How to become a Pilot in India after Graduation
Eligibility Criteria
The candidate must have completed a 10+2 Science stream with Mathematics and Physics as the main subjects. Minimum marks in the 12th board examination should be 50%. The criteria of minimum marks may differ from one institute to the other.
The candidate should have completed any professional course of 3 or 4 years duration from a recognized university.
As long as 12th-grade criteria are satisfied, the Degree course doesn't matter. The course can be Engineering, B.Sc, BCA, B.Com, CA, BBA, and any other degree.
If the candidate has a Bachelor's degree related to the field of Aviation, he/she can get a preference at the time of Pilot recruitment. Some aviation-related courses are Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, B.Sc Aviation, Core Engineering branches, Physics, etc. Please note that the mentioned courses are not compulsory.
Admission process
To become a Commercial pilot, candidates must undergo pilot training in flying school. But flying training is not cheap, and the selection process is not easy.
The first step is to go to a flying school and apply for selection. If the candidate satisfies the basic eligibility criteria of completing 12th schooling in the Science with Mathematics group, he/she will go to the next selection stage.
A Pilot Aptitude test is conducted for candidates at the flying school. The selection test has 3 stages:
Written Test
Interview
Pilot aptitude Test
The written test is a screening test that covers topics like General knowledge, Current Affairs, Geography, English, Reasoning, and Science subjects (Mathematics and Physics). The questions asked are of 12th-grade level.
The written test is followed by the interview round. It is most like a personal interview. The interviewer will ask technical and personal questions. Candidates who have managed to clear both the written test and interview can appear for the pilot aptitude test.
The Pilot Aptitude test is conducted to test graduates' flying aptitude and ability. Regarding CPL training, DGCA wants candidates with good flying potential and the ability to undergo the training. So this test is given important these days.
If the candidate manages to pass all these stages, he/she must have 75% in the selection process. The successful candidates will be subjected to physical and medical tests. The eyesight of the candidate is given the most important during the check-up.
Once the candidate completes all the stages, they will be selected for CPL training. Final selection is based on a written test, interview, pilot aptitude test, and medical examination.
How to become a Pilot in India after 12th
Students who want to be a pilot after the 12th must be at least 17 years old. They must provide fitness and medical certificate. This blog can help you know how to become a pilot after the 12th.
Entrance exam after 12th
The NDA Exam is the qualifying exam for India's pilot entry following the completion of 12th grade. After passing the NDA Exam, you can join the IAF's flying branch. This exam is based on General Ability and Mathematics with primary subjects like English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs.
Eligibility Criteria
To pursue any of the Aviation courses, you must meet the eligibility criteria of the institute or academy. The following requirements to become a Pilot are:
The candidate should be at least 17 years old.
A minimum score of 50% in 10+2 grade, which may vary according to the institute
The candidate should have completed intermediate MPC topics (Maths, Physics, and Chemistry) and Intermediate English.
If the candidate is not a science student, they can take the required subjects through State Bard or the National Institute of Open Schooling.
The candidate will require a medical certificate from the authorities.
Admission process
According to DGCA, there are no rules to address the required percentage. So, all required is passing grades in Maths and Science in Class 12th. Here is what you will need to apply for pilot training after the 12th.
It is mandatory to pass the DGCA's Class 2 medical. Airline pilots must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Commercial pilots must have a school diploma or equivalent education.
Enrol at a flight school and complete a certain number of flying training hours to get a pilot's license. A commercial pilot's license requires 250 hours of flight time, whereas an airline pilot's license requires 1500 hours of flight time.
At least 200 hours of flight time is needed. The first step is to get the necessary flight hours, followed by a written evaluation of your flying abilities and passing the physical examination. Here is a list of primary pilot licenses that are issued by each country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA):
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP)
Multi-crew Pilot License (MPL)
Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL)
Certified Flight Instructor (CFL)
Several airlines require pilots to attempt aptitude and psychological tests. After being assigned as pilots, they must attend additional weeks of training and flight time to feel like being a co-pilot.
How much does a Pilot earn in India?
A pilot who has an experience of 250 hours of flying can work as a commercial pilot. The salary of commercial pilots is tremendous in India. But it also depends on the flying hours, certification, and industry.
Freshers Salary
A fresher is paid INR 1.5 lakhs per month. After the professional experience, the pilots get paid between INR 5 lakhs to INR 6 lakhs per month.
Mid-Career Salary
A commercial pilot in mid-career with 5 to 9 years of experience gets INR 24.48 lakhs. The salary can reach up to INR 20 lakhs or even INR 90 lakhs in later stages.
Experienced Pilot Salary
An experienced pilot with 10- 19 years of experience can earn up to INR 15.26 lakhs. However, pilots with 20 years of experience are paid up to INR 70 lakhs per annum as a commercial pilot.