How to Become Pilot After 12th: Eligibility, Courses, Syllabus and Flying Schools

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Updated on Jun 30, 2025 16:31 IST

Do you dream of becoming a pilot? This article has got you covered! We discuss the eligibility, qualifications, courses, fees, flying schools in India, and other details to help you advance your aviation career. Here is a stepwise guide to help you begin your journey to the skies!

Pilot is the most fascinating but a responsible job. Becoming a pilot is a year-long process. An individual has to complete their studies and training to become a pilot. We have discussed in detail how to become a pilot after 12th in this article. Go through the article to know the best pilot schools, eligibility criteria, fees, and much more.

Table of contents

Class 12 Educational Qualifications for Pilot Courses
DGCA Medical Certificate for Pilots
Pilot Courses: Overview
Ground Course for Pilots
DGCA Pilot Exam
Flying Training in India
Best Flying Schools in India: Courses and Fees
Commercial Pilot License: CPL

Class 12 Educational Qualifications for Pilot Courses

Students who wish to pursue a career as a Pilot must have studied Physics and Mathematics in their Class 12. There is no minimum score that the students should have secured in order to take the DGCA examination to become a pilot. However, some particular airlines may have a prerequisite of at least a 50-60% aggregate score in Class 12 from a recognized board. Additionally, it is generally required that the Pilot be well-versed and fluent in written and spoken English.

Disclaimer: This information is taken from across the web and may vary.

DGCA Medical Certificate for Pilots

Students who aspire to become Pilots must obtain a Class 2 Medical Certificate from a doctor and examiner approved by the DGCA. The medical exam shows the physical and mental health of the aspirants. A healthy pilot is capable enough to manage any situation smartly. Passed class 10 and are at least 16 years of age can apply for the Class 2 Medical Certificate. It is valid for up to 4 years.

Pilot Courses: Overview

Many students wonder what to study to become a pilot after 12th grade. If the student has completed their Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics and has obtained a Class 2 Medical certificate, they may enroll in a pilot training course with any DGCA-approved flight training academy. Here, the students will be instructed on the theoretical as well as practical aspects of their training as a Pilot. The theoretical component is often referred to as the Ground Course, while the practical experience is referred to as the Flying Training.

Ground Course for Pilots

Students who possess the required educational and medical qualification for Pilot after 12th can join a Ground course with an approved flying school. A Ground course consists of various subjects that the students must study to get an in-depth understanding of the technical facets of an aircraft and maneuvering it. Some subjects that are generally considered as important parts of the Pilot course curriculum are listed below:

Aviation Laws and Regulations
Meteorology
Air Navigation
Aircraft General Knowledge
Radio Telephony

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from across the web and may vary.

DGCA Pilot Exam

After the completion of a Ground course, the students are required to take the Pilot entrance test conducted by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Students who pass this examination are granted the Student Pilot License, or the SPL. Only the students who possess this license can begin their flying training. It is a foundational, entry-level license allowing students to initiate their training under the supervision of a trained instructor.

Flying Training in India

The flying training is typically the part that students look forward to the most. It involves practical, hands-on training of flying an aircraft. Pilots must complete at least 200 hours of flying to get their CPL, or the Commercial Pilot License. For new pilots, this usually involves 15-20 hours of simulator training.

Disclaimer: This information is taken from across the web and may vary.

Best Flying Schools in India: Courses and Fees

There are many Pilot institutes where students can pursue their training. Both government and private Pilot colleges offer it. However, students are advised to pursue their training at a DGCA-approved institute. Pilot courses after 12th fees at some of the best flying schools in India are given in the table below:

College Name	Average Course Fees
The Bombay Flying Club Courses	INR 34.56 Lakh
Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Courses	INR 20 Lakh
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi Courses	INR 38 Lakh
Adventure Flight Education Private Limited Courses	INR 25.56 Lakh–32.87 Lakh
Academy of Carver Aviation Courses	INR 9.78 Lakh-43.05 Lakh
CAE - National Flying Training Institute Courses	INR 42 Lakh
Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Courses	INR 42.85 Lakh
Airway India Courses	INR 49.27 Lakh
Dean International Flight School Courses	INR 25.66 Lakh
High Flyers Aviation Services Courses	INR 28.06 Lakh

Disclaimer: This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

Commercial Pilot License: CPL

To get a commercial pilot license, a pilot has to log 200+ hours. He has to pass a practical flight test and exam. After all these processes, a pilot can apply to the airline for a job.
Many dream of becoming a pilot, but only a few of them dare to operate and navigate an aeroplane. If you are eligible for Pilot after 12th, then you can start your career as a pilot. All you need is determination and focus throughout the process of becoming a pilot. Best of luck!