How to Become a Pilot After 12th: Career, Steps, Eligibility, Courses, Fees, Entrance Exams, After 12th, Jobs, Salary, Scope 2023

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Ahana Bhaduri

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Pilots are highly qualified, skilled, and licensed professionals who undergo various categories of training in order to be able to fly an aircraft or a helicopter. Pilots are responsible for operating various types of aircraft such as passenger aircraft, goods aircraft, mail aircraft, etc. They are also in charge of maintaining an aircraft's internal mechanisms and creating a flight plan keeping in mind various factors such as aircraft performance, altitude, and weather conditions. India is home to 17,726 pilots out of which 2,764 are women.

There are certain eligibilities to become a pilot in India, which needs to be fulfilled for a promising career in the same. In order to become a Pilot After 12th, students must have a mandatory subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics during classes 11 and 12 for being able to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate Aviation Courses. Almost all flying institutes take in students who are from a Science background but few flying institutes enrol students from Commerce backgrounds as well. The overall time taken to become a Pilot is ideally 3 – 4 years, which includes completing the required degrees either undergraduate or postgraduation from a recognized college or university followed by getting a license of becoming a Commercial Pilot.

Read More: Types of Pilot

Some of the top undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can be pursued to become a Pilot are BSc Aviation, BBA Aviation Management, MBA Aviation Management, B.E. Aeronautical Engineering, etc. These courses are offered across some of the Top Aviation Colleges such as NIMS University, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, AIMS Institute, Kristu Jayanti College, etc. Apart from these, students aspiring to become Pilots can pursue various Aviation Courses such as Diploma Courses in aviation to Postgraduate Courses in aviation. Read More: Aviation Jobs in India

One of the most crucial requirements for becoming a pilot includes getting a Commercial Pilot license or Private Pilot License. Students can also apply for a Student Pilot License which however does not allow them the permit to fly an aircraft. Students who wish to become a pilot after 12th in the Indian Air force must clear various Aviation Entrance Exams such as AFCAT, and CDS. Read More: Check Out: AME Avionics Course

The average course fees required to become a Pilot after 12th usually range between INR 90,000 – INR 3,75,000. The fee amount may however vary depending on the college as well as the country from where it is being pursued. The average cost of studying Pilot or Aviation Courses abroad ranges from INR 12,00,000 – 55,00,000. After successfully completing a degree in aviation the average starting salary of a Pilot can range between INR 8.5 LPA – 11.25 LPA.  Read More: Salary of a Pilot

How to Become a Pilot After 12th: Quick Facts

Industry Aviation
Eligibility Clear 12th board exams along with clearing Pilot licensing exams
Average Starting Salary 3,50,000 – 5,00,000
Job Opportunities Airline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airforce Pilot

Types of Pilots

Pilot as a career option has a wide platform that can be further bifurcated into various sub-streams. Each stream specializes in various subjects and technicalities which helps students choose their core subject of study. Some of the major stratifications that are available for aspiring pilots are listed below,

  1. Airline Transport Pilots: They are the most common type of pilots in the Airline industry. They fly planes that carry passengers and are mostly recruited by airline companies. An individual with a Commercial Pilot License can become an Airline Transport Pilot.
  2. Private Pilots: They fly personal planes or jets. They are mostly hired by millionaires who can afford a private jet. To become a private pilot one needs to have a Private Pilot License. 
  3. Sport Pilots: These pilots fly planes for any sport. They fly under 10,000 feet and mostly limit themselves to their own range.
  4. Flight Instructors: They teach students to become pilots. They are hired by training institutions to pass on their knowledge to the next generation. 
  5. Air Force Pilots: They fly high-tech jets for different missions of the Air force. To be an airforce pilot one needs to crack the AFCAT Exam and then train with the Air force.  

Check Out: Diploma in Aviation Courses

License to Become a Pilot

  1. Private Pilot License (PPL): Private Pilot License enables an individual to fly small jets and private planes. They cannot fly commercial aeroplanes. They are hired by millionaires or government agencies to fly personal jets.
  2. Certified Flight Instructor (CFL): Certified flight Instructor License enables an individual to teach flying lessons in Flying Training Institutes. They pass on their knowledge to future generations. 
  3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This is the most in-demand license to become a pilot after 12th. Individuals with a Commercial Pilot License can fly commercial planes of big airlines.

All About Flight Training

Flight Training is an utmost necessary step to become a pilot after 12th. Without proper flight training, an individual will not be able to fly an aircraft properly. The pilot must garner enough experience by flying planes meant for training.  Check Out: Jobs for Private Pilots

Flight Training Eligibility: The eligibility to get the flight training is like, 

  • The candidate must be 16 years old, and she/he must have qualified in the fitness test. She/he will also have a bank guarantee of INR 1000. Then the student will be allowed for the oral test and Pilot Aptitude Test. Then the candidate can apply for the college of his/her choice. 
  • To be straightforwardly eligible for a Private Pilot License, the candidate should be at least 17 years old, have passed 10+2, and pass the clinical wellness test from the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) or Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM).
  • To be directly qualified for the Commercial Pilot License, one should be between 18 to 30 years old and have contemplated Physics and Maths in their +2. Notwithstanding, the newly amended laws by the Government of India have expressed that the CPL is to be conceded distinctly with earlier 3 years of involvement in PPL. Know More: About Private Pilot Syllabus

Flight Training Course Duration: This is the phase where the student makes his/her way to a private pilot license. The duration of the Flight Training is initially 60 hours, of which 20 hours is for solo flying, and 15 hours for dual flying. If you wish, you can take all 60 hours and in some colleges, these hours are charged as INR 1000/hour. 

Again clearing the eligibility for Commercial Pilot License is a huge challenge in itself. Here a total of 250 hours of flying time is given. 10 hours are allocated separately for flying instruments. They are also given 5 hours for night flying.

Flight Training  Hours
Solo Flying for Private Pilot License 20 
Dual Flying for Private Pilot License 15 
Total Flying for Private Pilot License  60
Instrument Flying for Commercial Pilot License 10
Night Flying for Commercial Pilot License 5
Total Flying for Commercial Pilot License 250

Flight Training Fees: Tabulated below are the fees structure of different aviation colleges from which students can pursue courses in order to become a Pilot After 12th

Flight Training Colleges Average Annual Fees (INR)
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi 50 L
National Flight Training Institute 10 L
Government Aviation Training Institute 50.50 L
Bombay Flying Club 1.20 L

Flight Training Syllabus: The syllabus for any Aviation Courses that are included across all Aviation Colleges in order to become a Pilot After 12th are tabulated below for your reference,

Air regulations Aviation Meteorology Air navigation
Aircraft engines and seamanship Technical portion and flight planning --

Check Out: Top Aviation Colleges in India

Steps to Become a Pilot in India

In order to become a Pilot in India, aspiring candidates can choose to pursue two different sectors, i.e. Civil Aviation and Indian Defence Force. The sections below will discuss the steps to become a Pilot after 12th in the above-mentioned 2 sectors.

  • Civil Aviation: In order to become a Pilot after 12th in Civil Aviation also termed a Commercial Pilot, aspiring candidates must pursue various commercial pilot certifications from various authorized bodies as per the Directorate of General of Civil Aviation in India. In order to become a commercial pilot in India, one needs to fly a certain type of aircraft for a designated airline company for which there are numerous training academies globally such as CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, Flight Safety Academy, Pan AM International Flying Academy, etc.
  • Indian Defence Force: In order to become a Pilot after 12th for the Indian Defence Force, one has to primarily clear various Entrance Exams, post which they have to undergo rigorous training for 3 years at the National Defence Academy post which they can join the Indian Air Force (IAF). Apart from the numerous aptitude tests, one has to clear medical exams as well where the candidate's height, weight, and eyesight are thoroughly examined.  

Steps to Become a Pilot in India After 12th 

In order to become a Pilot after 12th, students must adhere to certain steps and procedures which are crucial for an effective and effortless journey towards the process. Some of them are listed below for your reference,

  1. Choose a Flight Training Institute: The first and foremost important step towards becoming a Pilot after 12th is that, students need to select a good training institute. This procedure would not only ensure that the students are given an in-depth study about the subject but also build a rock-solid foundation that would help them grow as an individual. Students can also attend the NDA Exam in order to become a pilot in the Indian Air force. Some of the top Aviation Institutes in India are the National Flying Training Institute, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Bombay Flying Club, etc.
  2. Gain Experience: In order to become a Pilot after 12th, gaining experience is the second most crucial step, where the students are required to add flight hours under their belt. A commercial pilot's license requires 250 hours of flight time, while an airline pilot requires 1,500 hours. Formal training will provide a basic education; however, if candidates want to gain more in-depth knowledge and experience, they can hire a personal instructor or even join the military for exposure. Some of the top licenses that can be secured by aspiring Pilots are Private Pilot License (PPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL), etc. The majority of the students go for PPL or CPL Licence. An individual must have a CPL license in order to fly a commercial aeroplane. In order to fly a fighter jet pilot or fly planes in the Indian Air force students must clear AFCAT. Check Out: MBA in Aviation Management
  3. Complete all Training and Tests: Students need to clear all aptitude and psychological tests and gain experience both as a Pilot and a Co-Pilot in a regional airline. After gaining sufficient experience Pilots will be eligible to aim to apply for bigger airlines and long hours of flight.
  4. Experience as an Airline Pilot: The promotion from pilot to captain is entirely dependent on seniority and experience. To obtain additional flight ratings, aspiring Pilots will need to pass additional FAA written and practical exams. Pilots can keep learning and exploring the industry's changes. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) provide enriching seminars and webcasts for mastery and growth. Check Out: Private Pilot Admissions 2023

Eligibility to Become Pilot After 12th 

The eligibility to become a pilot after 12th depends on two factors, that is the physical requirement and the educational qualification. Each of the applicants will have to match these eligibility requirements in order to become a pilot. The physical requirements for male flyers and female flyers are different.

Tabulated below are the physical eligibility criteria for both female and male flyers,

Physical Requirement for Male Candidates: The list of physical requirements that are essential to becoming a Pilot after 12th are tabulated below for your reference,

Specifications Details 
Height  163.5 cms
Leg Length  99 cms - 120 cms
Thigh Length  64 cms
Sitting Height  81.5 cms - 96 cms
Vision  One eye - 6/6 and 6/9 in other 
Candidates must not suffer from night blindness or color blindness

Find Out: Private License Colleges in India

Physical Requirement for Female Candidates: The list of physical requirements that are essential to become a Pilot After 12th are tabulated below for your reference,

Specifications Details 
Height  162.5 cms
Leg Length  99 cms - 120 cms
Thigh Length  64 cms
Sitting Height  81.5 cms - 96 cms
Vision  One eye - 6/6 and 6/9 in other 
Candidates must not suffer from night blindness or color blindness
To become a commercial pilot after 12th, specific requirements are fulfilled by the DGCA. 

Educational Qualification: The educational qualifications for students aspiring to become a Pilot after 12th are listed below for your reference,

  • Candidates aspiring to become Pilots should complete their Graduation in Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Operations, or any other aviation-related subjects. 
  • Students from any other science stream can apply for this course, they will have to do an aviation course to get a job in this career. 
  • Students must secure a commercial pilot license
  • Every pilot must have a pilot transformation certificate and instrument rating certification
  • 250 hours of ground training is a must-get a flying license for aspiring pilots
  • Apart from all technical skills, the students must also have certain qualities pertaining to personal and emotions in order to become a Pilot

Aviation Training Institutes

Some of the top Aviation Training Institutes are tabulated below for your reference, 

Purdue University University of North Dakota
Ohio State University San Jose State University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Academy College
Hallmark University Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Rio Salado College Aeroism Flight Academy
Singapore Flying College CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

How to Become a Pilot in India

In order to become a Pilot in India there are certain steps and preparations that can begin right from school. Mentioned below are the steps that can be followed to become a Pilot across various levels.

How to Become a Pilot After 10th

  • School Level Preparation: Students aspiring to become Pilots, should start preparing right from School. Students with Science backgrounds are eligible for study courses that would help them become pilots. Students after clearing class 10th board exams should study Science as their major stream in order to become a Pilot after 10th.

How to Become a Pilot After 12th

The following steps mentioned below are crucial for becoming a Pilot after successfully completing Class 12 in order to become a Pilot,

  • UG Level Preparation: After completing Class 12, students aspiring to become a Pilot after 12th can pursue various Undergraduate Aviation Courses such as BSc Aviation, or any other undergraduate courses.
  • PG Level Preparation: Students aspiring to become Pilots, can pursue Postgraduate Aviation courses such as MSc Aviation Courses. Along with this they also have to clear Pilot Licensing Exams for the final eligibility to become a Pilot. 

How to Become a Commercial Pilot

In order to become a Commercial Pilot, there are 6 essential steps that must be followed for an easy and hassle-free process as mentioned below,

  1. Research Top Flight Schools: The first and foremost step to becoming a Commercial Pilot is to enroll in top Flight Schools.  Before enrolling in any institute or college one should look for their accreditations as well as their placement records. These two factors are the guiding points that must be checked by all candidates aspiring to become Commercial pilots.
  2. Prepare for Medical Tests: Every student aspiring to become a Commercial Pilot must clear the FAA third-class medical exam. In order to become a Commercial Pilot candidates must have a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
  3. Get FAA Student Pilot Certificate: This is an official certificate that entitles aspiring candidates to start their flying career. Candidates can get their FAA Students Flying Certificate by applying through IACRA.
  4. Initiate Your Flight Lessons: Post completing all the necessary steps one can begin their flying lessons which are usually done in simulators or airplanes alongside a trained and certified Flight Instructor.
  5. Clear Written Exams: The FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test, also known as “the written” by the student's pilots, must be cleared which is taken to judge the knowledge of aviation in areas such as Aerodynamics, Weather, Flight Instruments, etc.
  6. Clear Check Ride: The FAA Private Pilot Practical Exams also known as Check Ride, is the final step where the flying skills and knowledge of applying practical skills in the cockpit of a candidate is examined. 

Pilot Exam

Some of the top Entrance Exams that must be cleared in order to become a Pilot after 12th are tabulated below for your reference,

AFCAT

Specifications  Details 
AFCAT Full Form  Air Force Common Admission Test
AFCAT Application date  To be Notified
AFCAT Exam Date  To be Notified
Mode of Exam  Online 
Total no. of questions  100
Marks  3 marks for each correct answer (-1 negative marking)
Total Marks  300
Duration of Exams  120 minutes

CDS 2023

Specifications  Details 
CDS Full Form  Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services
CDS Application date 

Phase 1: January 10, 2023

Phase 2: June 6, 2023

CDS Exam Date 

Phase 1: April 16, 2023

Phase 2: September 3, 2023

Mode of Exam  Paper Based
Total no. of questions  English - 120 GK - 120 Elementary Maths - 100 
Marks  1 marks each 
Total Marks  300
Duration of Exams  6 hours 

Find Out: Which is tougher CDS or AFCAT?

NDA 2023

Specifications  Details 
NDA Full Form  Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Exam
NDA Application date 

Phase 1: January 10, 2023

Phase 2: June 6, 2023

NDA Exam Date 

Phase 1: April 16, 2023

Phase 2: September 3, 2023

Mode of Exam  Offline 
Total no. of questions  270 
Total Marks  900
Duration of Exams  5 hours 

Check Out: Top NDA Coaching Institutes in India

Pilot Courses After 12th 

Here are the UG courses and the PG courses which an aspiring pilot can pursue to make his career in the Aviation Industry.

UG Courses to Become Pilot

Courses Average Annual Fees (INR)
B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Aviation 65,000
BBA Aviation Operations 78,000
BBA Airport Management 1,00,000
B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) Aeronautical Science 90,000
BMS in Aviation Management 80,000
B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Aeronautical Engineering 3,00,000
B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) Aerospace Engineering 3,75,000
B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) Aeronautical Engineering 2,00,000
B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) Avionics Engineering 90,000

Check Out: BSc Aviation Syllabus

PG Courses to Become Pilot

Courses Average Annual Fees (INR)
M.Sc. (Master of Science) Aerospace Engineering 2 L
MBA in Aviation 10.50 L
MSc in Aviation 6 L
M.Sc. (Master of Science) Aeronautical Science 7.35 L
M.E. (Master of Engineering) Aeronautical Engineering 8 L
M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Aeronautical Engineering 9.90 L
M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Aerospace Engineering 2 L
M.E. (Master of Engineering) Aerospace Engineering 5.90 L
M.Tech. (Master of Technology) Avionics Engineering 8.75 L

Certifications to Become Airline Pilot

If you are looking for the certifications to become a pilot, then here are the best certifications.

Certifications Average Annual Fees (INR)
Aviation: Aircraft Ground Support Equipment 36,000
Security Operations, Processes & Strategies in Aviation 36,000
Aviation: Airline Customer 36,000
Cabin Crew Training 31,000
Service Course: Aviation Industry 36,000

Pilot Course Fees

The course fees charged by different colleges and institutes for Pilot Training are tabulated below for your reference

Top Recruiters for Pilot

The topmost recruiters for Pilot are the following, 

Indigo Air India
Vistara Jet Airways 
Air Asia  Spice Jet
Indian Air Force Personal Charter Plane

Benefits of a Career as a Pilot

  1. Travelling Opportunities – One of the main benefits of becoming a Pilot is the traveling aspect. Candidates can go to places they've never been and get paid to do it if they work as airline pilots.  Every working day involves taking off in one state or country and landing in another—possibly in a place they haven't yet visited—because of the numerous routes that pilots take.
  2. Career Focus – One of the main advantages of being a pilot is that one can anticipate a very gratifying career. As fulfilling as it gets to fly a plane full of passengers and get them from point A to point B safely. As a pilot in the cockpit, every day is rewarding, from making their first solo flight to performing their first landing to traveling to a new destination.
  3. No Professional Commitments After Duty Hours – Except for preparing for yearly exams, pilots prefer to leave their work in the aircraft because no one likes to bring their work home with them. When the day is over and the cockpit door is shut, there is nothing left to take home. This frees up more time for hobbies, time with loved ones, or exploring the newest city of the week.
  4. Flexible Working Hours – Many people are shocked that a profession in aviation can offer such flexibility because moving from one place to another can seem very restrictive and taxing.
    Being a pilot has traditionally had several benefits, including flexible working hours. It's not the standard Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 employment. Most pilots work an average of two to three weeks per month, therefore allowing candidates to have the remaining time to enjoy or do things as per their choice.
  5. Exciting Job – A pilot must continually learn new things. Although it's crucial to understand the details and rules, studying for this career goes beyond textbooks. Behind the plane's controls, real-time learning takes place, but fortunately, pilots can pick up knowledge from those around them. Once the plane takes off, everything is possible, thus pilots push themselves by starting the day not knowing exactly what will happen but still managing to make it work.
  6. Salary and Health Benefits – A profession in aviation offers several prospects for advancement. The majority of airlines provide typical annual raises as well as dental and vision insurance. While it may take some time for one's career as a pilot to grow, once it does, the pay is more than competitive. Commercial pilots in India make an average of INR 14.7 LPA, with the potential to make more than INR 26.6 LPA. It is important to keep in mind that one's pay will vary depending on a number of things, including their experience and whether one works as a pilot for a regional or international airline.
  7. Meeting New People – Candidates will frequently have the chance to socialize as a pilot. They will be introduced to people and cultures they might not have otherwise had the chance to encounter, including members of their flight crew, passengers, and locals in the locations they visit.
  8. Travel Discounts for Family and Friends – Pilots travel frequently, but going alone isn't always enjoyable. As an airline pilot, one will probably have access to discounted (and perhaps free) airplane tickets for family and friends, which means fantastic vacations at low prices. In some situations, one can even upgrade to business or first class. Some airlines may ask friends and family to pay fees and taxes, but this is probably all that their loved ones would have to pay. Several hotels also offer discounted rates in addition to airfare.

Skills Required to Become a Pilot

Some of the top skillsets that are essential to become a Pilot after 12th are tabulated below for your reference,

Good IQ Problem-solving skills Good eyesight Team working skills Strong focus and multitasking
Physically Fitness Decision-making skills Good communication skills Mentality Leadership

Salary of a Pilot

The salary structure for all the pilots varies, here we have mentioned the salary structure of pilots basis various parameters. If you want to become a pilot after 12th then look for the salaries also,

Sector Wise Salary

Name of the sector Average Annual Salary (INR )
Private (Commercial ) 18 L - 60 L
Government (IAF) 5 L - 8 L
Salary

Specialization Wise Salary

Types of pilot Average Starting Salary (INR)
Airline transport Pilots 11 L
Private Pilots 1.5 L - 2 L
Flight instructors 3.2 L
Commercial Pilots 24 L

Experience Wise Salary

Experience (in years) Average Annual Salary (INR)
<2 17.50 L 
2-5 20 L
5-10 45 L
10-20 70 L
20+ Upto 90 L

How to Become a Pilot After 12th: FAQs

Ques. Which are the top institutes for pilot courses in India?

Ans. Following are top colleges that provide aviation courses:

Ques. What are the eligibility criteria to apply for NDA?

Ans. Only male candidates can apply for NDA after completing higher education one must have clear physics and maths in 10+2.students in the final year of college can also apply for this.

Ques. How can one apply for IAF after graduation?

Ans. One can apply for IAF through CDSE entrance, AFCAT, and NDA exams. The BE/B-tech male graduates can also apply through NCC.

Ques. What is the average course fee for becoming a pilot?

Ans. The average course fee ranges from  3L to 12 LPA.however, it varies from institute to institute.

Ques. What is the flying experience needed if one wants to be a commercial pilot abroad?

Ans. To become a commercial pilot abroad, one must have a flying experience of 750 hours and a basic license experience.

Ques. Is there any good material/reference books that help one to become a pilot?

Ans. Following are some of the top books one can use for reference to become a pilot:

  • How to become a pilot- federal aviation administration,
  • To be an airline pilot-by Andrew cook,
  • Adventure of becoming an airline pilot –George Flavell etc.

Ques. What are the job profiles a pilot carer has?

Ans. Following are some of the pilot profiles in the aviation industry:

  • Co-pilot
  • Chief pilot
  • Commercial pilot
  • Airline pilot
  • Captain
  • First officer

Ques. Which type of pilot has the highest salary?

Ans. An airline pilot has the highest salary among all other types of pilots. The average salary of an airline pilot is INR 46,87,900/- PA.

Ques. Are there any scholarships/loans available for pilot schooling?

Ans. Yes, like regular institutes, the pilot schools also provide loans and scholarships to needy and meritorious students.

Ques. What is the average salary of a private jet pilot?

Ans. The starting salary of a private jet pilot is the same as a commercial pilot. but after some experience, they are given INR 50 LPA.

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