If you are wondering What should I do after 12th to become a pilot, the first step is understanding the correct time to begin your aviation journey. In India you can start pilot training immediately after passing Class 12th provided you meet the basic eligibility conditions. According to guidelines followed by institutes listed on a student must complete 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). If you did not have PCM you can still become a pilot by passing these subjects through NIOS or any recognised board.
You can begin pilot training at the age of 17 years which means students can start soon after finishing 12th. This is the minimum age required to apply for the Student Pilot License (SPL) and begin basic flying.
Before joining any flying school, you must get a DGCA Class 2 medical, followed by DGCA Class 1 medical. These medicals ensure that you are fit to fly. Many students start preparing their medicals right after 12th to save time in the training process.
When thinking What should I do after 12th to become a pilot, your clear roadmap looks like this:
Complete Class 12 with PCM or get PCM via open schooling.
Clear DGCA medicals (Class 2 → Class 1).
Start DGCA exam preparation (RTR, Navigation, Meteorology, Regulations).
Enroll in a DGCA approved flying school to begin CPL training.
Starting early helps you complete your CPL faster and makes you eligible for airline training programs sooner. The aviation industry prefers young well trained pilots so beginning after 12th can give you a strong advantage.