HOW TO BECOME A PILOT

19-YO Commercial Pilot Shares How to Start a Career in Aviation in India

Think becoming a pilot is only for the privileged few? Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide: from subjects in school and DGCA exams to flying hours, aviation schools, and costs, featuring expert insights from India’s youngest commercial pilot, Samaira Hullur.

Most of us think becoming a pilot demands deep pockets, years of study, or connections in the aviation world. But what if we told you that with the right roadmap, hard work, and unwavering passion, you could wear those coveted stripes too?

At just 19, Samaira Hullur from Karnataka became the youngest Indian to receive a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). She didn’t come from an aviation background, nor did she follow a fancy cadet programme. Instead, she charted her course with sheer dedication, a supportive family, and relentless effort.

Inspired by her story and others like hers, here’s a complete guide to becoming a commercial pilot in India, demystifying the process, sharing cost breakdowns, listing schools and offering expert insights along the way.

1. Start from school – what you need in 10+2

To qualify for flight training, you must complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). Most flying schools expect a minimum of 50 per cent marks in PCM and around 40 to 50 per cent overall.

If you’re already done with school but didn’t have PCM, don’t worry, you can appear for NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or take bridge courses to meet eligibility.

2. Clear your DGCA ground exams

After your Class 12, the next big milestone is joining a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO) for ground school. Here, you’ll need to pass six theory papers:

Air regulations

Aviation meteorology

Air navigation

Technical general

Technical specific

Radio telephony (cleared separately via Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC)

Samaira passed all her ground exams in one go, waiting only to turn 18 to qualify for the radio exam. “Most people need more than one attempt, but I had enough time during COVID to prepare,” she shared.

These exams require a minimum of 70 per cent marks, and many students take six to 12 months to clear them.

3. Clock in 200 Hours of Flying

To qualify for the CPL, every aspiring pilot must complete at least 200 flying hours, including:

Dual and solo flights

Cross-country flying

Instrument flying

Night flying

Samaira flew her first solo at just 28 hours, much earlier than the average of 36 hours. “When the instructor told me to go solo, I was nervous but excited. And I landed perfectly,” she recalled.

For the complete list, visit: DGCA’s list of approved FTOs

Cadet pilot programmes (with placement support)

Some leading airlines offer Cadet Pilot Programmes, ideal for those who prefer structured training with job placement. These include:

• IndiGo Cadet Programme (CAE, L3, Skyborne)
• Air India Cadet Programme (SpiceJet has similar variants)
• Go First Cadet Programme

These require an entrance exam, interview, and upfront investment of Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1.2 crore.

“If you’re passionate about becoming a pilot, give it your all. It’s not easy, but the rewards are sky-high,” says Samaira, who is now eyeing international training to fly bigger jets