How to become a pilot after 12th

How to Become a Pilot After 12th: A Complete Guide

Becoming a pilot is a dream for many students who aspire to fly high in the skies. After completing your 12th grade, the aviation industry opens up a wide runway for ambitious young individuals who want to take up flying as a career. Whether you dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, a cargo pilot, or joining the Indian Air Force, this guide will walk you through every step required to become a pilot after the 12th grade.

Introduction
Types of Pilots
Eligibility Criteria After 12th
Pathways to Becoming a Pilot
- Civil Aviation (Commercial Pilot)
- Indian Air Force (Military Pilot)
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Commercial Pilot
Step-by-Step Process to Join Indian Air Force as a Pilot
Medical Requirements
Choosing the Right Flying School
Training Duration and Cost
Licenses Required
Exams You Must Clear
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
Salary of a Pilot in India and Abroad
Challenges Faced
Tips for Aspiring Pilots
Conclusion

1. Introduction

Becoming a pilot is a prestigious and thrilling career path. Pilots are responsible for operating aircraft safely and efficiently. After completing the 12th grade, students with a passion for flying and meeting the eligibility criteria can start their journey toward obtaining a pilot’s license.

2. Types of Pilots

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand the different types of pilots:

Commercial Pilot (Civil Aviation): Flies aircraft for airlines, charter companies, cargo, or corporate aviation.
Military Pilot: Operates fighter jets, helicopters, or transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Private Pilot: Flies for personal purposes, not for compensation.
Cargo Pilot: Specializes in transporting goods rather than passengers.
Helicopter Pilot: Operates helicopters for various roles such as rescue, medical evacuation, or tourism.

3. Eligibility Criteria After 12th

Here are the basic requirements:

Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. If not, NIOS or other state boards can help you obtain equivalent qualification.
Age: Minimum age is 17 years for a Student Pilot License and 18 for a Commercial Pilot License.
Medical Fitness: Must pass Class 2 (initial) and later Class 1 (DGCA) medical tests from authorized centers.
Language: Proficiency in English is mandatory.

4. Pathways to Becoming a Pilot

You can choose one of the following paths:

A. Civil Aviation – Commercial Pilot

The most common route is via civil aviation, where you train at a flying school, accumulate flying hours, and get your license.

B. Indian Air Force – Defense Pilot

If you wish to serve the nation, the Air Force is an excellent option. You’ll undergo rigorous training and fly some of the world’s best aircraft.

5. Step-by-Step Process to Become a Commercial Pilot

Step 1: Complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics

Enroll in the science stream in high school. If you didn’t take Physics and Math, you can do so through NIOS.

Step 2: Take a Class 2 Medical Test

Clear the Class 2 medical examination approved by DGCA to ensure you are fit for flying.

Step 3: Apply for a Student Pilot License (SPL)

Join a flying school and appear for a written exam conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for your SPL.

Step 4: Enroll in a DGCA-Approved Flying School

Choose an institute in India or abroad. Ensure it’s recognized by the aviation authority.

Step 5: Begin Flying Training

Complete 200 hours of flying training, which includes solo flights, cross-country flying, and instrument flying.

Step 6: Pass the DGCA Exams

Subjects include:

Air Regulations
Meteorology
Air Navigation
Technical General
Technical Specific
RTR(A) (for radio communication)

Step 7: Obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Once you complete flying hours and pass all exams, you’ll be awarded the CPL.

Step 8: Type Rating (Optional but Important)

Type rating is specific training on a particular aircraft (e.g., Airbus A320). It makes you job-ready for airlines.

6. Step-by-Step Process to Join Indian Air Force as a Pilot

Step 1: Appear for NDA Exam

Only male candidates can apply after 12th through the National Defence Academy (NDA). You must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.

Step 2: Clear SSB Interview

After clearing NDA written exam, you must clear the 5-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

Step 3: Medical Examination

Pass the Air Force-specific medical test.

Step 4: Join NDA (Pune) for Training

Undergo three years of training followed by pre-flying training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal.

Step 5: Fly in the Indian Air Force

After successful training, you’ll be commissioned as a flying officer.

7. Medical Requirements

Class 2 Medical (Initial for SPL/CPL)

Tests include:

General physical examination
ECG
ENT check
Vision test
Blood and urine tests

Class 1 Medical (Mandatory for CPL)

Conducted by DGCA-approved centers. It is more detailed and includes:

Color vision
Hearing test
Lung function
Chest X-ray

8. Choosing the Right Flying School

In India (DGCA-Approved)

Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Chandigarh
Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy, Patiala
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology, Delhi
CAE Global Academy, Gondia
IGRUA (Government flying school)

Abroad

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA)
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy (Canada/Europe)
Singapore Flying College
Flight Safety Academy (USA)

Factors to consider:

Flying hours provided
Type of aircraft used
Infrastructure
Placement support
Cost

9. Training Duration and Cost

Duration

18 months to 3 years depending on school and weather conditions.

Cost

In India: ₹35 to ₹60 lakhs
Abroad: ₹60 lakhs to ₹90 lakhs (depending on country)

10. Licenses Required

Student Pilot License (SPL)

Allows you to start training and fly under supervision.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Intermediate license but not sufficient for commercial flying.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Allows you to fly commercial aircraft professionally.

11. Exams You Must Clear

For Civil Aviation (DGCA):

Air Navigation
Air Meteorology
Air Regulation
Aircraft Technical General
Aircraft Technical Specific
Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR A)

For NDA Entry:

NDA Written Exam (Maths and General Ability)
SSB Interview
Medical Test

12. Career Opportunities and Job Prospects

After CPL

Commercial Airlines (IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet)
Charter Services
Cargo Airlines (Blue Dart, FedEx)
Corporate Aviation
Government Agencies (BSF, Coast Guard)

After NDA/Air Force

Fighter Pilot
Transport Pilot
Helicopter Pilot
After retirement, transition to civil aviation

13. Salary of a Pilot

India

First Officer (Freshers): ₹1.2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per month
Captain (Experienced): ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh+ per month

Abroad

USA/Europe: $70,000 to $200,000+ annually depending on experience and airline

Military pilots receive salaries, allowances, and pensions as per defense pay scales.

14. Challenges Faced

High training cost
Competitive job market
Extensive theoretical and practical exams
Long working hours and irregular schedules
Medical fitness maintenance

15. Tips for Aspiring Pilots

Start early with a strong foundation in Physics and Math
Maintain good physical health and vision
Keep updated with DGCA regulations
Choose your flying school wisely
Prepare well for written exams and interviews
Consider scholarships or bank loans for funding
Stay committed and patient—it’s a long but rewarding journey

16. Conclusion

Becoming a pilot after 12th is a challenging yet fulfilling journey that demands passion, discipline, and perseverance. Whether you choose to fly commercial jets, serve in the defense forces, or transport cargo, the career path is filled with opportunities to soar—literally and metaphorically. With the right training, guidance, and determination, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

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