Can Commerce or Arts Students Become Pilots in India? (2025 Complete Guide)
“Can I become a pilot if I studied Commerce or Arts instead of Science?”
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely.
👨🎓 One of the Most Common Questions Among Aspiring Pilots
Every week, dozens of students and parents ask us:
“Can I become a pilot if I studied Commerce or Arts instead of Science?”
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely.
Many successful airline pilots in India and abroad started with Commerce or Arts backgrounds — the only difference is, they completed Physics and Mathematics later through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) to meet DGCA eligibility.
At Rian Air, we help such students bridge this academic gap and start their aviation careers smoothly.
🧭 DGCA Eligibility Requirement — The Only Academic Rule
According to DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations:
To apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India, you must have:
✅ 10+2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics
✅ From a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or NIOS)
That’s it. Your stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts — does not matter.
If you didn’t take Physics or Mathematics in school, you can complete them through NIOS, and DGCA treats it as a valid qualification.
📘 What is NIOS and How It Works
NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) is a Government of India-recognized board that allows students from any stream to complete subjects they missed earlier.
It’s equivalent to CBSE or any other national board.
Students can register, study from home, and take exams for Physics and Mathematics only.
At Rian Air, we guide students through:
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Subject enrollment in NIOS
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Study material & exam pattern
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Verification for DGCA documentation
Average timeline: 6–9 months to complete both subjects.
🧠 Why This Pathway Works
Thousands of Commerce and Arts students have successfully become pilots by completing this step.
DGCA’s concern isn’t your past stream — it’s whether you understand Physics and Math fundamentals for safe flying.
Once you clear NIOS, you can:
➡️ Start DGCA Ground Training at Rian Air
➡️ Apply for Class 2 medical
➡️ Begin CPL flight training pathway
🧩 Rian Air’s Support for Non-Science Students
Our admission counselors and academic mentors specialize in helping Commerce/Arts students transition smoothly into pilot training.
✅ What We Provide:
✔ Step-by-step NIOS enrollment assistance
✔ 20,000+ Question Learning Portal access
✔ DGCA Ground Training (Delhi & Kerala)
✔ Zero* Fee Ground Training for Aspiring Women Pilots (Limited Time)
✔ Gender-Neutral Scholarship Initiative (Merit-based, T&C apply)
✔ Mentorship till DGCA exam success
You’ll study DGCA subjects like:
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Air Navigation
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Meteorology
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Air Regulations
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Technical General
Our instructors make it easy, even for students new to technical concepts.
✈️ Real Success Stories
Several Rian Air students from non-science backgrounds are now flying internationally.
They began with NIOS completion, passed DGCA exams through our structured training, and pursued CPL in India or abroad (notably Tunisia and New Zealand).
“Your stream doesn’t decide your wings — your effort does.”
— Capt. Vikas Vikramdas Nair
📊 Step-by-Step Roadmap for Commerce/Arts Students
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register for NIOS (Physics & Math) | 1–2 months |
| 2 | Complete NIOS exams | 6–9 months |
| 3 | Undergo DGCA Class 2 Medical | Parallel |
| 4 | Start DGCA Ground Training (Rian Air) | During/after NIOS |
| 5 | Enroll for CPL (India or Abroad) | 12–18 months |
| 6 | Complete Type Rating & Airline Prep | After CPL |
💡 Why Choose Rian Air
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Structured Guidance for Non-Science backgrounds
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Delhi & Kerala Centers for DGCA training
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Exclusive Tunisia Pathway through Safe Flight Academy
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Zero* Fee Ground Training for Women (Limited Offer)
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Transparent, academic-first approach
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100% DGCA syllabus coverage
Rian Air believes in accessibility with accountability — helping students of every background reach the cockpit through the right mentorship.
❓ FAQs — Commerce/Arts Students in Aviation
Q: Can I become a pilot after Commerce without Science?
Yes — by completing Physics and Math via NIOS.
Q: Is NIOS accepted by DGCA and airlines?
Yes — it is officially recognized and accepted worldwide.
Q: How long does it take to become a pilot after 12th Commerce?
Usually 2–3 years (NIOS + DGCA + CPL + Type Rating).
Q: Is pilot training difficult for non-science students?
No — with proper training and mentorship, most of our students perform at par with Science background candidates.
Q: Can girls from Commerce background apply for scholarships?
Yes — eligible under Rian Air’s Zero* Fee Ground Training initiative (T&C apply).
📞 Take the First Step Toward the Cockpit
If you’ve completed your 12th in Commerce or Arts, your dream of flying is still 100% possible.
We’ll help you complete your eligibility, start DGCA ground training, and plan your CPL — step by step.
New Delhi – Dwarka Sector 7
Kerala – Thrissur Training Center
Need NIOS Assistance - Register Now
Rian Air – The Sky Is Ours®
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