In India eligibility for pilot training depends on the type of license you wish to pursue—SPL, PPL, CPL, and ATPL. To begin with for a Student Pilot License (SPL) a candidate must be at least 16 years old, have passed Class 10 and be medically fit as per DGCA Class 2 medical standards. For a Private Pilot License (PPL) the minimum age is 17 years and candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. A valid DGCA Class 2 medical certificate is required, and students must complete the necessary flying hours (minimum 40 hours in India).
For a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) the minimum age is 18 years and candidates must have completed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics along with DGCA Class 1 medical fitness. They need at least 200 hours of flying training. The highest license Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) requires the candidate to be at least 21 years old, hold a valid CPL have 1500 hours of total flying experience, and meet DGCA Class 1 medical requirements. Each step is progressive starting from SPL to ATPL ensuring structured learning and professional development.