financial Requirements

💰 Cadet Pilot Program: INR 1 Cr - 1.4 Cr.

💰 Non-Cadet Route: INR 70-75 Lakh (including type rating).

Step 5: Clear DGCA Exams

The DGCA conducts five written exams for pilots:

1️⃣ Navigation

2️⃣ Meteorology

3️⃣ Regulations

4️⃣ Technical General

5️⃣ RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted)

📌 For those training abroad: Only Regulations, Meteorology, and Navigation are required.

📌 Exams are conducted monthly.

📌 Minimum passing marks: 70%.

📌 MCQ-based format.

📌 It is highly recommended to complete all exams before starting flight training.

Step 6: Complete Class 1 Medical Examination

🔹 Conducted at IAF Medical Centers and select DGCA-approved private hospitals.

🔹 It is advisable to complete while preparing for DGCA exams.

Step 7: Cadet Pilot Program Entrance Exam (For Cadet Route Only)

📌 Conducted by the airline’s partnered flying school. 📌 Three Phases of the Exam:

1️⃣ Written Test – Covers Physics, Mathematics, Reasoning, Psychometry, Multi-tasking, and ADAPT test.

2️⃣ Group Discussion.

3️⃣ Panel Interview.

📌 Exam difficulty level: 8th to 10th standard level.

Step 8: Flight Training

For Cadet Pilots:

✈️ 200 hours of flight training at an airline-partnered Flying Training Organization (FTO).

For Non-Cadet Pilots:

✈️ Choose an FTO based on cost, quality, and duration.

✈️ Options available in India and abroad.

Step 9: Obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

For Those Training in India:

✔️ Apply for CPL issuance with DGCA.

✔️ Submit required documents and fees.

For Those Training Abroad:

✔️ Must undergo conversion flying tests in India to validate competency.

✔️ Apply for CPL conversion with DGCA.

Step 10: Type Rating (Aircraft-Specific Training)

✈️ Cadet Pilots: Airline facilitates type rating on their fleet (e.g., A320, B737).

✈️ Non-Cadet Pilots: Must self-fund type rating and choose an aircraft type based on market demand.

Step 11: Job Application & Airline Selection Process

For Cadet Pilots:

✔️ Await airline call for joining.

✔️ Waiting time varies from 6 months to 2 years.

For Non-Cadet Pilots:

✔️ Apply to airlines when vacancies are available.

✔️ Continue preparing for airline selection processes.

Final Thoughts

Both cadet and non-cadet routes have their pros and cons:

✅ The cadet program provides a direct pathway to an airline, but it is costlier and has limited seats.

✅ The non-cadet route is more affordable, but job hunting can be challenging.