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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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India

Delhi

DGCA Ground Classes

What is the Process to Become a Commercial Pilot in India? Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Becoming a commercial pilot in India is a structured journey that requires meeting strict eligibility criteria, completing medicals, undergoing ground and flight training, and passing DGCA exams. Here’s a complete, practical guide to every step in the process, with references to Golden Epaulettes Aviation for expert support and resources.

Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Pilot Training

To start your journey, you must meet these basic requirements:

Requirement	Details
Age	Minimum 18 years for CPL application
Education	10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent via NIOS if not studied in school)
Medical Fitness	DGCA Class 2 (to start), Class 1 (mandatory for CPL)
English Proficiency	Ability to read, write, and communicate in English; English Language Proficiency Test

Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Pilot Training

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Commercial Pilot in India

1. Meet Eligibility and Educational Requirements

Complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.

If you lack these subjects, clear them via NIOS or an equivalent board

2. Obtain DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate

Undergo a Class 2 medical exam by a DGCA-approved doctor.

This is required before joining a flying school

3. Apply for DGCA Computer Number

This number is essential for appearing in DGCA exams.

4. Enroll in a DGCA-Approved Flying School

Choose a reputed academy like for training

Submit your educational, medical, and ID documents.

5. Begin Ground School Training

Study core subjects: Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, and Technical Specific

Prepare for DGCA written exams.

6. Clear DGCA Written Examinations

Pass all required theory papers.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) test is also mandatory.

7. Upgrade to DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate

Must be cleared before starting flying hours for CPL

8. Flight Training: Accumulate 200 Flying Hours

Minimum 200 hours of flight time, including:

100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC)
50 hours solo cross-country
40 hours instrument flying (up to 20 on simulator)
15 hours night flying
Cross-country flights of at least 250 nautical miles

9. Skill Test and Check Ride

Complete a skill test and check ride with a DGCA-appointed examiner.

10. Apply for Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Submit all documents, exam results, flying logbook, and medical certificates to DGCA.

Receive your CPL and become eligible for airline jobs or further type rating

Training Timeline and Stages

Stage	Typical Duration
Ground School	4–6 months
DGCA Exams	2–3 months
Medicals	1–2 months
Flying Hours (200 hrs)	12–18 months
CPL Application	1–2 months
Total	18–24 months

Required Documents for CPL Application

Document	Purpose/Use
10th & 12th Marksheets	Academic proof
DGCA Computer Number	Exam registration
Class 2 and Class 1 Medicals	Medical eligibility
Passport-size Photos	Application forms
Flying Logbook	Proof of flying hours
NIOS Certificate (if any)	For non-science students

Flying Hours Breakdown for CPL

Requirement	Minimum Flying Hours
Total Flight Time	200
Pilot in Command (PIC)	100
Solo Cross-Country	50
Instrument Flight (incl. sim)	40 (20 on simulator)
Night Flying	15
Cross-Country (250 NM)	1 (at least 250 NM)

Cost of Commercial Pilot Training in India

Training Component	Approximate Cost (INR)
Ground School + Exams	₹2–3 lakhs
Flying Hours (200 hrs)	₹35–45 lakhs
Medicals & Miscellaneous	₹50,000–1 lakh
Total	₹40–50 lakhs

Key Points to Remember

Minimum Age: 18 years for CPL application
Subjects: Physics and Mathematics in 12th required (NIOS route available)
Medical Fitness: Class 2 to start, Class 1 mandatory for CPL
English Proficiency: Must pass the ELP test
Flying Hours: 200 minimum, with specific requirements for solo, cross-country, and instrument flying
DGCA Exams: Must clear all written exams and skill tests.

FAQs: Process to Become a Commercial Pilot in India

Q1: Can commerce or arts students become commercial pilots?
Yes, by clearing Physics and Mathematics through NIOS, students from any stream can qualify for CPL training

Q2: What is the minimum age to apply for CPL?
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application

Q3: How long does it take to become a commercial pilot?
The process usually takes 18–24 months, depending on exam clearances and flying hours

Q4: Is medical fitness mandatory?
Yes, you must clear both DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 medical exams before applying for CPL

Q5: What are the main exams for CPL?
You must pass DGCA written exams in Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, Technical Specific, and the ELP test

Conclusion

The process to become a commercial pilot in India is systematic and achievable. Start by meeting eligibility and medical requirements, enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school, complete ground and flight training, pass DGCA exams, and log 200 flying hours. With dedication and the right support from institutes like Golden Epaulettes Aviation, you can earn your CPL and launch a rewarding aviation career.

Golden Epaulettes Aviation

Best Pilot Training Institute

1350

Review

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.