How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India After 12th (2025)
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Wondering how to become a commercial pilot in India after 12th? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need—from DGCA eligibility criteria and exams to training hours and costs—updated for 2025.
✅ Eligibility Criteria After 12th
To become a commercial pilot in India, you must fulfill the DGCA requirements:
Minimum Age: 17 years to begin flying training.
Education: 10+2 with Physics & Maths. NIOS is acceptable if you didn’t have these subjects.
Medical: Pass Class II and then Class I DGCA Medicals (vision, hearing, physical fitness).
🪪 Types of Pilot Licenses in India
Student Pilot License (SPL): Entry-level, required to start flying.
Private Pilot License (PPL): For non-commercial flying.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Required for airline careers and commercial flying jobs.
✈️ Step-by-Step Process to Become a Commercial Pilot
1️⃣ Select a DGCA-Approved Flying School
IGRUA (Amethi)
CAE Gondia
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics
Indigo Cadet Program (via CAE, FTA, etc.)
2️⃣ Pass Medicals
Start with Class II medicals. After approval, book Class I at AFCME Delhi or IAM Bangalore.
3️⃣ Enroll in Ground School
Study for DGCA subjects: Air Navigation, Meteorology, Tech General, Air Regulations, RTR (Radio Telephony).
4️⃣ Clear DGCA Exams
Minimum 70% score required per subject. RTR(A) issued by WPC Wing is also mandatory.
5️⃣ Complete 200 Flying Hours
Required hours include solo, cross-country, instrument flying, and simulator training.
6️⃣ Submit for CPL
After logging required hours and passing exams, DGCA will verify and issue your Commercial Pilot License.
7️⃣ Apply for Airline Jobs
Cadet Pilot Programs (with type-rating & job assurance)
Airline assessments (written, sim, interview)
💰 Pilot Training Cost in India
Expect ₹35–60 lakh for standard CPL training. Cadet programs with type-rating may cost ₹80 lakh–₹1.2 crore, but often include job placement.