The Pilot Common Entrance Test (PILOT CET) is a national-level exam in India through which aspiring pilots can gain admission to various pilot training programs like Private Pilot License (PPL) Commercial Pilot License (CPL), as well as helicopter variants like HPPL and HCPL at top flying schools and institutions both in India and abroad . It acts as a gateway, using your All India Rank (AIR) to guide you toward institutions of your choice.
To be eligible you must have completed your 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and be at least 17 years old the upper age limit is typically 35. The PILOT CET is conducted online three times a year (usually between October and January). It consists of 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in both Hindi and English, with a total duration of 1 hour 30 minutes. Importantly, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
The question paper spans five subjects:
General Awareness: 15 questions
English: 15 questions
Mathematics: 20 questions
Physics: 20 questions
Chemistry: 20 questions
Each section contributes proportionally to a cumulative score across 360 marks.
PILOT CET also awards scholarships based on AIR ranging from 100% to 10% tuition fee waivers. For example the top rankers such as those in the Central or State Board top 10 may earn a 100% scholarship .
In sum, the PILOT CET plays a pivotal role in opening doors to pilot training by ranking candidates, ensuring eligibility prerequisites, providing a fair and transparent selection process, and incentivizing strong performance through scholarships.