Scienceaviation

Pilot (Commercial)

Commercial pilots operate passenger and cargo aircraft after earning a DGCA-approved Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). In India you can reach this career via direct flight training after 10+2 (PCM) or via a technical degree (aeronautical/aerospace engineering or BSc) followed by CPL training.

Salary range

₹6–70 LPA

Job growth

high

Work type

Field

Paths to entry

3 routes

Actions for your grade

Choose science stream with PCM for 11-12
Attend introductory aviation workshops or summer camps
Start basic fitness and eye-care habits (important for medical eligibility)

Actions for your grade

Choose science stream with PCM for 11-12
Attend introductory aviation workshops or summer camps
Start basic fitness and eye-care habits (important for medical eligibility)

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Pilot (Commercial)

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

Direct CPL (Flying School)

Science

Requires 10+2 with PCM, a DGCA Class I medical, and payment for flying hours; training cost can be high.

Now
Science Stream
Exams
—
Degree
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) - DGCA (approx 18–24 months of training plus flight hours)
Colleges
Igrua · Nfti · Indian Flying College
Career
Pilot (Commercial)

B.Tech (Aeronautical/Aerospace) + CPL

Science

Engineering provides strong technical backup and alternative career options in aviation.

Now
Science Stream
Exams
JEE Main or JEE Advanced or BITSAT or MHT CET
Degree
B.Tech in Aeronautical/Aerospace (4 years) then CPL training
Colleges
IIT Bombay · IIT Kanpur · IIT Madras
Career
Pilot (Commercial)

BSc (Physics/Math) + CPL

Science

University science route keeps options open for airline entry after completing CPL and required flight hours.

Now
Science Stream
Exams
CUET UG
Degree
BSc (Physics/Math) (3 years) then CPL training
Colleges
Delhi University · St Xaviers College Mumbai · Christ University Bangalore
Career
Pilot (Commercial)

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.

Igrua

Nfti

Indian Flying College

IIT Bombay

Central GovtMumbai, Maharashtra

JEE Advanced + JoSAA

IIT Kanpur

IIT Madras

Central GovtChennai, Tamil Nadu

JEE Advanced + JoSAAIISER Aptitude Test

BITS Pilani

Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan

BITSAT

Delhi University

St Xaviers College Mumbai

Christ University Bangalore

Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.