Following the profession of a pilot is every student’s dream who is appearing for their 12th standard. The excitement of flying high in the sky, along with the dignity of the job, makes it a desired profession.
The aviation industry in India has witnessed tremendous growth, which provides enough opportunities for aspiring pilots.
This ultimate guide by MSM Unify discusses the steps, prerequisites, and alternatives on how to become a pilot after 12th standard so that you are adequately prepared to face this thrilling challenge.
Eligibility for becoming a pilot after 12th
If you are Commerce or Arts stream and want to know how to become pilot after 12th commerce or how can become pilot after 12th arts, then you have to study Maths and Physics from open school before becoming pilot trainee. In order to begin a career as a pilot in India, you should have the following qualifications:
- Educational qualification: You must pass your 12th standard with Physics and Mathematics as obligatory subjects
- Age limitation: You have to be at least 17 years old to apply for pilot training
- Medical fitness: You have to pass the Class 1 medical examination by a DGCA-approved physician
How to become a commercial pilot after 12th
A commercial pilot flies airplanes for airlines and cargo companies. For those looking to become a commercial pilot in India after 12th, the procedure is the same, but you should make sure that the flying school is DGCA-approved. This is how to become a commercial pilot after 12th:
- Select a flying school: Select a DGCA-approved flying school in India or overseas
- Pass pilot entrance exam after 12th: All flying schools make you clear an entrance exam that comprises Mathematics, Physics, and English
- Complete flight training: You need to complete a minimum of 200 flying hours to get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Get a license: Clear the DGCA exam and achieve the prescribed flying hours to get your CPL
How to become a female pilot after 12th
Women who want to become pilots can also make their dream come true like their male friends. If you are thinking about how to become a female pilot after 12th, the process is the same, but there are some extra scholarships and special training programs aimed at providing support for female candidates in aviation.
Eligibility criteria
- Should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
- Must be medically fit according to DGCA Class 1 Medical standards
Steps to become a female pilot
- Join a pilot training course – Select a well-known flying school
- Clear the pilot entrance exam after 12th – Clear DGCA CPL examinations
- Obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL) – First step to become a pilot
- Secure a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – Needs 200+ flying hours
- Get airline jobs – Become a pilot in commercial airlines
Scholarships for female pilots
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics Women Pilot Scholarship
- IATA Training Fund for Women in Aviation
- Boeing Women in Aviation Scholarship
How to be a loco pilot after 12th
If you aspire to join the railway department and you’re checking out how to be a loco pilot after 12th, you need to register for the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) test conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB).
- Education qualification: Pass 10+2 with Science or diploma in engineering
- RRB ALP test: Compulsory examination to get employed
- Medical fitness: Fulfill the vision and physical requirements
- Training process: Undergo training offered by Indian Railways
- Job role: Drive trains, maintain safety, and adhere to railway norms
- Career growth: Can be elevated to Senior Loco Pilot and higher managerial roles
Pilot entrance exam after 12th
If you want to become a pilot, you need to pass a pilot entrance exam after 12th to get admission in a flying school. Most aviation schools and institutions organize entrance exams to test the knowledge and aptitude of candidates before admitting them to pilot training courses.
Popular pilot entrance exams
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics Exam – Organized by IGIA for CPL and PPL courses
- Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Entrance Test – Choosing test for commercial pilot training
- NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam – Mandatory for candidates who wish to become Indian Air Force pilots
Syllabus and requirements for the exam
- Subjects – Maths, Physics, and English
- Tests apart from the above subjects – Aptitude, reasoning, and psychometric testing
- Medical fitness – DGCA Class 1 Medical certification is necessary for CPL aspirants
How long will it take to become a pilot after 12th?
Flight training duration can differ depending on the country, flying hours, and regulatory requirements. If you are wondering how long to become a pilot after 12th, it varies depending on the type of license and training route you opt for.
Pilot training duration
- Commercial Pilot (CPL): Takes 1.5 to 2 years of training
- Private Pilot (PPL): Takes approximately 1 year to finish
- Air Force Pilot: Takes 3 to 4 years, including training for NDA
Career opportunities after becoming a pilot
After obtaining your pilot license, numerous career opportunities await in both commercial and specialized aviation sectors. Pilots can work in passenger airlines, cargo services, private aviation, or even military aviation, depending on their training and interests.
Job roles for licensed pilots
- Commercial airlines: Fly for major airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet
- Cargo flying: Fly cargo flights for the likes of FedEx and Blue Dart Aviation
- Private jets: Serve as a pilot on private and charter flights
- Flying schools: Take up being a flight instructor to train budding pilots
- Defence aviation: Enlist with the Air Force or other defense services as a fighter or transport pilot
Conclusion
Piloting as a career is a possible profession after 12th standard with proper planning, hard work, and determination. Meeting the necessary education and medical requirements is the first step, followed by selecting the proper training course, enduring rigorous training, and becoming a pilot.
For those looking to study an aviation course overseas, having experienced overseas education consultants like MSM Unify by their side can be of great assistance. MSM Unify is a platform powered by artificial intelligence that connects students across many campuses worldwide, giving personalized guidance in terms of university selection, availability of courses, visa process, and more.
Their experience can make your process easier, help you make the correct decisions, and get you well-prepared for the highs and lows awaiting you. It is possible with commitment and the right direction to make flight piloting your own success story.
FAQs
1. Can I become a pilot after 12th without science?
To become a pilot, you must have studied Physics and Mathematics in 12th grade. However, commerce and arts students can take additional exams in these subjects through open schooling to meet the eligibility criteria.
2. What is the cost of pilot training after 12th?
The cost of pilot training varies by institution and country. In India, commercial pilot training costs between ₹25–₹50 lakh, while private pilot training can cost around ₹10–₹20 lakh.
3. How many years does it take exactly for an individual to become a pilot?
Becoming a commercial pilot takes around 1.5 to 2 years, while a private pilot license (PPL) can be completed in 1 year. If joining the Air Force, the training takes 3 to 4 years.
4. Which entrance exams are required for pilot training?
Some popular pilot entrance exams include the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics Exam, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Test, and NDA Exam for Air Force pilots.
5. Can a female candidate become a pilot after 12th?
Yes, women can become pilots just like men. Several airlines and aviation organizations offer scholarships and training programs to encourage female candidates in the aviation industry.
