If you've just completed your 12th and are dreaming of flying high you might be wondering what to do after 12th to become a pilot. The good news is that you have two main routes the Civil Aviation route and the Indian Air Force route. Both paths can help you achieve your dream of becoming a pilot depending on your interests and goals.
The civil route is ideal if you want to become a commercial pilot and work with airlines like IndiG Air India or Vistara. After 12th (with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) you can enroll in a DGCA approved flying school to begin your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training.
You'll learn aviation theory aircraft operations and flight hours under professional guidance. Once you complete around 200 flying hours and pass DGCA exams you'll get your CPL and can apply to airlines as a trainee pilot.
To make this process smoother students can also apply for Pilot CET (Common Entrance Test) an entrance test that helps serious pilot aspirants get access to India's top aviation academies and training institutes.
If you're passionate about serving the nation and flying fighter jets you can join the Indian Air Force (IAF) through NDA (National Defence Academy) after 12th. After clearing the UPSC NDA exam you'll go through a training program at NDA and later at the Air Force Academy (AFA). Successful cadets are commissioned as Flying Officers and get world class training on advanced aircraft. So if you're still wondering what to do after 12th to become a pilot both the Civil Aviation and Air Force routes are great options. Choose the one that matches your dream whether it's flying commercial aircraft or defending the skies for India.