Ultimate Guide to become Pilot in India

HOW TO BECOME PILOT IN INDIA

Before you begin, you must ensure you have passed class 12 with at least 55% in maths and physics individually.If you didn't have physics and maths in class 12, then you can give NIOS exam. This is mandatory.

If you graduated with any degree it ain't a problem, the method is still the same as long as you meet the previous criteria.

You must pass the higher secondary English tests too or a TOEFL certificate will do. You must have an Indian citizenship. Now let us begin

1. During the first four months of class 12, you have to apply for a DGCA class 2 medical certificate. Just visit Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Government of India’s website and they have a long list of doctors who are certified to issue that certificate. It usually takes a few months for the certificate to be issued, so you must apply for it well ahead.
2. After you get your class 2 medical certificate, you will get your PMR number with it. Go to the DGCA website again and download the form for class 1. Fill it, enter the PMR and fix the appointment. It is recommended you do your class 1 in an Air Force medical centre, but that also means standards will be higher.

WAY 1 - Traditional Method

1. You need to visit the websites of different flying schools in India and apply for a seat. A few of them will organize an entrance test where you will face a written round, an interview and the notorious pilot aptitude test. It will be a good idea to apply in as many flight schools as possible, provided their entrance exam schedules don’t clash. You must be prepared for science and maths related question from class 9 to 12, NCERT syllabus. Do brush-up your skills in English too. The pilot aptitude test will test your hand-eye coordination and multitasking skills, your need to have a flexible mind to make it in. Flight schools don’t just take in people with no knowledge about aviation, so do some research on planes, air crashes and basics of flight.
2. While applying in different flight schools, do ensure they are legit. The best way to do this is again DGCA’s website. They have a list of flight schools that are licensed and do check the validity of licenses, the safety record as well as fleet maintenance records. Although flight school doesn't matter at the time a job interview, it does while training.
3. You will undergo a year of training depending on the school. They will begin with theory, where you will learn about subjects necessary to fly commercially. These subjects includes air law, systems of planes, human factors, navigation and meteorology. You must pass the exam to move on to practicals. Although you might save some money by not joining the theory classes. Study by yourself and apply for DGCA computer number, which is actually your roll number for the test.
4. The flight school will give you the necessary 200 flight hours. To gain those you will start flying with an instructor and finally all alone in solo flights! You will learn single engine operations, night landings, instrument rating and move on to multi engine planes. In the end you will get a Commercial Pilot License, but this is not the end of training, you have just reached the halfway mark.
5. After getting your CPL, you need to apply for a job. Do not be picky. Look for airlines that hire freshers. They will organize an entrance test where your theoretical and practical aviation knowledge will be tested. If you pass it congratulations, you are cleared for phase 2 of training.
6. As I said, CPL is just the halfway point. As soon as you get a job, your employer will send you for further training or should I say type rating. It will be self sponsored. During your CPL training you will be taught to fly small planes like a Cessna or twin engined Piper, but you need to fly big jets and that’s where type rating comes in. Type rating is training to fly a specific plane above 7 tons of take-off weight, training to fly an Airbus or Boeing( or any other plane). Is it necessary? Yes it is! Just compare the size and cockpit of a Cessna and Airbus! Cessna is like a toy plane compared to Airbus.

Few Best flying school in India 

1. IGRUA - Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademy
2. MP flying club
3. APFT, Hyderabad
4. Chimes aviation academy, MP
5. Govt. Aviation training institute
6. NFTI - National Flying Training Institute

Way - 2 Cadet Pilot Programme

1. You need to repeat the first two of the first method.
2. Indigo and Jet Airways have their cadet pilot programs. If you clear the entrance exam, they will give you a job contract instantly. They will make sure you get your training for a CPL and type rating. But it is more expensive than the conventional method.
3. Just visit the careers sections of Indigo’s and Jet Airways’ website. There you will get all necessary information regarding these programs.
4. You need to apply online and send them a demand draft for the test.
5. You need the same educational qualifications as the previous method. You need to be at least 17 years old during the time of entrance exam, but 18 at the time of commencement of training. 

Few of the Cadet Pilot Programme available-

1. Indigo Pilot Programme CAE (International pathway)
2. Indigo Pilot Programme L3 (International )
3. Indigo Pilot Programme FTA (International)
4. Indigo Pilot Programme Skyborne (International)

Way 3 - Through IAF

There are four ways through which candidates can become an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot. National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services Exam (CDSE), NCC entry and Short Service Commission Entry (SSC) are the courses that are the only path to get into IAF as a Flying Officer. While the three ways are considered to be permanent commission, the last one is a temporary one. For more information check out Become Indian Airforce Pilot. Then you can take voluntary retirement after 10 yrs of service and join an airline

 Few important facts you must know

1. You must have at least Rs.60 Lakh for training. You will not reach that point, but it is always better to have more than to have less. CPL is Rs.30 to 45 Lakh and type rating is $40,000. .
2. You don’t need a degree. Airlines in India don't ask for any. The job is pretty much secure. It works on contract and bond basis. The problem with degree is you lose time and money for something you don't need. In the industry time and money are crucial. However if you joined a course already, don't leave. It gives the interviewers a bad impression about you.
3. Job security is not a matter of concern. If you lose your job in one airline you will be hired in another even before you know it. That is what happened to Kingfisher pilots. But let's go back to initial phases, job hunting. Unless you are an introvert and a complete idiot in studies, you will get a job. No offense about the last line.
4. Regarding aiming big, you can't. Many people ask me about Emirates or Lufthansa or Qatar Airways. The thing is they don't hire freshers. Citizenship and language is a barrier in some airliners. If the airline comes with a great reputation and a great salary, you aren't the only one after it. Seasoned pilots have failed to make it in. No hope for freshers as you don't meet their requirements.
5. Finance. Scholarships are a rare thing. 45% on the loan is a good idea. If you don't have the money take a loan, sell land or ask relatives for help in terms of a legal written deed.
6. Don't ask me or quora about your medical condition. There is a reason why tests exist. They will evaluate and treat you. Don't be afraid of failure and stay away from the doctor.
7. Glasses and myopia is not a problem. If you undergo laser surgery you need to wait 6 months before you can apply for a medical certificate or entrance test. It is the cool-off period suggested by DGCA
8. If you already passed class 12 and don't yet have a medical certificate yet, apply for it. By the time it is issued study for the theory tests.
9. You have a chance until you enter your 30s. After that, it is better to give up. The maximum age of recruitment for a fresher is 35 years.
10. No airlines sponsor any part of training nor do they cut the amount from salary. Humans are an unreliable asset to invest on. The bitter truth is the guy next to you can pay and he can clear the test, so there is no reason to help you.

This is How to become a commercial pilot in India. Spread the awareness with your friends and let your spirit high to fly.
You can also check out the salary of airline pilot on the basis of various aircraft