In India, Exams, Courses, Fees, and Salary 2023 for Aspiring Pilots with a 12th Grade Education

To fly an airplane or a helicopter safely and efficiently, it takes a person with a great deal of training, skill, and experience. Pilots are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of numerous aircraft, including those used for transporting passengers, goods, and mail. They must also perform routine maintenance on their planes and create a flight plan that takes into account a wide range of factors, including the plane's performance, altitude, and weather forecasts.

In India, 2,764 out of a total of 17,726 pilots are female.

To have a successful career as a pilot, one must fulfill certain requirements in India. If you want to take aviation classes at the college or university level, you should have taken physics, chemistry, and math. B Sc B.S. in Aviation, B.S. in Aviation Management, M.B.A. in Aviation Management, B.S E After high school, some of the most common paths to a career as a pilot include pursuing a Bachelor's and Master's degree in aeronautical engineering, among others. Institutions like NIMS University, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, AIMS Institute, Kristu Jayanti College, and others offer these programs.

Top Learnings from India's "How to Become a Pilot" Training Program

Important steps toward becoming a pilot include...

Test for Entry

NDA exam 

Eligibility 

Grade Point Average: 10.2 in Science (MPC)/Business

License 

Holding a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL)

Pay Scale (in Indian Rupees)

Between 3.50 and 5 LogPascals

Costs of Flight School Registration

15–20 LPA

Categories of Pilots

Flying for profit as an airline pilot, in the military as a fighter pilot, etc.

Educating future Indian pilots at India's finest aviation academies

Bombay Flying Club, National Flying Training Institute, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, etc.

Just Who Flies Planes, Anyway?  

A pilot is an expert who operates an airplane and watches out for everyone on board. As a pilot, you can transport people or goods between locations, or you can work for an organization that specializes in charter flights, aerial photography, or emergency medical services. Pilots in India can find work in both civilian and military sectors. They do a lot of work before takeoff to make sure the jet is operating properly and everyone on board is safe.

Flying Styles

Pilots come in a wide variety, defined by the educational paths taken by their hopeful employers. Types of Pilots include those described below:

Various Categories of Pilots

Transport Pilots for Airships

Commercial airline pilots are those who transport passengers via private airline jets.

Members of the Private Aviation Industry

People who can afford their own private planes typically want constant access to pilots.

Hobbyist Aviators

When in flight, they must keep their altitude well below 10,000 feet and stay primarily within a given band.

Trainers for Pilots

They are employed by a flight school and are responsible for instructing future pilots.

Officers in the Air Force

They are experts in flying armed planes for the defense ministry, thanks to training from the country's air force.

Pay for Railroad Osprey Locomotive Pilots: More Info Here

Pilot's Permit Authorization

In India, you'll need to obtain the following certifications before you can fly commercially:

1. One can fly private planes and small jets with a Private Pilot License (PPL). To put it simply, they are not qualified to pilot passenger planes. They usually fly private planes for multimillionaires or government agencies.
2. In order to teach flying to others, one needs to earn the Certified Flight Instructor (CFL) credential from an approved flight school. They teach their knowledge to future generations.
3. After graduating high school, the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the most in-demand credential for aspiring pilots. A Commercial Pilot Certificate is required for the operation of large passenger jets.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Pilot Training in India

In India, one must start preparing for a career as a pilot as early as elementary school. The steps to becoming a Pilot at different ranks are as follows:

Following the steps below is essential for becoming a pilot after finishing high school.

1. Students who are interested in becoming pilots can pursue a BSc in Aviation or another undergraduate program after completing Class 12.
2. Postsecondary Aviation Courses, such as MSc Aviation Courses, are available for students who are serious about pursuing careers as pilots. In addition, they need to pass Pilot Licensing Exams to earn their wings.

Following a set of steps and protocols is essential for a smooth and successful journey to becoming a pilot after high school. Detailed below are the requirements and next steps to take in order to become a pilot in India after completing the 12th grade:

Steps 

Details 

Step 1

Make Your Choice of a Flight School

This method would not only give students a thorough grounding in the topic, but it would also provide them with a solid foundation upon which to grow as people.  

Some of India's top aviation schools include the National Flying Training Institute, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, the Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, the Bombay Flying Club, and others.

Step 2

Educate Yourself

After graduating high school, the next most crucial step in the process of becoming a pilot is to log flying hours.  

The minimum amount of flight time required for a commercial pilot is 250 hours, while the minimum required for an airline pilot is 1,500 hours.  

Those interested in learning more than what is taught in school can hire a private tutor or even enlist in the military.  

Pilots-in-training can pursue a variety of certifications, including the Private Pilot's License (PPL), Certified Flight Instructor's Certificate (CFL), Commercial Pilot's Certificate (CPL), Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL), and others.  

Step 3 

Complete All Necessary Exams and Training

Students need to have experience as a Pilot and Co-Pilot for a regional airline, as well as pass all required aptitude and psychological exams.

Once pilots have accrued enough hours and experience, they will be more competitive candidates for larger airlines.

Step 4

Piloting Airplanes for Commercial Airlines

Experience and seniority are the only factors in determining who gets promoted from pilot to captain.  

Additional FAA knowledge and skill tests are required of pilots who wish to obtain higher ratings.  

It is acceptable for pilots to keep learning and investigating the market as it evolves.  

Pilots can attend seminars and webcasts hosted by organizations like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) to hone their skills and advance in their careers.

Taking the Pilot's Training Program after the 12th Grade

In India, prospective pilots must meet both physical and academic requirements. There are requirements that every potential pilot must meet. When it comes to piloting, men and women have different physiological requirements.

Below is a list of the physical requirements for both male and female pilots.

After finishing high school, the following physical requirements must be met in order to become a pilot:

Specifications 

Details

Height 

163.5 cms

Vision 

One eye is 20/20 and the other is 6/9

How Long Are My Legs?

Those between 99 and 120 centimeters in height

Proportion of the Thigh

64 cms

At a Level Suiting Sitting

Length: between 81.5 and 96

No colorblindness or night blindness will be tolerated in the selection process.

Following graduation from high school, the following physical requirements must be met in order to pursue a career as a pilot:

Specifications 

Details

Height 

162.5 cms

Vision 

I have perfect vision in one eye and moderate vision in the other (6/6)

Height of a Woman's Legs

from 99 to 120 centimeters

Height Above the Knee

64 cms

The Optimal Height for Sitting

ranges from 81.5 to 96 inches

No colorblindness or night blindness will be tolerated in the selection process.

After finishing high school, prospective commercial pilots must meet the DGCA's unique requirements.

Related Reading: Flying School

What Kind of Schooling Is Necessary to Become a Pilot?

Following is a list of what courses aspiring pilots need to take after graduating from high school:

1. A Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Operations, or a related field is required for any pilot candidate.
2. In theory, students from any other scientific discipline can enroll in this course, but in practice, only those with a degree in aviation will be able to find employment in this sector.
3. Each and every pilot needs to have both an instrument rating and a pilot transformation certificate. Commercial pilot certification is required of all students.
4. Aspiring pilots must clock at least 250 hours of ground training before taking their pilot's exam.
5. Students aspiring to be pilots need more than just the technical know-how to succeed.

Inclusion Requirements for the Pilot Program

Students must meet the prerequisites set forth by each aviation academy or school before enrolling in any of their programs. In India, prospective pilots need to have at least a 12th-grade education and the following skills.

1. Training cannot begin until the candidate reaches the age of 17.
2. The required grade point average in Grades 10 and 2 varies from institute to institute.
3. English and MPC (Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry) coursework at the intermediate level is required.
4. The National Institute of Open Schooling or the relevant state board will offer the necessary courses to anyone who is not enrolled in a science program.
5. In this case, you'll need a medical clearance letter from the appropriate authorities.

Applications for Admission to Pilot Training Programs Will Be Considered

Below is a list of some of the most crucial tests you'll need to pass in order to enter the piloting industry:

Specifications

Details

Complete AFCAT Form

The Air Force's Standardized Entrance Examination

Date of Registration

So That You May Be Informed

Exam Date

For Notification

AFCAT Exam Administration Format

Online 

Total no of Concerns

100

Marks 

Obtain 3 points for every correct response (minus 1 for incorrect ones).

Duration 

One hundred and twenty minutes

Overall Score

300

Specifications

Details

The Complete Nondisclosure Agreement

National Defense Academy and Naval Academy Examination Administered by the Union Public Service Commission

Time of Registration

A month in December of 2022

Exam Date

That You May Be Informed

Format of the NDA Test

Offline 

Total no with Regard to Concerns

270

Duration 

5 hours

The Sum of the Points

900 

Specifications

Details

Long Form CDSE

Commission for Union Civil Service Combined Defense

Submission Date

It will be October of 2022.

Exam Date

For Notification

Delivery System for the CDSE Test

Paper-Based

Total no a Set of Concerns

Score 120 on English; Score 120 on General Knowledge; Score 100 on Simple Math.

Marks 

Individual Marks: 1

Duration 

6 hours

General Score

300

The Qualifications Needed to Fly in India

The following abilities, in addition to academic knowledge, are necessary for students to become competent pilots:

1. Condition of Fitness
2. Professionalism in the technical realm
3. Ability to make decisions and think critically
4. Knowledge of one's surroundings and awareness of current circumstances
5. Superb verbal and listening skills
6. The ability to maintain focus and self-control under pressure
7. Superior capacity for change
8. Capacity for hard work and physical health
9. Superb ability to work together
10. Capacities for taking the lead

In addition, you may want to check out the AME Training.

Best Indian Schools for Aviation Training

Some of the best schools in India for becoming a pilot are listed below, along with their average annual tuition rates:

Institutes of Higher Learning for Aeronautics

Annual Costs, On Average (in Indian Rupees)

Academia Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran

Rs 42 lakh 

BFC, or Bombay Flying Club.

Rs 10 lakh 

U.S. Government's Official Flight School

Rs 50 05 lakh 

Organization for Aeronautical Education and Training

Rs 55 lakh 

Institution of Engineers and Aeronautics in India

Rs 12 lakh

The Indian Aeronautical Research Institute

Rs 1 70 lakh

The Wings of Science and Success University of Aviation and Technology

Rs 23 lakh

Flying School of Hindustan

Rs 4 lakh 

Transportation and Aerospace in Ahmedabad

Rs 20 lakh 

 

Information on Aviation Programs in India for Aspiring Pilots

The following undergraduate and graduate programs would prepare a student for a career in aviation:

Courses

Fees Per Year in Indian Rupees

B Sc Aviation

Rs 65k

Airport and Airline Services, BBA

Rs 78k 

Management of Airports with a Bachelor's Degree from BBA

Rs 1 lakh

B Sc Studying the Aerospace Environment

Rs 90k

BA in Airline Administration

Rs 80k

B E Aerospace Engineering

Rs 3 lakh

B E Aerospace Technology

Rs 3 75 lakh

Bachelor of Technology in Aerospace Engineering.

Rs 2 lakh

B Modern Avionics Engineering Technology

Rs 90k

Courses

Funds Required Each Year in Indian Rupees

M Sc Engineers in Aerospace

Rs 2 lakh 

An Airline Pilot with an MBA

Rs 10 50 lakh

M Sc pertaining to Flying Planes

Rs 6 lakh

M Sc Science of Flight

Rs 7 35 lakh 

M E Aerospace Technology

Rs 8 lakh

M Tech Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Rs 9 90 lakh

M Tech In Aerospace, Engineering Plays a Crucial Role

Rs 2 lakh

M E Aerospace Technology

Rs 5 90 lakh

M Tech Aeronautical Electronics

Rs 8 75 lakh

Certifications

Costs Per Year (Indian Rupees)

Customer Service Representative in the Airline Industry

Rs 36k

Instruction for Flight Attendants

Rs 31k 

Service Training: The Air Transport Sector

Rs 36k

Transport: Aircraft Ground Service Tools

Rs 36k

Methodologies, Procedures, and Tactics for Airline Safety and Security

Rs 36k

The Average Indian Pilot's Salary

We have included the salary structure of pilots based on a variety of factors below.

Industry Title

Salary Level (in Indian Rupees) Annually

Institution of Governing Officials (IAF)

Rs 5 - 8 lakh

Exclusively Business-Related

Rs 18 - 60 lakh

Classes of Airmen

Normalized Annual Income (in Indian Rupees)

Individual Aviators

Rs 1 5 - 2 lakh

Trainers of Pilots

Rs 3 2 lakh

Pilots Who Fly for Hire

Rs 24 lakh

Captains of commercial airliners

Rs 11 lakh 

Expertise (in years)

Typical Income (in Indian Rupees)

< 2

Rs 17 50 lakh

2 - 5 

Rs 20 lakh

5 - 10 

Rs 45 lakh

10 - 20

Rs 70 lakh

20

 up to Rs 90 lakh

Leading Pilot Employment Agencies

Largest companies in this industry include-

1. Air India
2. IndiGo
3. Air Asia
4. Spice Jet
5. A.I.C.L. Air India Charters
6. Vistara
7. To the skies with Jet Airways!
8. Flying Aces of India
9. Privately Registered Aircraft

Distinctions between Commercial and Military Flight

Prospective pilots in India can either join the civil aviation industry or the Indian Armed Forces.  

1. According to India's Directorate of General Civil Aviation, in order to become a Pilot in Civil Aviation, also known as a Commercial Pilot, aspirants are required to obtain multiple commercial pilot certificates from a variety of approved agencies.
2. In order to join the Indian Air Force (IAF), aspiring pilots must first pass a battery of Entrance Exams and then spend three years undergoing intensive training at the National Defense Academy. Candidates must also pass medical exams, during which their height, weight, and eyesight are carefully assessed in addition to the multiple-choice tests.

Read on for some suggested reading: Aviation Programs for High School Graduates

 

The Upsides of Being a Pilot

Among the many benefits of learning to fly in India are the following:

1. Pilots are compensated fairly well, allowing them to maintain comfortable lifestyles and save for the future. A pilot's salary typically covers a lot of expenses, and they also get to explore new places at no cost to themselves.

2. Pilots have excellent job prospects due to the rising demand for their services.

3. There is no limit to the knowledge you can gain as a pilot, as aviation is a rapidly evolving industry. You can use this opportunity to practice multitasking and get better at it.

4. Pilots receive a wide range of non-monetary benefits, including medical insurance, free housing and meals, and money off airline tickets for friends and family.

5. Pilots are afforded the luxury of arranging their schedules around their travel needs and desires thanks to their flexible work schedules.