If becoming a pilot is your goal, we're here to help you learn how to get there. In India, you can either become a Civil Aviation Pilot or an Indian Defence Force Pilot. The former is a commercial pilot that flies passengers while the latter is a part of the Indian army. These options require you to give and pass examinations after 12th Science PCM. You must take a medical test to check if you fit all the requirements before appearing for the exam.
On average, a civil airline pilot earns ₹46,87,900 per year (₹3,90,650 per month) while an Indian Defence Force Pilot earns ₹14,72,100 per year (₹1,22,675 per month).
Let's go into details:
A commercial pilot flies passengers or cargo solely for business. They can fly both helicopters and aeroplanes. On rare occasions, they may help with rescue and evacuation operations.
Maths and Physics are compulsory subjects that you will require to be eligible to become a pilot. Training Schools courses differ based on factors, but they will provide you with classroom lectures and flight training.
To fly, you will first need to get your licence. The DGCA or The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is in charge of them. To get a licence, you must complete a minimum number of hours flying and take oral and written exams.
Here are the exams and the licences you can get:
-
Students pilot licence:
-
No flight experience is required.
-
Must be above 16 years of age.
-
Must have at least completed 10th grade.
-
Must pass the DGCA oral examination.
-
Private Pilot licence:
- Must be above 17 years of age.
- Will be allowed to fly passenger or cargo plans for free.
- Must have completed minimum flying hours.
- Must have passed DCGA oral and written exam.
- Commercial pilot licence:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have a PPL.
- Must have completed minimum flying hours.
- Will be allowed to fly a commercial aircraft.
- Must have passed DCGA written exam.
- Airline transport pilot licence:
-
Must be above 21 years of age.
-
Must have completed minimum flying hours
-
Must have a senior CPL licence.
An Air force or Fighter Pilot flies aircrafts like Fighter Jets, Bombers, FSTA, and transport planes. To become a defence pilot, you will need a defence licence. Unlike commercial pilots, you don't have to go to training schools but will be trained in defence academies.
-
National Defence Academy (NDA): The NDA entrance exam tests your maths skills and general aptitude.
-
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) : This exam tests your reasoning, numerical and verbal ability, general awareness and military aptitude. You can serve only for 14 years if you take this exam.
Members of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) have a special consideration to apply. Additionally, females who have passed the CDSE exams will only be eligible for Officer Training and not flying. So, be sure to avoid that exam.Before you decide to apply for the exam, opt for Career Guidance at Glow & Lovely Careers (formally known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation). You can also find online courses and mock tests that will help you.]
