Education and Career Forum

Hi friends, I have a dream to become a Pilot. I am studying in 10th standard from Manipur Board. I want to fly the Aeroplane and I want to know how I can become a Pilot? And I also want to know how much a pilot earn?

To pursue Aviation as a career, you need to opt for science stream in 12th– Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry being compulsory subjects.

The admission to a pilot training course happens through a set entrance procedure that includes a written test, medical examination, and an interview. Please note a minimum of 50% is required in class 12th to join a flying school.
The minimum age to apply for Pilot License, are as follows:

Student Pilot License is 16 years
Private Pilot License is 17 years
Commercial Pilot License is 18 years


There are 2 ways through which you can pursue aviation as a career.
1)civil aviation (commercial pilot)

Here are the steps to become a civil pilot:

Step 1. Enroll in a Flying School and Pursue B.Sc. in Aviation
This admission procedure generally consists of the following:

Written Examination- The test encompasses general English, Maths, Physics and Reasoning (10+2 standard).

Pilot Aptitude Test- The test will assess your aptitude on Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft and Engine Knowledge

Personal Interview and DGCA Medical examination- The candidates succeeding in written examination and aptitude test will be required to take a medical assessment conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India.



Step 2. Obtain a Student Pilot License
To obtain a student pilot license, you would have to appear for an entrance examination. This consists of an Oral test and will be taken by the Chief Instructor at the School, or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) representative. This license allows you to get flying training and permits you to take off flights on gliders or small planes that are generally provided by approved flying clubs of the country.

By the time you complete your course, you should have completed a minimum of 250 flying hours, following which you can apply for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL).


2)Indian Defence Forces

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the first opportunity that you would get, to be a part of this esteemed institute and join the flying branch. Under this entry, the selected candidates are trained for a period of 3 years, at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. After the successful completion of the training, candidates are commissioned as a Permanent Commission Officer and posted as a Pilot at one of the Air Force Stations.

If you plan to join NDA, you will need to appear for, and qualify the NDA entrance examination.



NDA Admission Procedure
The admission procedure consists of the following:

Written Examination- The written examination has a maths based paper and a general ability test, which constitute the elements of English, Physics, Chemistry, Math, General Knowledge, History, Geography and Current Events.

SSB Interview- This consists of two stages:

Stage 1 – Officer Intelligence Rating Test and a Picture perception and discussion test.
Stage 2 – Only if you clear the first stage, you are qualified for the next stage. This stage comprises of psychological tests conducted by a psychologist, group tasks, and a personal interview.
Pilot Aptitude Test- You can take this test only once. If you don’t clear this in the first attempt, you are never eligible to appear for the flying branch again. This consists of written and machine tests to evaluate you on the basis of your ability to read instruments, control of your actions and mental strength.

Medical examination- You will be required to undergo a medical examination wherein your eyesight, height and weight will be examined. The minimum height required for an NDA aspirant is 152cms with correlated weight. Eye Vision Should be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia.



NDA Eligibility Criteria
If you are passionate to serve your country and be a part of the Indian defense forces, then you don’t have to wait until you are a graduate. NDA is the only entry that allows you to be the part of this esteemed institution right after you finish your higher secondary. The minimum age to apply is 16 ½ and the maximum age is 19 years.

Only Male candidates can apply for NDA. While applying for this entry you should have cleared 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. Students appearing in final year of their college are also eligible to apply.