Becoming a pilot is a dream for many students, offering an exciting career, high salaries, and opportunities to travel the world. However, the biggest concern for aspiring pilots is the cost of pilot training after 12th.
Pilot training is expensive, but with the right knowledge about courses, fees, and scholarships, you can find the best pathway to become a commercial or private pilot.
This guide will cover the types of pilot courses after 12th, eligibility, fee structure, top aviation schools, and career opportunities to help students make informed decisions.
How to Become a Pilot After 12th?
To become a pilot in India, students must complete pilot training courses and obtain the necessary licenses from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
📌 Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot After 12th:
✔ Choose a Pilot Training Course (Commercial Pilot License, Private Pilot License, or BSc Aviation).
✔ Meet Eligibility Criteria (12th pass with Physics & Mathematics).
✔ Enroll in a DGCA-approved Flying School.
✔ Complete Ground School & Flight Training (150-200 flying hours).
✔ Pass DGCA Exams & Medical Tests.
✔ Obtain a Pilot License (CPL or PPL).
✔ Apply for Airline Jobs or Build Flying Hours.
Types of Pilot Courses After 12th
There are different pilot training programs, each with different costs, requirements, and career scopes.
1. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – For Airline Pilots
✔ Best for: Students who want to become commercial airline pilots (IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, etc.).
📌 Course Details:
✔ Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
✔ Eligibility: 12th pass with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math)
✔ Medical Requirement: DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate
✔ Total Flying Hours Required: Minimum 200 hours
📌 Fees for CPL Course in India:
| Flying School | CPL Fees (Approx.) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics | ₹35 - ₹40 Lakhs | Kerala |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Chandigarh | ₹35 - ₹45 Lakhs | Chandigarh |
| Indigo Cadet Pilot Program | ₹75 - ₹90 Lakhs | India & Abroad |
| Capt. Gopi Aviation Academy | ₹30 - ₹40 Lakhs | Bangalore |
| IGRUA (Government Flying School) | ₹45 - ₹50 Lakhs | Uttar Pradesh |
📌 Career Scope After CPL:
- Commercial Pilot (Airline Jobs)
- Cargo Pilot, Flight Instructor, Charter Pilot
- Salary: ₹10 LPA - ₹50 LPA (Depends on flying experience & airline)
2. Private Pilot License (PPL) – For Personal Flying
✔ Best for: Students who want to fly private planes or become recreational pilots.
📌 Course Details:
✔ Duration: 6 months to 1 year
✔ Eligibility: 12th pass with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math)
✔ Medical Requirement: DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate
✔ Total Flying Hours Required: Minimum 40 hours
📌 Fees for PPL Course in India:
| Flying School | PPL Fees (Approx.) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics | ₹8 - ₹12 Lakhs | Kerala |
| Bombay Flying Club | ₹10 - ₹15 Lakhs | Mumbai |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Chandigarh | ₹10 - ₹14 Lakhs | Chandigarh |
| Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI) | ₹9 - ₹12 Lakhs | Odisha |
📌 Career Scope After PPL:
- Private Jet Pilot, Flight Instructor
- Salary: ₹6 LPA - ₹12 LPA
3. BSc in Aviation – Degree in Pilot Training
✔ Best for: Students who want to combine academic qualifications with pilot training.
📌 Course Details:
✔ Duration: 3 Years
✔ Eligibility: 12th pass with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math)
✔ Entrance Exams: CUET, AME CET
✔ Medical Requirement: DGCA Class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate
📌 Fees for BSc in Aviation in India:
| University | Course Fees (Approx.) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics | ₹8 - ₹15 Lakhs | Kerala |
| Bombay Flying Club | ₹10 - ₹18 Lakhs | Mumbai |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Chandigarh | ₹12 - ₹20 Lakhs | Chandigarh |
| Indian Aerospace & Engineering | ₹8 - ₹12 Lakhs | Maharashtra |
📌 Career Scope After BSc in Aviation:
- Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, Air Traffic Controller
- Salary: ₹8 LPA - ₹25 LPA
Scholarships for Pilot Training in India
Pilot training is expensive, but students can apply for government and private scholarships.
📌 Best Scholarships for Pilot Courses:
✔ Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy Scholarship (For meritorious students)
✔ Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics Scholarships
✔ Air India Pilot Training Scholarships
✔ Cadet Pilot Program Financial Assistance
✔ Government Loan Schemes for Aviation Students
💡 Tip: Many students take education loans from SBI, HDFC, Axis Bank to fund pilot training.
Career Opportunities After Pilot Training
After completing pilot courses, students can work in:
✔ Commercial Airlines (Indigo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara)
✔ Private Jet Services & Charter Companies
✔ Cargo Airlines (FedEx, DHL, Blue Dart Aviation)
✔ Flight Schools (As Instructors)
Top Pilot Job Roles & Salaries
| Job Role | Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | ₹10 LPA - ₹50 LPA |
| Private Jet Pilot | ₹12 LPA - ₹40 LPA |
| Flight Instructor | ₹6 LPA - ₹15 LPA |
| Cargo Pilot | ₹15 LPA - ₹35 LPA |
FAQs About Pilot Courses After 12th Fees
1. What is the total cost to become a pilot in India?
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): ₹35 - ₹90 Lakhs
- Private Pilot License (PPL): ₹8 - ₹15 Lakhs
- BSc Aviation Degree: ₹8 - ₹20 Lakhs
2. Can I become a pilot for free in India?
- Government flying schools (like IGRUA) offer scholarships.
- Some airlines provide Cadet Pilot Programs with loans & sponsorships.
3. Which is the cheapest pilot course in India?
Private Pilot License (PPL) is the cheapest, costing ₹8 - ₹12 Lakhs.4. Can I get a government job as a pilot?
Yes, Indian Air Force (IAF) recruits pilots through NDA & AFCAT.Conclusion
Becoming a pilot after 12th requires significant financial investment, but with the right course, scholarships, and financial aid, students can achieve their aviation dreams. Whether you choose CPL, PPL, or BSc Aviation, pilot training offers high-paying career opportunities.
