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 choices for young individuals passionate about flying. Traditionally, it was considered that only science stream students could pursue this career. However, is commerce student eligible for pilot training? Yes, the future of aviation is now open to students from commerce backgrounds as well.

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
5. Final Thoughts

If you are wondering, can a commerce student become a pilot without physics, or even can a commerce student become a fighter pilot, this article will guide you through the eligibility, training process, and career opportunities in aviation.

Can a Commerce Student Become A Pilot?

Yes, absolutely. A commerce student is eligible to pursue a career as a Pilot. Only students with a 10+2 qualification in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) were traditionally preferred for this profession. But now Commerce students can also fulfil these eligibility criteria through an alternative educational route.

So, can a commerce student become a pilot without physics? Not directly, but yes. Physics and mathematics are crucial and mandatory subjects for obtaining Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training. However, commerce students are still eligible by opting for these subjects, through open schooling programs, 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

To begin the Pilot training, Physics and Mathematics at the plus two levels are a mandatory requirement. Commerce students should meet this eligibility criterion 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.

This is the best solution for anyone asking, “Can a commerce student become a pilot without physics?”, as it provides a direct pathway to meet the eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Enrol in a Flying School for CPL Training

The next step in exploring “is commerce student eligible for 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

Here, the concern "is commerce student eligible for pilot training?" is addressed, as students who complete academic and medical requirements can move forward in their aviation career journey.

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, international or fighter pilot, your success 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.

So, can a commerce student become a fighter pilot? Technically yes. But this can be possible only if they pursue the required science subjects and clear the NDA Exam or similar military entry criteria that demand Physics and Maths at the Plus Two level.

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 explained 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 step in building your career as a pilot.

Step 6: Clear Airline Selection

After getting the CPL and Type Rating, you can apply to various airlines. The majority of the airlines follow the typical hiring process, including:

• Written exams

• Aptitude and psychological tests

• Simulator assessments

• Personal interviews

Candidates who are selected for employment often work as a cadet or junior first officer, and are later promoted to more senior roles. Pilots also go through further training to get experience as co-pilots and enhance their earning potential.

Also Read

• Pilot Courses After 12th - Eligibility & Top Institutes

• 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 is the top limit for pilots when talking about their financial benefits 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 to 15 years.

(Salary source: Ambitionbox)

On the other hand, in the Indian Air Force, if you qualify as a fighter pilot, the starting Basic pay for Level 10 is Rs 56,100 per month. This is only after meeting the IAF requirements of Physics and Mathematics as core subjects in 10+2. This answers the prominent doubt among aspirants, “How can a commerce student become a pilot without physics?”.

(Salary source: 7th Central Pay Commission)

Top Employers in India

• Air India

• IndiGo

• SpiceJet

• Akasa Air

Final Thoughts

Still wondering, is commerce student eligible for pilot or can a commerce student become a pilot without physics? The answer is, with strong vision, commitment and by following the eligibility requirements, 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.