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Captain Tomar Awdhesh, is a highly experienced pilot with over 3,500 flying hours on the Airbus A320. With a career spanning more than 17 years. He has Authored a comprehensive book dedicated to pilots, focusing on technical and behavioral interviews for airline pilots. This book serves as an invaluable resource for aspiring pilots. He has been mentoring pilots, helping many achieve their dream of flying jet airplane since 2008. With 17 years of experience in training, he has extensive knowledge and expertise in guiding pilots through every stage of their journey. He is known for his patient and thorough approach to training, he ensures that his students acquire the necessary technical skills and develop the confidence and professionalism required to succeed in the aviation industry. In short, Captain Tomar Awdhesh is an ace aviator, author, dedicated mentor, seasoned trainer and co-founder whose contributions to the aviation field are highly valued and respected.

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DGCA Ground Classes

How to Become a Pilot in India After 12th – Step-by-Step Guide [2025]

Becoming a pilot in India after Class 12th is a dream many students share. In 2025, it’s very possible—even if you come from a middle-class background. You just need clear steps, real guidance, and strong preparation.

This guide explains how to become a Commercial Pilot in India, what qualifications you need after 12th, how to choose the right flying school, and how Golden Epaulettes Aviation can help you prepare for DGCA exams and interviews.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Check Basic Eligibility After 12th

To begin pilot training after 12th, you must meet these criteria:

Requirement	Details
Age	Minimum 17 years at the time of joining
Education	Passed 10+2 with Physics & Math (CBSE/State)
Medical Fitness	Must pass Class 2 and Class 1 DGCA medicals
English Proficiency	Able to read/write English fluently
Indian Citizenship	Required for DGCA license

Note: If you didn’t have Physics and Math in 12th, you can appear for NIOS Physics & Math exams.
Golden Epaulettes Aviation guides students through this process.

Step 2: Get Your DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 Medical Done

You can’t begin pilot training without Class 2 DGCA medical, followed by Class 1.

Medical Steps (Ordered List):

Visit DGCA empanelled doctor for Class 2
Submit reports to DGCA for PMR number
Schedule Class 1 medical (only at DGCA-approved centers like AFCME or IAM)
Receive medical certificate and Fit/Unfit status

Medical Type	Done By	Cost Estimate	Timeline
Class 2	DGCA-Listed Doctor	₹4,000–₹6,000	2–3 Weeks
Class 1	AFCME/IAF/IAM	₹6,000–₹10,000	4–6 Weeks

Golden Epaulettes helps students book medicals and track updates.

Step 3: Join a DGCA Ground School

Before flying, you must clear 5 DGCA papers:

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

DGCA Exam Coaching (Unordered List):

Study from DGCA books, notes, and question banks
Attempt mock tests and previous year papers
Take online or offline classes from Golden Epaulettes Aviation
Practice RT oral rounds
Revise regularly with doubt sessions

Step 4: Clear DGCA CPL Theory Exams

DGCA Paper	Passing Marks	Attempt Limit	Session
Air Regulations	70/100	No limit	Every 3 months
Meteorology	70/100	No limit	Every 3 months
Navigation	70/100	No limit	Every 3 months
Technical General	70/100	No limit	Every 3 months
RTR (WPC + DGCA)	Pass/Fail	6 months wait	Twice a year

Join Golden Epaulettes Aviation for question banks, expert lectures, and exam strategies to avoid costly reattempts.

Step 5: Choose the Right Flying School

After clearing ground subjects, you need a DGCA-approved flying school.

Flying School Checklist:

DGCA recognition (check)
Cost of ₹35–50 lakhs (average in India)
200 flying hours with logbook
Experienced instructors
Aircraft maintenance record
Hostel, meals, weather condition

Flying School Location	Average Fees	Weather Suitability
Madhya Pradesh	₹35–38 Lakhs	Excellent
Maharashtra	₹38–42 Lakhs	Good
Uttar Pradesh	₹36–40 Lakhs	Variable
South Africa (Abroad)	₹28–33 Lakhs	Good (Conversion Required)

Step 6: Begin 200 Hours of Flying Training

To get your CPL (Commercial Pilot License), you must complete:

100 hrs Solo
50 hrs Cross-country
10 hrs Instrument
5 hrs Night flying
15 hrs on Simulator

Total: 200 hrs Minimum

Flying can take 10–14 months based on aircraft availability and weather.

Golden Epaulettes Aviation helps students select schools based on cost, weather, and timeline.

Step 7: Pass RTR Exam and Get FRTOL

RTR = Radio Telephony Restricted License, required to talk to ATC while flying.

It has 2 parts:

Written Exam – Basics of radio transmission
Oral Exam – Real-time communication skills

Exam Type	Frequency	Conducted By
RTR Part 1	2 times/year	WPC
RTR Part 2	2 times/year	DGCA

Once you pass, DGCA issues your FRTOL (Flight Radio Telephony Operator License).

Step 8: Apply for CPL

After flying and exams, apply for CPL from DGCA.

CPL Documents Required:

12th Marksheet (Physics & Math)
Medical Certificates
Flying Logbook (signed)
Exam Pass Certificates
RTR/FRTOL License
ID proof & Photos

CPL is issued in 3–6 weeks if all papers are in order.

Step 9: Prepare for Airline Selection (Optional)

Once you have a CPL, you can apply for:
Airline job openings (Air India, IndiGo, Vistara)
Cadet Program hiring
Type Rating (A320, B737 etc.)
Simulator skill checks
Personal Interview + SOP round

Golden Epaulettes Aviation provides real Airline Interview Prep, Type Rating Support, and Simulator Coaching.

Summary Table: Pilot Career Path After 12th (India, 2025)

Step	Timeline	Cost Estimate (INR)
Class 2 + Class 1 Medical	1.5 Months	₹10,000–₹15,000
DGCA Ground School	4–6 Months	₹2–3 Lakhs
DGCA Exams (5 Papers)	6 Months	₹20,000–₹30,000
Flying School (200 hrs)	12–14 Months	₹35–45 Lakhs
RTR License	2 Months	₹5,000–₹10,000
CPL Issuance	1–2 Months	₹5,000

Unordered List: Extra Tips for 2025 Aspirants

Always check DGCA’s website for latest syllabus
Complete NIOS Physics/Math early if needed
Avoid failed DGCA attempts—they waste time and money
Choose flying schools with good aircraft availability
Practice English speaking for RT exam and interviews
Take mock interviews seriously
Record every flying hour accurately
Don’t rush into costly cadet programs unless ready

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Becoming a pilot in India after 12th is challenging but rewarding. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, there’s competition. But with the right steps, you don’t need to be from a rich background.

Thousands of Indian students have become pilots by carefully following this path, staying focused, and using trusted mentors like Golden Epaulettes Aviation.

In 2025, you don’t just need dreams—you need a plan.

And now, you have one.

Golden Epaulettes Aviation

Best Pilot Training Institute

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GE has a team of experienced faculty that includes Qualified Instructors. Golden Epaulettes Aviation is an ISO certified pilot training institute based in New Delhi, that offers multiple courses from the ab-intio till the cockpit of commercial airliner. GE has been a leading pilot training academy in India since a decade now and we fully recognized our responsibility towards aviation industry as a whole. There has been a high demand of competent, skilful professional pilots in the industry and we are committed to develop & train a pool of professionals to fulfil the need of the industry.