Steps to Become a Pilot in India After Graduation

Candidates who have a Bachelor’s Degree and dream of becoming a Pilot must check the eligibility criteria for joining a flying school as that is the most important requirement for becoming a Pilot.

Candidates from any of the streams of Science/Arts/Commerce can become a Pilot in India after graduation. Pilots in India are either Commercial/Civilian Pilots or Defense Pilots and the choice depends on the interest and skills of the candidates.

The requirements and training for Commercial Pilot are different from that of a Defence Pilot. Given below is a comprehensive guide for aspirants who are aiming to become a Pilot in India.

Steps to Become a Commercial/Civil Aviation Pilot in India

Commercial Pilots are responsible for flying Civil Aviation aircraft and transporting hundreds of passengers every day. Candidates must have a Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as the compulsory subjects in Class 12 Board exams.

You can join the Pilot training course after completing Class 12 Boards or Graduation. Those who want to become a Pilot in India after Graduation must preferably have a foundation in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree are given preference over those who have qualified for the 10+2 exam.

Step 1

• Admission to a flying school includes an Entrance exam a written test, Medical Test, and a personal interview.
• Written Test- Physics, Maths, and Reasoning from Class 12 syllabus, Aptitude test on Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft knowledge, and Engine knowledge.
• Personal Interview- Candidates have to appear for a Personal Interview round.
• Medical examination- Candidates have to qualify for the Medical Examination Test conducted by the Directorate of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

Step 2

Candidates who secure admission to a flying school must complete the mandatory 250 hours of flying. Candidates must do extensive research on the flying schools, admission procedure, and fee structure before taking the plunge.

Candidates will be provided with a Student Pilot License. This license will ensure the candidates achieve flight training and fly small aircraft like gliders. Those who complete a minimum of 250 flying hours can apply for a Commercial Pilot License.

Step 3

Candidates who complete the mandatory 250 flying hours and clear the Written and Oral exams will get the Commercial Pilot License.

List of top Aviation schools for candidates who want to become a Pilot in India after Graduation:

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy, Rae Bareilly
• National Flying Training Institute Gondia
• Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Indore
• Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics Limited, Ahmedabad

Steps to Become a Pilot for Defence Forces

Working as an Air Force Pilot for the Armed forces is one of the most prestigious jobs with extremely good salary prospects. Interested candidates can join the National Defence Academy and get 3 years of training.

After completion of training, candidates will get posted as Air Force Pilots.

Those who want to become a Pilot in India after Graduation can appear for any of the exams mentioned below:

CDSE Air Force Exams

Candidates have to qualify for the Combined Defence Services Examination to join the Indian Air Force.

The CDSE Entrance consists of a Written Exam, Interview, Pilot Aptitude Test, and Medical Test

• Written exam - The subjects included are Maths, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current affairs, and General knowledge.
• Interview - This consists of 2 stages. In the 1st stage, candidates have to appear for Intelligence rating, picture perception, and inception. Stage 2 consists of a psychological test, group task, and personal interview.
• Pilot Aptitude Test - Candidates can take this test just once in a lifetime. The test consists of written exams and machine tests.
• Medical Exam - Candidates have to undergo a Medical Exam to meet the height, weight, and eyesight requirements.

SSC Air Force Exams

Candidates who want to become a Pilot in India after graduation can do so through the SSC or the Short Service Commission scheme. Under this scheme, the candidates can serve the Indian Air Force for 14 years.

Interested candidates must qualify for the Air Force Common Admission Test(AFCAT). Selected candidates have to undergo a 74 weeks training program at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.

The Entrance Exam will consist of Written Exam, Interview, Pilot Aptitude Test, and Medical Test.

• Written Test - Verbal ability, Reasoning, General awareness, numerical ability, and aptitude.
• Interview - Stage 1 has Officer Intelligence Test, Picture Perception, and Group discussion. Stage 2 has a psychological test, group task, and interview.
• Pilot Aptitude Test - Candidates can take this test just once in a lifetime. The test consists of written exams and machine tests.
• Medical Exam - The Medical examination is mandatory for the candidates to meet certain Medical requirements including height, weight, and vision.

National Cadet Corps (NCC)

Bachelor Degree holders with an aggregate of 60% and those who are a part of NCC and have got the Air Wing Senior Division “C” Certificate can become a Pilot in India after Graduation.

A, B or C Certificate holders need not give the written test and are eligible for the Interview round directly. The Entrance Exam will have an Interview, Pilot Aptitude Test, and Medical Examination.