How to become a pilot in India: Step-by-step Guide after 12th ?

Becoming a pilot is a dream career for many students after 12th grade. It’s adventurous, prestigious, and well-paying, but it also requires dedication, discipline, and investment. If you’re an aspiring aviator, here’s your ultimate step-by-step guide to becoming a commercial pilot in India.

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Step 1: Choose the Right Stream in 11th and 12th

To become a commercial pilot in India, you must complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board), although this criteria will be changing soon. If you didn’t take these subjects, you can complete them through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) as well.

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Step 2: Get a Class 2 Medical Examination

Before investing in training, ensure you’re medically fit to become a pilot. Your first step is to:

    •    Undergo Class 2 DGCA medical with an approved DGCA doctor.

    •    If cleared, you’ll receive a file number—which is required for further steps.

    •    Later, you’ll need to get a Class 1 Medical, which is mandatory for commercial flying.

Tip: Start your medicals early, as delays in reports or appointments can slow down your journey.

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Step 3: Apply for a Computer Number

You must obtain a Computer Number from DGCA, which acts like your ID for all pilot exams.

    •    Required documents include: 10th and 12th marksheets, passport, medical certificate, and passport-size photos.

    •    The process is done through the Pariksha DGCA portal.

    •    Apply only once, and ensure your name matches across all documents.

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Step 4: Enroll in Ground School (CPL Theory Classes)

Before flying, you need to study the theory behind aviation. Ground school prepares you for DGCA exams and includes subjects such as:

    •    Air Navigation

    •    Aviation Meteorology

    •    Air Regulations

    •    Technical General & Specific (for the aircraft you’ll fly)

You can do this online or offline, but online ground school is becoming popular due to flexibility and affordability.

At our academy, we offer high-quality online ground classes so you can prepare from anywhere and at your own pace.

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Step 5: Pass DGCA CPL Exams

After ground school, you need to pass DGCA’s theoretical exams. These are:

    1.    Air Navigation

    2.    Meteorology

    3.    Air Regulations

    4.    Technical General

    5.    Technical Specific (Based on aircraft type)

    6.    RTR(A) – Radio Telephony Exam (Conducted by WPC)

Passing these exams shows you’re ready to begin flying. Or you can fly and alongside clear your exams , if your flying duration is around one year.

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Step 6: Start Flying Training

Choose a flying school approved by DGCA in India or abroad.

    •    You need to complete 200 hours of flying (Single-engine + Multi-engine).

    •    Duration: 12–18 months (may vary)

    •    Cost: ₹40–50 lakhs (in India)

During training, you’ll log hours, fly solo, and gain the experience required to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

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Step 7: Get Your Class 1 Medical Certificate

Before completing your CPL, you must have a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate from DGCA-approved centers. It’s more detailed than Class 2 and tests your:

    •    Vision

    •    Hearing

    •    ECG, Chest X-ray

    •    Blood/urine tests

    •    Overall physical health

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Step 8: Apply for CPL (Commercial Pilot License)

Once you’ve passed the exams and completed 200 hours of flying, you can apply for your CPL through DGCA.

You’ll need:

    •    All exam passing certificates

    •    Flying logbook

    •    Medicals

    •    RTR(A) license

    •    Valid passport and ID

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Step 9: Type Rating & Airline Preparation (Optional but Essential)

To fly big jets (like Airbus A320 or Boeing 737), you’ll need type rating—a 2–3 month course that costs ₹20–25 lakhs.

Some also opt for airline preparation classes to clear airline exams, interviews, and simulator tests.

Our academy also offers ATPL theory and airline prep programs for CPL holders.

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Bonus Tip: Start Early with Integrated Ground School During 12th

Just like students prepare for JEE or NEET during 11th-12th, you can start aviation ground school early. This helps you:

    •    Be exam-ready right after school

    •    Apply for your computer number and medicals sooner

    •    Save time and reach flying stage faster

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Final Thoughts

Becoming a pilot is not just about flying—it’s about preparation, discipline, and smart decisions. Starting early, getting proper guidance, and choosing the right academy can make your journey smooth and successful.

At 19 East Aviation Centre, we help aspiring pilots every step of the way—from computer number, demo classes, and DGCA exams to airline prep and beyond.