Pilot Entrance Exams in India

Students who have completed 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics becoming a pilot is one of the most exciting career choices in the world. Starting pilot training in India students need to clear some specific pilot entrance exams that provide admission into respected flying schools, defense academies or airline sponsored cadet programs etc. These tests do not only evaluate the academic knowledge of a student in Physics, Mathematics and English, but also his aptitude and ability in decision making which are critical in flying. Clearing the right entrance exam after 12th opens the pathway to pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or join the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot.

Pilot Entrance Exams After 12th

Becoming a pilot in India starts with choosing the right entrance exam. Whether you aim for commercial aviation, airline cadet programs or the Indian Air Force each exam opens a unique pathway. Here’s a quick comparison of the main pilot entrance exams in India for 12th pass students.The process of becoming a pilot in India begins with the selection of the entrance exam. Whether you aspire to enter commercial aviation, airline cadet programs or the Indian Air Force each exam is an exclusive gateway. Below is a quick comparison table with the major pilot entry exams in India among 12th pass students.

Pilot CET Exam

Pilot CET (Common Entrance Test) is a national level scholarship based entrance exam. It is specially designed for students who wish to pursue a career as a pilot in India or abroad. It provides admission opportunities into DGCA approved top flying schools and pilot training institutes across the country and abroad as well. One of the key benefits of Pilot CET is that it also offers scholarships based on students AIR which initially helps students to reduce the high cost of pilot training. Pilot CET evaluates students in subjects like Physics, Mathematics, English and aptitude to ensure they are well prepared for aviation training.

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IGRUA Entrance Exam

 Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) is the most prestigious government flying training institute in India and the conductor of IGRUA Entrance Exam. IGRUA was founded in 1985 and is under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. There is a high level of competition in obtaining admission to this academy and is conducted through the IGRUA entrance exam that examines the candidates on English, Physics, Mathematics, Reasoning and current affairs. Once the written exam is passed, shortlisted applicants are required to complete a pilot aptitude test, an interview round, and a Class 1 Medical Examination. Those who achieve successfully are enrolled in the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training program that prepares them to become professional airline pilots in India or in other countries.

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NDA Exam

NDA Exam (National Defence Academy Exam) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for students who have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It is among the highest-ranked exams in India among the individuals desiring to be the officers of the Army, Navy, or Air Force. To the students who aspire to be fighter pilots, the NDA Air Force wing is the gateway. Qualified candidates are trained in the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune) and are then sent to the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad, where they undergo specialized training of a pilot. Upon successful training the cadets are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.

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AFCAT Exam

Indian Air Force (IAF), conducts the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) to graduates who are interested in becoming Officers in Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). To would-be pilots, the AFCAT offers a gateway to the Flying Branch and, as such, is one of the most popular exam to aviation enthusiasts upon graduation. Compared to NDA (12th pass students), AFCAT is a graduate level course. Applicants successfully clearing AFCAT to the Flying Branch are then trained intensively at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad. Once they go through training they become Flying Officers and can become fighter pilots, transport pilots or helicopter pilots in the IAF.

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Cadet Pilot Program

(CPP) is an airline-sponsored training route that enables students to become airline pilots immediately after their training. In India, major airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet and AirAsia have their own Cadet Pilot Program Tests to hire students who will be trained in approved flying schools within India or overseas. CPP tests, in contrast to open pilot entrance exams, are airline-specific. After selection, a cadet will receive intensive Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training, and subsequently Type Rating on the type of airplane the airline flies (e.g. Airbus A320, Boeing 737). Upon successful completion of the program, the cadets are normally given an offer of employment as a Junior First Officer (Co-Pilot) with the sponsoring airline, provided there are vacancies.

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AME CET Exam

AME CET (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test) is a national level entrance test that provides admission to a variety of aviation training programs in India like Pilot, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and BBA in Aviation. It is among the most favored exams among students who wish to pursue a career in aviation industry immediately they have completed 12th standard. The greatest benefits of AME CET are that it offers scholarships up to 100 on behalf of students AIR. Students also have an opportunity to get admission in DGCA-approved pilot training schools and other well-known aviation colleges in India through AME CET.

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Why Pilot Entrance Exams are Important:

• Assess Academic Knowledge – Tests Physics, Mathematics and English to ensure students have the required technical base.
•  Check Aptitude & Reasoning Skills – Measures logical thinking, quick calculations, and problem-solving ability.
•  Evaluate Decision-Making – Pilots need to take fast and correct decisions under pressure; exams filter candidates with this potential.
•  Test Communication Skills – English proficiency is crucial for global aviation communication.
•  Identify Passion & Discipline – Clearing the exam shows commitment and seriousness toward the pilot career.
•  Ensure Safety Orientation – By selecting capable candidates, the exams maintain high safety standards in aviation.

Pilot entrance exams are the first step toward a rewarding aviation career. They not only test academic knowledge but also filter students for aptitude, decision-making and communication skills ensuring only the most capable students move ahead. With the right preparation and determination, clearing these exams can open pathways to become a commercial pilot, airline cadet or fighter pilot turning the dream of flying into reality.