Aviation entrance exam

Aviation Entrance Exams covering types of exams, eligibility, preparation strategies, and more:

Introduction

Aviation is one of the most dynamic and challenging fields, offering careers that combine technical knowledge, operational discipline, and the thrill of flight. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a commercial pilot, an aircraft maintenance engineer, an air traffic controller, or joining the Indian Air Force, your journey typically begins with an aviation entrance exam.

In India, various aviation entrance exams are conducted for admission into flying schools, aeronautical engineering programs, air force training, and other aviation-related fields. This guide explores the different aviation entrance exams, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and strategies for preparation.

Section 1: Types of Aviation Entrance Exams in India

Aviation entrance exams vary depending on the career path. Here are the major categories:

1.1 Pilot Training Exams

DGCA CPL Written Exams (Air Navigation, Meteorology, etc.)
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics Entrance Exam
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Sciences (IGIAS)
Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy entrance tests

1.2 Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Exams

JEE Main (for B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering)
AME CET (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test)
IIAEE (Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering Exam)
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Engineering Entrance Exam (HITSEEE)

1.3 Indian Air Force (IAF) Exams

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
NDA (National Defence Academy)
CDS (Combined Defence Services)

1.4 Air Traffic Controller/Navigation Services

AAI ATC Exam (Airport Authority of India – Air Traffic Control)
UPSC recruitment exams for civil aviation roles

Section 2: Popular Aviation Entrance Exams Explained

2.1 AME CET (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test)

Purpose: Admission to AME, Aeronautical Engineering, and other aviation courses.

Eligibility:

Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
Minimum age: 16 years

Syllabus:

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (based on 10+2 level)
English and General Awareness

Pattern:

90 Questions (MCQs)
1 mark each, no negative marking

Preparation Tips:

Follow NCERT textbooks
Focus on fundamental concepts of PCM
Practice sample papers from AME CET website

2.2 AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

Purpose: Selection of officers in Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical)

Eligibility:

Flying Branch: Graduation with 60% + Maths and Physics in 10+2
Age: 20 to 24 years

Syllabus:

Verbal Ability
Numerical Ability
General Awareness
Reasoning and Military Aptitude
For Technical Branch: EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test)

Pattern:

100 Questions (AFCAT), 50 Questions (EKT)
3 Marks per question, -1 for incorrect

Preparation Tips:

Refer AFCAT preparation books
Practice reasoning and numerical aptitude daily
Stay updated on current affairs and Indian Air Force developments

2.3 NDA (National Defence Academy Exam)

Purpose: Entry into Indian Air Force, Army, Navy after Class 12

Eligibility:

10+2 pass with Physics and Mathematics
Male candidates, age 16.5 to 19.5 years

Syllabus:

Mathematics
General Ability (English, GK, Science, Geography, Current Affairs)

Pattern:

Mathematics: 300 Marks
General Ability: 600 Marks

Preparation Tips:

Practice previous NDA papers
Focus on Class 11 & 12 Math
Improve English comprehension and vocabulary

2.4 CDS (Combined Defence Services)

Purpose: Graduate-level exam for Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy

Eligibility:

Graduation with PCM for Air Force
Age: 20 to 24 years

Syllabus:

English
General Knowledge
Elementary Mathematics

Preparation Tips:

Focus on grammar and comprehension
Regularly read newspapers for GK
Practice time-bound mock tests

2.5 AAI ATC Exam

Purpose: Recruitment of Air Traffic Controllers

Eligibility:

B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics or Engineering degree
Minimum 60% marks

Syllabus:

English
Mathematics and Physics (at graduation level)
Reasoning and General Awareness

Pattern:

120 Questions, 2 hours
Objective type

Preparation Tips:

Focus on Physics (Waves, EM, Mechanics)
Practice logical reasoning daily
Follow news on Indian aviation and AAI

Section 3: CPL Entrance and Ground School Entry

For becoming a commercial pilot, you may have to pass an internal entrance test for reputed flying schools.

3.1 Key Institutes and Their Exams

Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Sciences (IGIAS): Aptitude + PCM test
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA): Written + Interview
CAE Global Academy: Aptitude test, Psychometric test, and Interview

Tests Usually Include:

Physics and Mathematics (10+2 level)
English language proficiency
Cognitive/Aptitude tests
Psychometric evaluation

Section 4: Eligibility Criteria Across Exams

4.1 Educational Qualification

10+2 with PCM: For Pilot, AME, and Aeronautical engineering
Graduation: For CDS, AFCAT, ATC

4.2 Medical Requirements

Pilot (CPL/NDA/AFCAT): Class 1 or Class 2 Medical (as per DGCA or IAF)
AME/ATC: Generally Class 2 medical

4.3 Age Limits

CPL: Minimum 17 years
NDA: 16.5 to 19.5 years
AFCAT: 20 to 24 years
CDS: 20 to 24 years
ATC: 21 to 27 years (varies by recruitment)

Section 5: Preparation Strategy for Aviation Entrance Exams

5.1 Plan Your Timeline

Start preparation at least 6–8 months in advance
Create a weekly schedule covering all subjects
Reserve final 2 months for mock tests and revision

5.2 Choose the Right Resources

Books: NCERT for Class 11/12 PCM, Arihant for AFCAT/CDS, Pathfinder for NDA
Online Platforms: BYJU’s, Unacademy, Testbook, Oliveboard
YouTube Channels: Major Kalshi Classes, Defence Wallah, StudyIQ

5.3 Focus on Core Concepts

Strengthen PCM concepts for engineering/pilot-related tests
Improve time management and question-solving speed
Practice mental math and logical reasoning

5.4 Solve Previous Year Papers

Helps understand the difficulty level and pattern
Improves accuracy and time management

Section 6: Psychometric and Aptitude Tests

Especially in pilot aptitude tests (used by CAE, Indigo Cadet, AirAsia Cadet programs), expect:

Multi-tasking ability
Spatial orientation
Hand-eye coordination
Short-term memory recall
Reaction time

Recommended Tools

SkyTest software
SimuLearn
Mental Math practice books

Section 7: Important Tips for Aspirants

7.1 Stay Physically Fit

Most aviation roles require medical fitness
Maintain proper eyesight, BMI, and cardiovascular health

7.2 Improve English and Communication

Aviation uses standard English for communication
Read aviation magazines and international news

7.3 Be Updated with Current Affairs

Indian and Global Aviation Industry
Air accidents and investigations
Government schemes (UDAN, Make in India, etc.)

7.4 Take Mock Tests Regularly

Time-bound full-length mocks simulate real exam pressure
Analyze performance and fix weak areas

Section 8: Interview and Psychometric Rounds

After clearing the written tests, some institutions and airlines conduct:

Personal Interviews
Group Discussions
Psychometric evaluations
Simulator-based aptitude tests

Common Interview Questions

Why do you want to join aviation?
Explain Bernoulli’s principle.
Tell me about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
Technical questions based on Physics/Maths

Section 9: Career Options After Clearing Aviation Exams

Depending on the exam cleared, aspirants can pursue careers such as:

Commercial Pilot (Airlines, Charter, Cargo)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Airlines, MRO companies)
Aeronautical Engineer (HAL, ISRO, DRDO)
Indian Air Force Pilot/Officer
Air Traffic Controller
Airport Operations Manager

Conclusion

Aviation entrance exams serve as the launchpad for ambitious individuals to enter one of the most prestigious and high-responsibility careers. Whether your dream is to fly aircraft, design them, or ensure their safe operations from the ground, the first step begins with cracking the right entrance test.

Success in these exams demands academic preparation, physical and mental fitness, and strong motivation. With focused effort, the right resources, and disciplined time management, you can make your aviation dream take flight.

CLICK 👉 download 300 aviation books just 1 MB

CLICK 👉 AIRBUS A320 COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 737 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 747 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 757 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 767 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 777 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 787 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 150 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 152 COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 162 SKYCATCHER COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 172N SKYHAWK