A career as a pilot is one of the most alluring and rewarding careers for young people passionate about flying. In recent years, a career as a Pilot, traditionally considered a domain for science stream students, is now possible for commerce students after 12th as well. If you are wondering how to become a pilot after 12th commerce, this article can guide you through the eligibility, qualifications, and potential salary structure.
Yes, absolutely. Commerce students are eligible to pursue a pilot career. Traditionally, only students with a 10+2 qualification in Science were preferred for this profession. Now Commerce students can also fulfil these eligibility criteria through an alternative route, which can be through open schooling, such as NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling).
Let’s look at the detailed roadmap for how a commerce student can become a pilot:
Commerce students should meet the eligibility criteria of the science stream requirement (Physics and Mathematics) to apply for pilot training. This can be achieved through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or a distance education program. The majority of flying schools provide flexible "schooling" programs for those aspirants who have "non-science" educational backgrounds.
Enrol in NIOS and choose Physics and Mathematics as core subjects.
Complete the 10+2 science stream equivalent qualification.
This qualification should be government-recognised and accepted by most flight schools.
The next step in exploring how a commerce student became a pilot is enrolling in a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training program. Once you complete the necessary educational requirements, you can proceed to the next steps, which are:
Clear the Institute’s entrance exam and personal interview
Undergo a Class 1 Medical Examination by DGCA-approved medical practitioners
CPL Training Cost: The cost of getting a CPL in India from a reputed flying school can be around Rs 30 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs. This fee range can be higher abroad.
Top CPL Training Institutes in India:
IGRUA, Uttar Pradesh
National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), Gondia
Chimes Aviation Academy, Madhya Pradesh
Flytech Aviation, Hyderabad
To qualify for a CPL, you must complete a minimum of 200 hours of flying time based on the DGCA regulations. This training program is focused on building your skills and can include:
Solo flights
Cross-country flying
Instrument flying
Night flying
While formal schooling gives you a foundational understanding, you can hire a personal instructor or enlist in the military for exposure to gain in-depth knowledge and experience. Whether you are aiming to become a domestic or international pilot, how to become a pilot with commerce stream, significantly depends on developing practical flight experience.
After completing the necessary flight hours and passing all the theoretical exams, students will receive their license approved by the DGCA.
Types of Licenses:
Private Pilot License (PPL): You can fly recreationally but not for payment
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This is the main license that allows you to be employed and earn as a pilot
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): This is the highest level of license for a pilot. You are eligible to become a captain of a commercial airline with this license
These licences that validate a pilot’s qualification are issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India or by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in other countries. You can also obtain the license of a Flight Instructor Rating, through which you are allowed to teach other student pilots.
To get hired by airlines to fly their jets, you require a Type Rating. It can be defined as a certification to fly specific aircraft models that require a multi-person crew. A CPL does not qualify you to fly aircraft like Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737. Hence, obtaining a Type rating is an important aspect in building your career as a pilot.
Once the candidate gains the licence, they can apply for various airlines. The majority of the airlines follow the hiring process, including:
Written exams
Aptitude and psychological tests
Simulator assessments
Personal interviews
Many airlines demand that pilots take psychological and aptitude exams as a requirement for employment. After being hired, as a cadet or junior first officer, pilots go through further training to get experience as co-pilots.
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If you're still asking how to become a pilot after 12th commerce, the final step is to land a job in a popular and prestigious airline.
The sky's the limit for pilots while assessing their financial returns in terms of income. A pilot in India can earn an average salary of Rs. 1.85 Lakh - 1.92 Lakh every month. This is for pilots with experience levels between 0-15 years.
(Salary source: Ambitionbox)
On the other hand, if you decide to join the Indian Air Force, your starting Basic Pay for Level 10 is Rs 56,100 per month.
(Salary source: 7th Central Pay Commission)
Air India
IndiGo
SpiceJet
Akasa Air
Still wondering about how to become a pilot with a commerce stream? With commitment and a strong vision, commerce students can build a successful aviation career. By gaining relevant qualifications and flying experience, you can kickstart your career as a pilot in India.
Yes, you can become a pilot after class 12 commerce by studying science at NIOS.
Some of the top institutes are: IGRUA- Uttar Pradesh, Carvar Aviation Academy- Maharashtra, GATI- Odisha, Flytech Aviation- Hyderabad, etc.
The cost of a pilot training course can range from INR 15 to 20 lakhs, and it may go up if you want to study abroad.
Pilots can make a mind-blowing INR 1.5–2 lakh per month. On the other hand, if you decide to join the Indian Air Force, your annual compensation might be in the range of INR 5-8 lakh.
The top employers are Air India, Air Asia, IndiGo, Air Costa, etc.