How to Become a Pilot in India ?

Before 2010, there was no guidance or expert to tell us how to proceed with our pilot training and become commercial pilots. Misinformation, miscommunication, and confusion abounded.
However, because there are so many pilot training learning resources available, we can now deduce the true process from various platforms.
Simply follow the steps outlined in this article in the order listed to become a pilot in India. As soon as you finish reading this article, you should be able to obtain your commercial pilot’s licence.
There is a lot of misinformation about pilot training out there, and we don’t want you to be a victim of it.
This article is for qualified aspiring pilots who are determined to get their pilot’s licence. We must first complete the following steps before we can begin your pilot training in India:
Step 1: Determine whether you are eligible for the pilot programme:
- Candidates must have completed Science 12th grade (Physics and Math).
- CPL has a minimum age limit of 17 years and a maximum age limit of 60 to 65 years.
- To be eligible for a Commercial Pilot License, a candidate must have a minimum aggregate of 50%.
- To be eligible for a Student Pilot License, a candidate must pass a class 2 medical exam (SPL).
What if you weren’t a physics or math major in high school? A commercial pilot’s licence is not difficult to obtain. Check to see if any of your other classes are equivalent to 10+2. If it does not include physics or mathematics, you can take exams and obtain NIOS equivalent certificates.
Step 2: Get your DGCA Class 2 medical certificate to start your pilot career:
The DGCA has issued medical certificates to pilots. Are you a licenced pilot? You’ve finished your trial flight and decided you want to learn to fly. The next step is to obtain your medical certificate, whether you intend to be a private or commercial pilot.
So, before we get started, let’s review your medical history. Because becoming a pilot requires a substantial financial investment. As a result, we advise aspiring pilots to complete their medical requirements before enrolling in DGCA ground classes.
The exam is one day long and will require one or two visits to the DGCA medical examiner; the total time should not exceed 48 hours of your active time.
Contact the DGCA medical examiner as soon as you begin planning your flight to arrange for the recommended tests to be performed by a NABL certified pathological lab. If everything is in order and the reports are submitted to your DGCA medical examiner, you will be assigned a DGCA PMR file number and should be able to obtain your DGCA class 2 medical assessment.
Step 3: DGCA Pilot Ground School:
After finishing your 12th grade physics and math classes, as well as your medical, you can start studying for the DGCA exams. When you finish your 12th, you are in the zone of studying and are more disciplined than usual; don’t lose that momentum; instead, channel it immediately into studying for the DGCA exams, and you will perform well and complete one of the most important parts of pilot training.
Step 4: You must pass the DGCA Class 1 Medical Exam before beginning pilot training.
After passing class 2 medical, you can apply for class 1 medical with Egca; the process has sped up significantly, so take advantage of it. For commercial pilot training, a class 2 medical is valid for two years, so you can apply for a class 1 medical only after you have cleared your class 2 medical. A dgca class 2 or class 1 medical requires the pilot to be physically fit in accordance with the dgca civil aviation pilot standards.
You may be wondering what happens if a medical exam is unsuccessful. As a result, you should only consider becoming a pilot if you are physically fit to the best of your abilities. This is why we advise you to get a medical before beginning your flying career.
If you have a known medical condition that could jeopardise your pilot career, do not enrol in a pilot course. For those who do not have the required level of fitness, there are many other aviation career options, and we believe that if you put in enough hard work and give your all to any career, you will succeed.
There are a few pilot training institutes that provide more assurance to aspiring pilot students that they can begin preparing for dgca exams even if they do not yet have medical. Because tuition is refunded if a student is found to be medically unfit for life while attending this institute. Prospective pilots have nothing to lose by not having to wait months for medical exams, and they will have more time on their hands.
Step 5: Obtain a DGCA computer number in order to take pilot exams:
Keep in mind as you study for your DGCA exam that you will need a computer number to become a pilot in India. Many aspiring pilots are unaware of what this is, and of those who are aware, only a few have applied for it, with even fewer having it issued. So, what is the computer ID associated with the pilot training programme?
A DGCA exam registration number is similar to a serial number on a computer. When you go to a bank to open an account, the bank employee gives you an account number that you keep for the rest of your life; the same is true for the dgca computer number. It is also your DGCA roll number, which you will require if you wish to fly for a company. You can only apply for DGCA exams after receiving a computer number from the DGCA.
It is critical to remember that you must be familiar with all procedures. Because the DGCA does not overlook mistakes in this application, a computer number application is very likely to be rejected, so seek advice from someone who has done it successfully or seek assistance from an expert.
You will need your 12th certificate and mark sheet, as well as a physics and math board verification certificate, to apply for the CPL category (BVC). If you have not yet received your 12th grade results, you will have to wait for the computer number application.
Some people believe that they cannot apply for a computer number unless they have dgca medical. Yes, that is the correct answer. You can apply for a DGCA computer number before getting your medical because the computer number is for DGCA exams and the DGCA PMR file number is for DGCA medical. These two enrollment numbers are distinct and will not change during your pilot career.
Step 6: Apply for DGCA Commercial Pilot Exams:
Registration for the DGCA Exam You can apply for dgca exams once you have a computer number. If you want to fly abroad, you must first pass the three subjects listed below:
Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, and Air Regulations
Those looking for work in India’s aviation industry must also pass two additional exams.
General Technical Information and Technical Specification
These exams have a 70% pass rate, and the knowledge you gain will be useful throughout your pilot career. In contrast to traditional high school and college exam preparation, some students pass the exam and then forget about it.
If you want to be a pilot, this knowledge will be tested in airline recruitment exams. To avoid forgetting, plan ahead of time.
If all of this seems overwhelming, you can simply enrol in DGCA ground classes, which guide students through the process and assist them in computer number applications for those who want to join India’s best online on-demand ground class for dgca exams.
Many aspiring pilots pass their DGCA exams the first time they take them. They give you the knowledge and resources you need to be a successful pilot.
So, how should you spend your first 90 to 120 days on the job? You should have completed your DGCA exams and medical, whether from India or abroad, during this time. It is strongly advised that you complete your medicals prior to beginning flight training.
Step 7: To obtain your commercial pilot licence, enrol in a commercial pilot training programme.
Enrolling in a flying school is the next step in becoming a pilot. Flight training is available in India as well as at any flight school around the world. Before beginning your flight training, do some research on flying schools, such as:
- The training completion quality deadline
- All instances of flying in a congested area
- The cost of training in the aviation industry is high.
- Instructors are accommodated by aviation infrastructure.
As a result, you should be able to complete your training in less than a year if you study and enrol in flight school. This training will include the following components:
- Getting your private or student pilot’s licence.
- Obtaining a rating for an instrument and completing 100 hours of solo practise.
- Obtaining a commercial pilot licence.
If everything goes as planned, your total flight time will be around 200 hours. If you can’t afford to learn to fly in another country, there are many excellent flight schools in India where you can learn to fly for a commercial airline.
Choosing a flight school in India is also a good idea because the Indian aviation industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. The DGCA approves all flight schools in India as soon as they open for business. If the prospective pilot student has passed his or her DGCA exams prior to enrolling in a flight school in India or elsewhere, flight training in India typically lasts 15 to 18 months.
Flight training is without a doubt one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences that pirates have during their pilot training. They will remember this for the rest of their lives. After successfully completing the DGCA-required flight training. You’re nearly finished with your DGCA commercial pilot licence.
Step 8: Submit an RTR(A) licence application.
A pilot’s radio communication All radio frequencies and radio equipment on board an aircraft are in charge of and operated by an RTR(A) licensee. A DGCA licence is required for an aviation enthusiast to work professionally as a commercial pilot or flight dispatcher in India.
To become a commercial pilot in India, you must pass the Radio Telephony Restricted Aero or RTR Exam. The exam, which is divided into two parts, is administered by a joint team of the Wireless Planning Commission (WPC) and the DGCA India. The first section is a practical evaluation of your communication abilities. Direct interviews with WPC and DGCA officials are included in the second section.
Only if you complete both sections in one sitting will you pass the exam. Part 2 is only available to those who have completed Part 1. Part 1 exam results are available almost immediately, while Part 2 exam results are available 2-3 weeks later.
Those flying from a Commonwealth country are exempt from taking the RTR exam in India in order to obtain a DGCA commercial pilot licence (CPL). Those seeking employment in aviation in India must first pass the RTR exam.
Step 9: Apply to the DGCA for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
After completing the preceding steps, the documents can be submitted to the DGCA for the issuance of a commercial pilot licence. If you meet the DGCA requirements, you will be issued a commercial pilot licence. (CPL)
Obtaining a dgca CPL is not the last step, but it is required. This is an important step.
By preparing, you can keep your momentum in your pursuit of that airline cockpit seat. To realise your dream of becoming an airline pilot. When opportunities for airline recruitment arise, you must seize them with both hands. commercial pilot certificate
You must be aware of your pilot training while reading this article; having this information is critical. On the other hand, considering everything at once can be overwhelming. So don’t be concerned; instead, concentrate on the step-by-step procedure.
Because the baby step method has proven to be effective. If you keep moving in the right direction, you’ll get there. We have no doubt that you will one day fly on a commercial airliner.
Best of luck with your landings!