The pilot course duration for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India generally ranges between 18 to 24 months depending on the type of training flying school and individual progress. The duration of pilot training is influenced by factors like weather availability of flying hours exam schedules and personal performance.
If you start right after Class 12th with Physics and Mathematics the pilot course duration after 12th can typically take 2 years to complete. This includes ground classes simulator training and actual flying hours. The duration to become a pilot may also vary if you choose to train in India or abroad.
The duration of pilot training course in India usually requires a minimum of 200 flying hours as per DGCA guidelines. These hours include solo flying cross country flights instrument flying and night flying. The pilot study duration for theoretical exams (like Air Navigation Meteorology and Air Regulations) can take around 6–8 months running parallel with flying practice.
For students the course duration of pilot training may extend if there are delays in DGCA exams or medical clearances. Typically the pilot duration of study in India is less than 3 years making it a fast-track career option compared to engineering or medical courses.
The duration for pilot course abroad may sometimes be shorter (15–18 months) as flying schools there have advanced infrastructure and better weather conditions. However you must later convert your foreign license into a DGCA approved one.
Overall the course duration for pilot training is around 2 years but aspiring to become an airline pilot course duration may take longer since airlines require additional type rating and simulator training.