Many students in India dream of becoming a pilot at an early age and often ask whether they can apply for a commercial pilot license after 10th. The good news is that your journey can begin after 10th but you must meet the right commercial pilot licence eligibility requirements.
To apply directly for a CPL license you must complete your 10+2 education with Physics and Mathematics. This is the basic commercial pilot eligibility requirement set by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). If you have only completed 10th you cannot directly apply for a CPL. However you can still prepare for the future by choosing the right subjects in 11th and 12th.
The main eligibility criteria to become a pilot are:
Age: Minimum 17-18 years
Qualification: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
Medical: Class 1 Medical Fitness
English: Good communication skills
These are the standard commercial pilot eligibility criteria and CPL eligibility criteria in India.
Yes If you have passed 10th you can plan your career by selecting Physics and Mathematics in your 12th. This will help you meet the eligibility of commercial pilot. Many flight schools also guide students about the eligibility for commercial pilot license while they are still studying in school.
In short 10th pass students cannot directly apply but they can focus on the right stream to fulfill the commercial pilot eligibility requirements and eligibility criteria for CPL in the future.
So, the answer is You cannot apply for a commercial pilot license after 10th but you can start preparing early. Focus on Physics and Mathematics stay healthy and keep your dream alive. Once you complete 12th you will meet the full eligibility criteria to become a commercial pilot and join a flying school.