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

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.

This Story also Contains

1. Can a Commerce Student Become A Pilot?
2. Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot After 12th Commerce
3. Career Opportunities and Salary
4. Top Employers in India

Can a Commerce Student Become A Pilot?

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).

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

Let’s look at the detailed roadmap for how a commerce student can become a pilot:

Step 1: Fulfil the Eligibility Criteria via NIOS

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.

Step 2: Enrol in a Flying School for CPL Training

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

Step 3: Complete Required Flying Hours

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.

Step 4: Obtain Your Pilot License

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.

Step 5: Obtain a Type Rating (Important Step for Airlines)

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.

Step 6: Clear Airline Selection

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.

Also Read|

• Pilot Courses After 12th - Eligibility & Top Institutes

• Airline Pilot - Career, Role, Education, Jobs & Salary

• Pilot Training Courses, Subjects, Colleges, Syllabus, Scope

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. 1.85 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)

Top Employers in India

• 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.