How to Become a Pilot in India ; Complete 2026 Guide
Becoming a pilot is one of the most respected and rewarding careers in India. With airlines expanding and new airports opening across the country, pilot demand is rising rapidly. India will require 36,000+ new pilots in the next decade. If you dream of flying for an airline, this guide will show you the exact steps to start your journey — simplified and structured.
As a pilot training expert, I’ve helped hundreds of students take off into aviation careers. Here is the correct path for becoming a pilot in India in 2025.
✅ Step 1: Complete 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics
Educational Requirement:
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Class 12th with Physics + Math (any board)
👉 If you are Commerce / Arts background:
You can still become a pilot by completing NIOS Physics & Math.
➡️ Rian Air helps students complete this eligibility smoothly.
Age Requirement:
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Minimum 17 years to start CPL
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You can start DGCA coaching even earlier
✅ Step 2: Get DGCA Medical Certificates
Mandatory for all commercial pilots:
| Medical Type | When You Need It |
|---|---|
| Class II | Before starting ground training |
| Class I | Before joining flight training |
🔹 Rian Air connects you to DGCA-approved medical examiners in India.
✅ Step 3: Join DGCA Ground Training
Before or during flight training, you must clear DGCA subjects:
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Air Regulations
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Meteorology
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Navigation
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Technical General
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Technical Specific
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RTR(A)
✅ Rian Air offers:
✔ Digital smart classrooms
✔ Advanced simulators (Delhi)
✔ 20,000+ question bank & mock tests
✔ 24×7 physical pilot library access
A strong ground foundation = Fast CPL progress.
✅ Step 4: CPL Flight Training (India or Abroad)
Choose a DGCA-compliant flight school:
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Tunisia — Efficient pathway (Rian Air exclusive partnership)
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New Zealand
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India (with Redbird Aviation)
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USA / Canada
✅ Rian Air assists with:
✔ Enrolment
✔ Visa paperwork
✔ Travel & accommodation help
✔ Regular performance tracking
🛫 Start in India → Fly abroad → Return airline-ready
✅ Step 5: DGCA License Conversion (If trained abroad)
After earning foreign CPL:
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Convert license to DGCA CPL
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Clear conversion exams
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Submit paperwork & validations
✅ We support the entire conversion process
→ No delays. No confusion.
✅ Step 6: Type Rating & Airline Preparation
Type Rating qualifies you to fly:
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Airbus A320
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Boeing 737
This is the final step before airline job applications.
✅ We provide:
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Airline interview preparation
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Simulator preparation support
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Full mentorship from cadet to cockpit
🎯 Timeline — How Long It Takes
18–24 months total
(depending on country + weather + aircraft availability)
💰 Investment — CPL Cost in India
Expected investment:
➡️ ₹45–75 Lakhs total (depending on pathway)
Rian Air provides:
✔ Transparent counselling
✔ Smart budget planning
✔ Country comparison options
📌 No compromises on safety or training quality.
✅ Why Choose Rian Air
🏅 Dedicated Pilot Training Centers — Delhi & Kerala
🏅 State-of-the-art simulators
🏅 India’s first 24×7 pilot library*
🏅 Exclusive international partnerships
🏅 Complete guidance till airline job
🏅 DGCA-aligned exam support
*T&C apply
We are not just a training academy — we are your aviation partner.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can commerce students become pilots?
Yes — by completing Physics & Math via NIOS.
Q: Can girls become pilots in India?
Absolutely — India leads the world in women pilots.
Q: Is pilot training safe?
Yes — flight schools follow strict aviation safety regulations.
Q: What is the salary of a pilot?
Airline pilots enjoy one of the highest-paid careers in India.
📞 Ready to Start Your Pilot Journey?
Speak directly with our aviation experts:
New Delhi – Dwarka Sector 7
Kerala – Thrissur Training Center
Rian Air – The Sky Is Ours®
DGCA Ground Training | Global CPL Pathways | Airline Mentorship
