How to Become a Pilot After 10th in India – Complete Guide
Becoming a pilot after 10th is a dream for many students in India. Flying an aircraft, wearing a pilot’s uniform, and building a respected career in aviation attracts thousands of young aspirants every year. But the journey requires proper planning, hard work, and dedication.
You cannot directly become a pilot right after completing the 10th class. There are specific educational requirements, licenses, and training steps you must complete. In this guide, we will explain step by step how to become a pilot after 10th, including education requirements, pilot course details, training cost, scholarships, duration, institutes, and salary.
Education and Eligibility Requirements
After completing 10th grade, you cannot directly join pilot training. The minimum requirement in India is completing the 12th class with Physics and Mathematics. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) makes this compulsory for all aspiring pilots.
If you are from another stream (like Arts or Commerce), you can still qualify by giving Physics and Math exams separately through an open school board.
Other important eligibility requirements:
Age: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Student Pilot License and 18 years old for a Commercial Pilot License.
Medical Fitness: Pilots must pass DGCA Class I medical tests. This includes eyesight (6/6 vision), hearing, heart health, and general fitness.
Language: You should be able to speak and understand English well since it is the international aviation language.
Summary of requirements:
Complete 12th with Physics and Math.
Minimum age: 16 years for Student Pilot License, 18 years for CPL.
Class I Medical fitness certificate.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot After 10th
Here is the clear path to becoming a pilot in India after completing 10th:
Complete 12th with Science (Physics and Math):This is the first and most important step. Without Physics and Math, you cannot apply for pilot training in India.
Apply for Student Pilot License (SPL):At the age of 16, after passing the medical test and a basic DGCA exam, you can apply for an SPL. This license allows you to start flying training under supervision.
Join a Flying School:Enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school in India. Here you will attend ground classes and practical flying lessons.
Private Pilot License (PPL):After completing about 40–50 hours of flying, you can apply for a PPL. This allows you to fly smaller aircraft, but not for commercial purposes.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL):The next stage is CPL training. You must complete at least 200 hours of flying and pass written exams. A CPL allows you to work as a commercial pilot in airlines.
Instrument Rating & Type Rating:For airline jobs, you need additional training called an Instrument Rating (IR) for flying in all weather conditions, and a Type Rating to fly a specific aircraft model like Airbus or Boeing.
Apply for Airline Jobs:With a CPL, IR, and Type Rating, you can apply for jobs in airlines as a First Officer.
Upgrade to Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):After gaining enough flying experience (around 1500 hours), you can apply for an ATPL, which is required to become a Captain.
Top Pilot Training Institutes in India
Choosing the best pilot training institute in India is very important. The quality of training, the number of aircraft, and the reputation of the institute can make a big difference in your career.
Some well-known flying schools in India are:
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Uttar Pradesh – One of the most prestigious government flying schools.
National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), Gondia – A reputed institute with modern aircraft and simulators.
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Indore – One of the oldest flying clubs in India.
Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai – Established in 1928, offers professional CPL courses.
Chimes Aviation Academy, Madhya Pradesh – Known for modern training facilities.
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA), Jaipur – A popular option among students.
Pilot Course Fees in India – Comparison Table
Institute
Type
Location
Approx. CPL Fees (₹)
Top Crew Aviation
Private
Delhi
45 lakh
Bombay Flying Club
Private NGO
Mumbai
34.5 lakh
Adventure Flight Education
Private
Mumbai
46.9 lakh
Note: Fees may vary depending on fuel prices, institute rules, and duration of training.
Pilot Training Cost in India
The pilot training cost in India is high compared to many other courses. A complete Commercial Pilot License program usually costs between 30 and 50 lakh rupees.
Breakdown of costs:
Course Fees: 30–50 lakh, depending on the institute.
Flying Hours: Minimum 200 hours required for CPL.
Medical Tests & Exams: Around 1–2 lakh.
Uniforms, books, and materials: Around 50,000–1 lakh.
Accommodation and living expenses: Depends on location.
Scholarships for Pilot Training in India
Due to high fees, many students seek scholarships. Some popular options are:
Government Scholarships for SC/ST students under the National Scholarship Portal.
State Government Schemes, such as the Maharashtra Government’s scheme for pilot training.
Private Institute Scholarships – Some institutes give discounts based on merit or entrance test performance.
Education Loans – Many banks provide loans for pilot courses with flexible repayment.
If you are serious about becoming a pilot but worried about expenses, research these scholarships and loan facilities in advance.
Pilot Course Duration
The pilot course duration depends on the license:
Private Pilot License (PPL): Around 6–8 months.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 1–2 years, depending on flying hours, weather, and the institute’s schedule.
Type Rating: Additional 6 months for specific aircraft.
In total, it usually takes 2–3 years after 10th (including 12th studies and training) to become a commercial pilot.
Pilot Salary in India
One of the most attractive parts of this career is the pilot salary in India.
Fresh CPL Holder (First Officer): Around ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh per month.
Experienced First Officer: ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh per month.
Airline Captain: ₹3 to ₹5 lakh per month or more, depending on the airline and aircraft.
Apart from salary, pilots also get perks such as travel benefits, allowances, and insurance.
Career Path at a Glance
Finish 12th with Physics and Math.
Get Student Pilot License (SPL).
Get a Private Pilot License (PPL).
Train for Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Get Instrument Rating and Type Rating.
Apply for jobs in airlines.
Gain experience and upgrade to ATPL.
FAQs on How to Become a Pilot After 10th
Q1. Can I become a pilot directly after 10th?
No. You must complete 12th with Physics and Math before joining pilot training.
Q2. Which stream should I choose after 10th to become a pilot?
You must choose Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q3. How much does pilot training cost in India?
The cost is between 30 and 50 lakh rupees, depending on the institute.
Q4. Are there scholarships for pilot training in India?
Yes. Government and private scholarships are available. Some states also provide financial help.
Q5. How long does it take to complete pilot training?
It usually takes 1–2 years for CPL after 12th, plus time for ratings.
Q6. What is the starting salary of a pilot in India?
Fresh pilots earn around 10–12 lakh rupees per year.
Q7. Which is the best pilot training institute in India?
IGRUA is considered one of the best, but there are also many good private flying schools.
Conclusion
If you are wondering how to become a pilot after 10th, the answer is clear: first complete 12th with Physics and Math, then follow the step-by-step process of licenses and training. Choose the right institute, plan your finances, and prepare well for DGCA exams. Although the pilot course fees and pilot training cost in India are high, the career rewards are also excellent. With scholarships, proper planning, and dedication, you can make your dream of flying come true.
