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Scienceaviation

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.

Salary range
₹6–30 LPA
Job growth
medium
Work type
Field
Paths to entry
3 routes

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.

B.Tech / B.E. (Engineering route)
Science

After graduation, apply to AAI/DGCA/other ATC recruitment drives and complete mandatory ATC training and medical checks.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    JEE Main or JEE Advanced or BITSAT or MHT CET
  3. Degree
    B.Tech / B.E. (4 years) — Electronics/Computer/Instrumentation preferred
  4. Colleges
    IIT Madras · IIT Kharagpur · BITS Pilani
  5. Career
    Air Traffic Controller
B.Sc (Physics/Maths) / BCA (Science route)
Science

Graduates are eligible to sit for civilian ATC recruitment; strong maths/physics and communication skills help.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    B.Sc (Hons) Physics/Mathematics) or BCA (3 years)
  4. Colleges
    University of Delhi · St Stephens College Delhi · Christ University Bengaluru
  5. Career
    Air Traffic Controller
Diploma / Polytechnic → Lateral Engineering
Science

A diploma plus lateral degree can lead to engineering qualification; final recruitment still requires clearing ATC selection and medical tests.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    MHT CET
  3. Degree
    Diploma in Electronics/Aeronautical (3 years) with lateral entry to B.E. (if pursued)
  4. Colleges
    Government Polytechnic Mumbai · College of Engineering Pune
  5. Career
    Air Traffic Controller

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
JEE Main
NTA
Class 12 PCMVery HardJan & Apr
JEE Advanced
IIT (rotating)
JEE Main top 2.5LVery HardMay
BITSAT
BITS Pilani
Class 12 PCM, 75%+HardMay-Jun
MHT CET
Maharashtra State CET Cell
Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred)MediumApr-May
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

IIT Madras
IIT Madras
Central GovtChennai, Tamil Nadu
JEE Advanced + JoSAAIISER Aptitude Test
IIT Kharagpur
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
NIT Trichy
NIT Tiruchirappalli
Central GovtTiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
JEE Main + JoSAA
University of Delhi
St Stephens College Delhi
Christ University Bengaluru
Government Polytechnic Mumbai
College of Engineering Pune
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.