Hello!



There are two ways to pursue aviation as a career or to become a pilot-

• Civil Aviation (Non-Military Aviation/ Commercial Pilot)
• Indian Defence Forces (Air Force)

To Become a Commercial Pilot-



To pursue Aviation as a career or to become Commercial Pilot, you need to have science stream in 10+2, i.e. Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry as compulsory subjects. The admission to a pilot training course happens through a set entrance procedure that includes a written test, medical examination and an interview. Minimum of 50% is required in class 12th to join a flying school. The minimum age to apply for Pilot License, are as follows:

• Student Pilot License is 16 years
• Private Pilot License is 17 years
• Commercial Pilot License is 18 years

Following are the steps you need to take in order to become a commercial pilot:



1.) Enroll in a Flying School and Pursue B.Sc. in Aviation. This admission procedure generally consists of the following:



Written Examination- The test encompasses general English, Maths, Physics and Reasoning (10+2).



Pilot Aptitude Test- The test will assess your aptitude on Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft and Engine Knowledge.



Personal Interview and DGCA Medical examination- The candidates succeeding in written examination and aptitude test will be required to take a medical assessment conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India.



2.) Obtain a Student Pilot License- To obtain a student pilot license, you would have to appear for an entrance examination. This consists of an Oral test and will be taken by the Chief Instructor at the School, or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) representative. By the time you complete your course, you should have completed a minimum of 250 flying hours, following which you can apply for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).





To become a Pilot in the Indian Air Force-



Entry through NDA- This is only for male candidates. Under this entry, the selected candidates are trained for a period of 3 years, at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. After the successful completion of the training, candidates are commissioned as a Permanent Commission Officer and posted as a Pilot at one of the Air Force Stations.



The admission procedure consists of the following:





Written Examination- The written examination has a maths based paper and a general ability test, which constitute the elements of English, Physics, Chemistry, Math, General Knowledge, History, Geography and Current Events.



SSB Interview- This consists of two stages:





Stage 1 – Officer Intelligence Rating Test and a Picture perception and discussion test.



Stage 2 – Only if you clear the first stage, you are qualified for the next stage.



Medical examination- You will be required to undergo a medical examination wherein your eyesight, height and weight will be examined.



There are also ways to become Pilot in the Indian Air Force after graduation, which are-

• CDSE (This is for male graduates)
• AFCAT Entry (through SSC)
• NCC

Reply for any more doubts



Thank You