How to Become a Pilot in India 2024: Eligibility, Entrance Exams, and Career Prospects

How to Become a Pilot in India 2024: Achieving the dream of becoming a pilot in India was formerly unattainable for numerous individuals. A significant portion of the public is becoming interested in the aviation business. The time is right to follow one’s dream of becoming a pilot and living high above the ground. Many people’s hearts are starting to grow weary of this wish. India’s authorized authority for accrediting aviation programs and institutions is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

How to Become a Pilot in India

There are two ways from which you can be on a route to become a pilot:

1. Commercial Pilot
2. Indian Air Force

Later on, we will take a quick look at these, but for now, let’s review the requirements to become a pilot!

Qualifications for Pilot Jobs in India

• Age: 17 years old or older,
• 10+2 50% is the required percentage. (May vary depending on the institute.)
• English is a mandatory subject at the intermediate level in addition to Physics, Chemistry, and Math (PCM).
• It is necessary to obtain a Medical Certificate from the relevant authorities.

Commercial Pilot

An airline pilot who flies a specific type of aircraft and holds a commercial pilot certificate issued by an authority is known as a commercial pilot. In India, this is overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Piloting for a living requires a lot of responsibility.

Admission Tests

Pilot training schools have a series of requirements for admission that include written exams, medical exams, and interviews. Please be aware that to enroll in a flying school, you must receive at least 50% in class 12. The minimum age to apply for a pilot’s license is as follows:

Pilot for a Commercial Airline

Before you can work as a commercial pilot, you need to finish these steps:
Enroll at a flying school to obtain an aviation bachelor’s degree.
The following list includes some of the top institutions for Pilot Training programs after the 12th grade:

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy
• National Flying Training Institute
• Bombay Flying Club
• Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
• Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology

An overview of the admissions procedure is as follows:

1. Written Assessment: Exam topics include general English, arithmetic, science, and logic (10+2).
2. Test of Aptitude: Your understanding of aviation laws, air navigation, aviation meteorology, aircraft, and engines will all be assessed.
3. Interview in person and DGCA medical examination: The Government of India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation will require candidates who pass the written exam and ability test to go through a medical examination.

Obtain a Pilot’s License for Students

To obtain a student pilot license, you have to pass an entrance exam. The Chief Instructor of the School or a representative from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will administer this oral exam. With this license, you can fly gliders or small planes at authorized flying clubs around the country and take flight lessons.

By the time your course ends, you should have accrued a minimum of 250 flying hours, at which point you can apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

In addition, I would like to remind you that training to become a commercial pilot in India is very costly, ranging from 15 to 20 lakhs. Thankfully, joining the Indian Air Force offers an alternative to paying such high fees to become a pilot in India. To find out more, read the blog post through.

Indian Air Force

Among the nation’s military forces is the Indian Air Force. Its primary goals are to defend Indian airspace and engage in aerial combat when hostilities arise.

Exams for Entrance

NDA Exam

A prominent institution that has made its way into the aviation industry is the National Defense Academy (NDA). It is situated in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra. The NDA’s guiding principle is “Service Before Self.” This is taught to the cadets before anything else.

In India, those who decide to pursue a career as pilots after completing their secondary education have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit for the famous NDA exam. After completing the three-year program, you are required to complete flying instruction. You will thereafter hold a permanent commission as an officer.

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The process for being admitted for the same is:

1. Written Exam: Math-based worksheet and foundational aptitude exams including English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Math, and Current Affairs.
2. Interview with SSB: Two Stages Exist.

Step 1: Discussion, Picture Perception, and Intelligence Test

Step 2: Psychological tests make up the second stage after passing the first.

• Pilot Aptitude Test: You are only allowed to take this exam once. You will never again be able to take the flying branch if you fail the first time. This includes written and computerized tests that evaluate your ability to follow instructions, stay in control of your actions, and retain mental strength.
• Medical Evaluation: The applicant must have a medical examination, which will involve a measurement of their height, weight, and vision.

AFCAT (SSC)

The Short Service Commission Board administers the AFCAT exam once a year. Applicants can apply through the AFCAT method for the AFCAT test if they are interested in becoming pilots.

The process for being admitted for the same is:

• Written Exam: Tests are given in the areas of verbal ability, math aptitude, reasoning, general awareness, and military aptitude.
• Interview with SSB: Two Stages Exist.

Step 1: Discussion, Picture Perception, and Intelligence Test

Step 2: Psychological tests make up the second stage after passing the first.

• Pilot Aptitude Test: You are only allowed to take this exam once. You will never again be able to take the flying branch if you fail the first time. This includes written and computerized tests that evaluate your ability to follow instructions, stay in control of your actions, and retain mental strength.
• Medical Evaluation: The applicant must have a medical examination, which will involve a measurement of their height, weight, and vision.

CDS

The Combined Defence Service Exam (UPSC CDS) is administered twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), most likely in February and September. The Indian Air Force – Flying Branch is open to everyone who is determined to pass the exam and meets the age requirements.

The process for being admitted for the same is:

Written Exam: General Knowledge, Math, and English components are assessed.

Interview with SSB: There are two stages:

Stage 1: is the Discussion, Picture Perception, and Intelligence Test.

Stage 2: Psychological tests make up the second stage, which is completed after passing the first.

• Pilot Aptitude Test: You are only allowed to take this exam once. You will never again be able to take the flying branch if you fail the first time. This includes written and computerized tests that evaluate your ability to follow instructions, keep your composure, and retain mental strength.
• Medical Evaluation: The applicant must have a medical examination, which will involve a measurement of their height, weight, and vision.

How to join NCC in 2024: How to Apply, Eligibility Criteria, and Important Documents

NCC

The NCC Air Wing Senior Division “C” is the application source for applicants seeking Special Entry into the Air Force. If the applicant is a National Cadet Corps member, they can first earn their Indian Air Force license. Well-known military cadet programs like the National Cadet Corps provide students of all stripes a taste of what it’s like to be a soldier. Only men are qualified to apply for admission to the NCC.

Important Note: On the application form for both the NDA and CDSE, you must specify that you prefer your wing, which is the Air Force.

Last but not least, remember that no career is better than any other. In all fields, you’ll want excellent decision-making skills, perseverance, and the ability to identify and handle odd circumstances. Therefore, it is highly recommended that someone who is truly committed and possesses these skills consider pursuing a career in this industry and soar like a free bird!