How to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce - Step By Step Guide

How to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce - Step By Step Guide

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on May 02, 2025 10:03 PM IST

The aviation sector is one of the most alluring and rewarding careers for young people passionate about flying. A pilot, responsible for controlling and navigating airplanes and helicopters, plays a crucial role in this field. In recent years, a career as a Pilot has emerged as a significant career opportunity for commerce students after 12th. 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.

This Story also Contains
  1. How To Become A Pilot After 12th Commerce?
  2. Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce
  3. Career Opportunities and Salary
  4. Top Employers in India
How to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce - Step By Step Guide
How to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce - Step By Step Guide

How To Become A Pilot After 12th Commerce?

Traditionally, 10+2 with a Science stream is a mandatory requirement to pursue a career as a pilot. Commerce students need to fulfil these eligibility criteria through an alternative route, which can be open schooling.

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce

Here is a detailed guide to solve your query on how to become pilot with commerce stream. Let’s begin.

Step 1: Fulfill the Eligibility Criteria via NIOS

Commerce students should meet the eligibility criteria of science stream requirement (Physics and Mathematics) to join a flying school. 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.

  • Enroll in NIOS and choose Physics and Mathematics as core subjects.

  • Complete the 10+2 science stream equivalent qualification.

  • This qualification should be government-recognized and accepted by most flight schools.

Step 2: Enroll in a Flying School for CPL Training

The next step in exploring how a commerce student become a pilot is enrolling in a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training program. To qualify for this, candidates must clear the following:

  • An entrance exam (varies by institute)

  • A personal interview

  • A Class 1 Medical Examination by DGCA-approved doctors

The training course can cost approximately Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs, and it may be higher to pursue abroad.

Top CPL Training Institutes in India:

  • IGRUA, Uttar Pradesh

  • Capt. Gopi Aviation Academy, Maharashtra

  • GATI, Odisha

  • Flytech Aviation, Hyderabad

Step 3: Complete Required Flying Hours

To qualify for a CPL, you must complete a minimum 250 hours of flying time in order to obtain a license.

This includes:

  • 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.

Step 4: Obtain Your Pilot License

After completing the necessary flight hours and training, the next step in how a commerce student become a pilot includes:

  • Passing written and practical exams

  • Clearing a physical and medical test

Types of Licenses:

  • Private Pilot License (PPL)

  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFL)

These licences that validates 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.

Step 5: Clear Airline Selection and Training

Once the candidate gains the liscence, they can apply for various airlines. The majority of the airlines follows the hiring process, including:

  • 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, pilots go through further training and flight hours to get experienced as co-pilots. If you later intend to work for a major airline, obtaining prior experience with a regional airline firm is usually advantageous in the long run.

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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.

Career Opportunities and Salary

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.1.5 Lakh - 84 Lakhs on an annual basis.

(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)

Top Employers in India

  • Air India

  • IndiGo

  • AirAsia India

  • SpiceJet

  • Air Costa

Still wondering about how to become a pilot with commerce stream? With commitment and strong vision, commerce students can build a successful career in aviation. By gaining relevant qualifications and flying experience, you can kickstart your career as a pilot in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I become a pilot after studying commerce in class 12?

Yes, you can become a pilot after class 12 commerce by studying science at NIOS.

2. What are some of the top institutes in India that offer pilot training?

Some of the top institutes are: IGRUA- Uttar Pradesh, Carvar Aviation Academy- Maharashtra, GATI- Odisha, Flytech Aviation- Hyderabad, etc.

3. What is the fee for pilot training?

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.

4. How much can I earn after becoming a pilot?

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.

5. Who are the top recruiters of pilots in India?

The top employers are Air India, Air Asia, IndiGo, Air Costa, etc.

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