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Student LoginBefore you start your journey, you need to know the complete eligibility criteria for pilot training in India. These requirements cover age, education, medical fitness and the number of flying hours which differ based on the license. Choosing the right license will depend on your career goals for example SPL (Student Pilot License) for beginners, PPL (Private Pilot License) for hobby flying, CPL (Commercial Pilot License) for commercial flying and ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) for airline captains.
Knowing the correct criteria for becoming a pilot and the exact eligibility to become a pilot is very important toward the future your aviation career. Pilot eligibility for female candidates is the same as for males & once you meet the basic pilot training eligibility then you can move ahead with confidence and plan for your dream profession. Understanding these requirements early helps you save time, money, and effort during your pilot journey.
Quick Overview: Pilot Training Eligibility
| License | Sub-License Type | Minimum Age | Education | Medical | Flying Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPL | SPL (A) – Aeroplane | 16 yrs | 10th Pass | Class 2 | Nil |
| SPL (H) – Helicopter | 16 yrs | 10th Pass | Class 2 | Nil | |
| PPL | PPL (A) – Aeroplane | 17 yrs | 10th Pass | Class 2 | 40 hrs |
| PPL (H) – Helicopter | 17 yrs | 10th Pass | Class 2 | 40 hrs | |
| CPL | CPL (A) – Aeroplane | 18 yrs | 12th PCM | Class 1 | 200 hrs |
| CHPL – Helicopter | 18 yrs | 12th PCM | Class 1 | 150 hrs | |
| ATPL | ATPL (A) – Aeroplane | 21 yrs | 12th PCM | Class 1 | 1500 hrs |
| ATPL (H) – Helicopter | 21 yrs | 12th PCM | Class 1 | 1000 hrs |
Eligible for Pilot in India (SPL, PPL, CPL & ATPL)
-
SPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter):
- Must have passed Class 10th from a recognized board.
-
PPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter):
- Must have passed Class 10th from a recognized board.
-
CPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter)
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) with a recognized board or equivalent polytechnic diploma.
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ATPL (Aeroplane & Helicopter)
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) with a recognized board or equivalent polytechnic diploma.
If you want to be a pilot but chose a different stream in school you can still achieve your dream. You just need to clear Physics and Mathematics later through NIOS or an equivalent board to meet DGCA’s eligibility criteria.
2. Minimum Flying Hours eligibility
To be eligible for Pilot profession, you must complete specific flying hours based on your chosen license—SPL, PPL, CPL, or ATPL. These hours vary by license type and include solo, cross-country, and instrument flying. Below is given complete detail related to the flying hours required:
SPL (Student Pilot License)
| Details | SPL (A) – Aeroplane | SPL (H) – Helicopter |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying Hours | No minimum required | No minimum required |
| Requirement | Basic ground training + medical clearance | Basic ground training + medical clearance |
PPL (Private Pilot License)
| Details | PPL (A) – Aeroplane | PPL (H) – Helicopter |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying Hours | 40 hours | 40 hours |
| Solo Flying | 20 hours | 15 hours |
| Dual Flying | 10 hours | 10 hours |
CPL (Commercial Pilot License)
| Details | CPL (A) – Aeroplane | CHPL – Helicopter |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying Hours | 200 hours | 150 hours |
| Pilot-in-Command (PIC) | 100 hours | 50 hours |
| Cross-Country Flying | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Instrument Flying | 10 hours | 10 hours |
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License)
| Details | ATPL (A) – Aeroplane | ATPL (H) – Helicopter |
|---|---|---|
| Total Flying Hours | 1500 hours | 1000 hours |
| Cross-Country | 500 hours | 350 hours |
| Night Flying | 100 hours | 100 hours |
| Pilot-in-Command (PIC) | 250 hours | 200 hours |
3. Age criteria for becoming a pilot
- For SPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter), you must be at least 16 years old. ·
- For PPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter), the minimum age is 17 years.
- For CPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter) you need to be 18 years or older.
- For ATPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter) which is the highest qualification, you must be at least 21 years old.
4. Medical Fitness
- SPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter) & PPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter):
You must have a DGCA-approved Class 2 Medical Certificate. This covers basic health checks like eyesight, blood pressure, hearing and overall physical condition to ensure you are fit to operate an aircraft at a non-commercial level.
- CPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter) & ATPL (Aeroplane/ Helicopter):
You must have a DGCA-approved Class 1 Medical Certificate. This is more comprehensive and includes advanced tests such as ECG, lung function, blood tests, and detailed eye and hearing exams to confirm your ability to handle the high demands of professional and airline flying.
5. Entrance Examination
Most institutes admit students through Pilot CET, a scholarship-based exam that checks your pilot training eligibility. It covers Physics, Mathematics, English & reasoning ability. Clearing this test is essential to meet the eligibility for pilot course and start your aviation journey all around the world.
Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Medical Tests
This table provides a quick comparison between Class 1 and Class 2 medical tests required for different pilot licenses.
| Aspect | Class 2 Medical (For SPL and PPL) | Class 1 Medical (For CPL and ATPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For student/private flying | Mandatory for commercial and airline operations |
| When to Get | Before SPL/PPL | Before CPL issuance |
| Authority | DGCA-approved Class 2 doctors | DGCA Medical Centers |
| Tests Included | Basic physical exam, eyesight, hearing, blood pressure etc | Includes all Class 2 tests + ECG, lung function, chest X-ray, audiometry, blood tests etc |
| Validity | 2 years (up to age 40), then yearly | 1 year (6 months after age 60) |
Key difference between Class 1 and Class 2 medical tests lies in the level of scrutiny and the type of flying they permit. Class 2 Medical is sufficient for student and private pilots ensuring they meet the basic health standards for training and leisure flying. Class 1 Medical is essential for commercial and airline pilots, providing a thorough assessment of physical and mental fitness to safely operate aircraft in professional and high-pressure environments.
Is Pilot Eligibility for Female candidates is different from Male candidates?
Women who wants to a become pilot have equal opportunities in the Indian aviation industry. Pilot eligibility criteria for female candidates are the same as for males for example covering minimum age requirements, educational qualifications, medical fitness and mandatory flying hours for SPL, PPL, CPL, or ATPL licenses. Female candidates can start with a Student Pilot License and progress through Private, Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot licenses by completing the required training and flying experience. With dedication, proper guidance & meeting all eligibility standards Female candidates can successfully pursue careers as private, commercial or airline pilots and achieve significant growth in this exciting and high demand field of aviation around the world.
Pilot Course Admission Process Through Pilot CET
Step 1: Submission of Application Form
- Visit the official Pilot CET website at https://pilotcet.com.
- Fill out the application form accurately with all the required details.
Step 2: The Entrance Exam
- Appear for the Pilot CET exam, which tests your knowledge in Physics, Mathematics, English, and reasoning ability.
Step 3: Counseling and Seat Allotment
- After the results are announced, qualified students will be invited for counseling sessions.
- During counseling students can choose their preferred pilot training institute and course (SPL, PPL, CPL or ATPL) based on their AIR rank and seat availability.
Step 4: Admission & Fee Payment
- Once your seat is allotted, proceed with document verification and pay the required admission fee to confirm your enrollment in the chosen pilot training program.
Why Choose Pilot CET for Pilot Training?
-
Scholarships – Get exciting scholarship opportunities based on your Pilot CET AIR rank making your pilot training more affordable.
-
Top Flying Schools – Secure admission in some of the best DGCA approved pilot training institutions in India and abroad through a single entrance exam.
- Career Prospects – Build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in aviation with opportunities to become commercial pilot, airline captain charter pilot and many more.
Becoming a licensed pilot is an exciting and rewarding career. Through Pilot CET students can secure admission in top pilot training institutes, access scholarships and start their journey toward a professional flying career. With proper planning, commitment and training your dream of taking to the skies can become a reality. Apply today through Pilot CET to take your first step toward the cockpit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone meeting age, education, medical & flying hour requirements for SPL, PPL, CPL or ATPL licenses.
No, female candidates have the same requirements as male candidates.
Age criteria is different for each licence like SPL – 16 yrs, PPL – 17 yrs, CPL – 18 yrs & ATPL – 21 yrs.
For SPL & PPL – 10th pass, CPL & ATPL – 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM) or equivalent.
Yes, you can clear Physics and Maths later through NIOS or equivalent boards.
Class 2 is for SPL/PPL & Class 1 is for CPL/ATPL is required.
Class 2 Medical Test– every 2 yrs (yearly after 40) & Medical Test Class 1 – yearly (6 months after 60).
Students can take admission through Pilot CET entrance exam and also avail scholarships.
Subjects like Physics, Chemistery, Mathematics, English, and reasoning ability are essential subjects for Pilot CET entrance exam.
Yes, After qualifying the Pilot CET entrance exam scholarships will be provided on behalf of your AIR rank.
It totaly depends on goal of the student for example SPL – beginner, PPL – hobby, CPL – commercial, ATPL – airline captain.
In DGCA-approved pilot training institutes in India or abroad, depending on your course.
To become an airline pilot (ATPL), you need to be at least 21 years old, have 12th PCM, hold a DGCA Class 1 medical and complete 1000–1500 flying hours depending on the aircraft type.
To join a commercial pilot course (CPL/CHPL), you must be at least 18 years old, have 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Maths (PCM) or equivalent, pass a DGCA Class 1 medical, and complete the required flying hours.
