How to Become a Pilot in India – Complete DGCA Guide

Updated: 16 December 2025 · Poetic Pilot Academy

Becoming a pilot in India is a dream for thousands of students every year. The image of sitting in a cockpit, flying passengers safely across the country and the world, represents not just a career but a lifelong passion for aviation. However, despite the excitement, the journey to becoming a pilot is often misunderstood due to misinformation, outdated advice, and unrealistic expectations circulating online.

This guide explains how to become a pilot in India step-by-step, strictly as per DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) rules. It covers eligibility, medical requirements, exams, flying training, cost, duration, and common mistakes — exactly in the order a serious aspiring pilot should understand them.

If you are genuinely interested in aviation and want a clear, honest, and industry-aligned roadmap, this article will answer all your questions.

Who Can Become a Pilot in India? (Eligibility)

Anyone who meets DGCA eligibility criteria and is medically fit can become a pilot in India. There is no restriction based on family background, profession, or prior exposure to aviation. What truly matters is meeting the educational requirements, clearing medical examinations, maintaining discipline, and planning finances realistically.

Educational Qualification

• Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
• From a recognised board (CBSE, ISC, State Board, or NIOS)

If you did not study Physics or Mathematics in 12th, you can still become a pilot by clearing these subjects through NIOS. Many airline pilots in India have followed this route successfully.

We will soon publish a detailed guide explaining how to become a pilot without Physics and Mathematics, covering NIOS timelines, subject combinations, and common mistakes students make.

Age Limit to Become a Pilot

• Minimum age for Student Pilot License (SPL): 16 years
• Minimum age for Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 18 years

There is no upper age limit defined by DGCA. As long as you are medically fit and meet licensing requirements, you can start pilot training even in your late twenties or thirties.

DGCA Medical Requirements (Most Important Step)

Before enrolling in any flying school or paying large training fees, you must clear DGCA medical examinations. Medical fitness is non-negotiable in aviation and should always be your first step.

DGCA Class 2 Medical

This is the first medical examination required to begin pilot training. It evaluates basic health parameters including:

• Vision and colour perception
• Hearing ability
• Blood tests and ECG
• General physical fitness

DGCA Class 1 Medical

Class 1 Medical is mandatory for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License. It involves detailed cardiovascular, ophthalmological, and general health checks. Only DGCA-approved medical examiners are authorised to conduct this examination.

Types of Pilot Licenses in India

Student Pilot License (SPL)

The SPL is the entry-level license that allows you to begin flying training under the supervision of an instructor.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

A PPL allows non-commercial flying. It is optional if your goal is to become an airline pilot, but useful for hobby flying or personal aviation.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

A CPL is mandatory to fly professionally for airlines. This is the license required by IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and other operators.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

ATPL is the highest level of pilot license. It is obtained after accumulating significant airline flying experience and meeting DGCA requirements. Airline captains operate under ATPL privileges.

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot in India

Step 1: Clear DGCA Medicals

Begin with DGCA Class 2 medical followed by Class 1 medical. This ensures you are eligible before investing time and money into training.

Step 2: Clear DGCA CPL Theory Exams

DGCA theory examinations are among the most challenging parts of pilot training. They require strong conceptual understanding rather than memorisation.

Subjects include:

• Air Navigation
• Meteorology
• Air Regulations
• Technical (Aircraft & Engines)
• RTR

Clearing these exams early provides flexibility and reduces pressure during flying training.

At Poetic Pilot Academy, DGCA CPL ground classes are conducted by active airline pilots with a focus on exam clearance, conceptual understanding, and airline readiness.

Explore DGCA CPL Ground Classes at PPA

Step 3: Join a DGCA-Approved Flying School

You can complete flying training at a DGCA-approved flying school in India or abroad. Both options have advantages depending on weather, aircraft availability, training efficiency, and budget.

We will soon publish a detailed comparison guide on India vs Foreign flying training to help you choose the right option.

Step 4: Complete Required Flying Hours

To apply for a Commercial Pilot License:

• India: Minimum 200 total flying hours
• Foreign countries: Typically 200–250 hours depending on regulations

If you complete your CPL abroad, you must undergo an additional DGCA license conversion process to obtain an Indian CPL.

Step 5: Skill Test and CPL Issue

After completing flying hours and clearing theory exams, you undergo a skill test with a DGCA examiner. On successful completion, DGCA issues your Commercial Pilot License.

Common Mistakes Aspiring Pilots Make

• Starting flying training before medical clearance
• Underestimating DGCA theory exams
• Choosing flying schools based only on cost
• Lack of structured planning and guidance

Cost to Become a Pilot in India

The total cost to become a pilot in India typically ranges between:

₹45 lakh – ₹70 lakh

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

On average, it takes 18–24 months to become a commercial pilot. Duration depends on weather conditions, aircraft availability, exam attempts, and training efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a pilot in India requires commitment, discipline, and the right guidance. With early medical clearance, structured ground preparation, and quality flying training, the journey becomes far more efficient and stress-free.

If you are serious about aviation, build your foundation correctly from day one.