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

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

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Muskan
Muskan Chugh
Content Writer
Updated on Jun 30, 2025 16:31 IST

Are you wondering, ‘How can I become Pilot after 12th?’ Because then, you are at the right place! Here is a roadmap to becoming a Pilot in India after Class 12. Read on to learn about the pilot courses after 12th, eligibility for pilot after 12th, the fees, best flying schools, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you devise a plan that fits your flying ambitions!

Table of content
  • 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
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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 sourced from across the web and may vary.

DGCA Medical Certificate for Pilots

After the completion of Class 12, students who aspire to become Pilots must obtain a Class 2 Medical Certificate from a DGCA-approved doctor and examiner. The medical exam is a crucial step as it assesses the physical and mental health of the aspirants. Being a pilot is a demanding profession, and it is vital that the candidate be healthy enough to tackle any stressful situations that may come their way. Anyone who has completed their Class 10 and is at least 16 years of age can apply for the Class 2 Medical Certificate. It is valid for up to 4 years. 

Q:   After 12th how to become a pilot?
Q:   How many years to become a pilot after 12th?
Q:   What are the medical requirements for becoming a pilot?

Read More: What is Aviation?

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.

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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.

Read More: Aviation Career Guide

DGCA Pilot Exam

Q:   What is the future of Aviation and Pilot careers in India?
Q:   Is Pilot Training expensive?
Q:   What is the salary range for Pilots?

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 sourced from across the web and may vary.

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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 sourced from the official website and may vary.

Read More: Best Flying / Pilot Training Institutes in India

Commercial Pilot License: CPL

Once the students have completed their flying training of at least 200 hours, students can apply for a Commercial Pilot License, commonly referred to as CPL. It is a mandatory permit that all Pilots who wish to pursue a commercial career must possess. It authorizes individuals to begin their service with airlines. There are other advanced licenses that Pilots can acquire with more experience and training.

After completing all the steps given above, the students can now start applying for jobs and begin their career as a Pilot.

Being a Pilot is a dream for many, but only a few people actually have the courage to operate and navigate an airplane. Being a Pilot in India can be a stressful career, but if you are someone with a knack for adventure and a desire to travel the world, it may be the perfect career for you! If you wish to pursue a career as a Pilot and possess the eligibility for Pilot after 12th, then kickstart your career today and begin your journey to the skies! Best of luck!

Read More: Pilot Career Guide

About the Author
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Muskan Chugh
Content Writer
Muskan Chugh is a graduate in English Literature from the University of Delhi (DU) and is a content writer at Shiksha.com. She is passionate about helping students find the right colleges for their academic and care Read Full Bio