Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) coordinate and monitor aircraft to ensure safe takeoffs, landings and en-route traffic across Indian airspace. Typical entry is after a science undergraduate or engineering degree followed by recruitment and specialized ATC training and medical/psychometric assessments in India.
Actions for your grade
- Choose Science stream (Physics & Maths) for higher secondary
- Practice basic navigation and geography concepts
- Begin timed concentration and multitasking activities
Your complete path from Grade 10 to Air Traffic Controller
Every step you need — from now to your first job.
After graduation, apply to AAI/DGCA/other ATC recruitment drives and complete mandatory ATC training and medical checks.
- NowScience Stream
- ExamsJEE Main or JEE Advanced or BITSAT or MHT CET
- DegreeB.Tech / B.E. (4 years) — Electronics/Computer/Instrumentation preferred
- CollegesIIT Madras · IIT Kharagpur · BITS Pilani
- CareerAir Traffic Controller
Graduates are eligible to sit for civilian ATC recruitment; strong maths/physics and communication skills help.
- NowScience Stream
- ExamsCUET UG
- DegreeB.Sc (Hons) Physics/Mathematics) or BCA (3 years)
- CollegesUniversity of Delhi · St Stephens College Delhi · Christ University Bengaluru
- CareerAir Traffic Controller
A diploma plus lateral degree can lead to engineering qualification; final recruitment still requires clearing ATC selection and medical tests.
- NowScience Stream
- ExamsMHT CET
- DegreeDiploma in Electronics/Aeronautical (3 years) with lateral entry to B.E. (if pursued)
- CollegesGovernment Polytechnic Mumbai · College of Engineering Pune
- CareerAir Traffic Controller
Entrance exams
| Exam | Eligibility | Difficulty | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
JEE Main NTA | Class 12 PCM | Very Hard | Jan & Apr |
JEE Advanced IIT (rotating) | JEE Main top 2.5L | Very Hard | May |
BITSAT BITS Pilani | Class 12 PCM, 75%+ | Hard | May-Jun |
MHT CET Maharashtra State CET Cell | Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred) | Medium | Apr-May |
CUET UG NTA | Class 12 (any stream) | Medium | May-Jun |
Where to Study
Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.