Pilot Training After 12th in India (2026): Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Pilot

“Can I really become a pilot after 12th?”

If you’ve asked yourself this question, the answer is a resounding YES.

Right after finishing school, you already hold the key to one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the world. If you’ve dreamt of flying high, traveling the world, and commanding an aircraft your journey can start today.

At Felix Pilot Training Institute, we’ve guided hundreds of students from classrooms to cockpits. This blog is your complete, positive roadmap to making your dream take flight.

Let’s walk you through everything you need to know to start your pilot training after 12th.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Before you begin, make sure you meet the basic requirements set by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation):

• You should have passed 12th standard (10+2) with Physics, Mathematics as your core subjects.
• If you didn’t take Physics or Math in school (say you came from Commerce or Arts), don’t worry you can still qualify. The DGCA allows you to complete these subjects through an alternate route like the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or equivalent bridge exams. Once you clear these, you’re just as eligible as a Science stream student.

• You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a Student Pilot License (SPL), 18 for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and 21 for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).

• You must be both Class 2 and Class 1 medically fit.

• These medical tests are conducted by DGCA-approved doctors, either in private or Air Force hospitals.

• Class 2 medical is usually your first step; Class 1 is required before obtaining your CPL.

• It checks your eyesight, hearing, and overall health so maintaining fitness is key!

🧭 Step-by-Step Process for Pilot Training

Here’s how your journey unfolds from your first step to your dream job in the cockpit:

• Start by getting medically certified by DGCA-approved doctors.

2. Join a Ground School:
Enroll in a reputed ground school (like Felix) where you’ll learn the theory behind flying subjects include:

• Air Navigation

• Air Regulations

• Meteorology

• Once ground classes are complete, you’ll appear for DGCA exams.

• This is your official student ID with DGCA, needed to appear for exams. Your school will help you with this, or you can apply directly at pariksha.dgca.gov.in

• After clearing ground exams, begin your flight training at a DGCA-approved school in India or abroad.

• After completing your required flying hours (typically 200 hours), submit your documents to DGCA to obtain your Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

• With your CPL in hand, you can now apply to airlines, charter services, or cargo operators and officially begin your dream career as a pilot.

⏱️ The Training & Licensing Journey

To understand how far you need to go, here’s the usual roadmap:

Student Pilot License (SPL)

• The first step allowing you to fly under instructor supervision.
• You must clear basic theory + medical + aptitude to get SPL.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

• You fly solo and gain basic handling skills.
• You’ll log 40–50 hours of flying time (varies by school).
• Theory exams cover navigation, air regulations, meteorology etc.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

• This is your “ticket” to fly commercially (airlines, charter etc.)
• Requires more rigorous flying requirements often 200+ hours (in India) including instrument, cross-country, night flying etc.
• You also take DGCA exams in multiple subjects.

Additional Ratings & Endorsements

• Instrument Rating (IR) — lets you fly in low visibility / instrument conditions.
• Multi-Engine Rating (MER) — for flying aircraft with more than one engine.
• Type Rating — for higher-end aircraft (used by airlines).

Build Experience & Apply for Airline Jobs

• After CPL + ratings, you might begin as a First Officer.
• Many pilots also serve as flight instructors or in charter roles to build hours.
• With time and experience, you may become Captain.

In total, from 12th to being ready to fly for airlines, it may take 1.5 to 2 years, depending on your pace and weather conditions etc.

💰 Cost & Financing

Let’s be real, it’s expensive. But don’t let that discourage you. Let’s break down the typical costs and funding options.

Typical Costs

• In India, CPL + associated training can range from ₹45 lakhs to ₹55+ lakhs (or even more depending on the school, aircraft used, and training route)

• Costs include ground classes, flying hours, exams, instructor fees, maintenance, fuel, licensing, ratings etc.

• Abroad: Costs and duration differ from country to country for instance:

1. South Africa (Felix Pilot Training’s exclusive training base): Training here is faster and more affordable compared to India. Thanks to excellent weather and the availability of modern aircraft, students can complete their 200 flying hours in less than 18 months.
2. USA, Canada, and Australia: Training is good but significantly more expensive, mainly due to currency exchange rates, visa costs, and higher living expenses.

Financing & Support

• Many schools offer installment plans or staged payment options.

• Many banks offer collateral loans (not just educational loans)

• Choose a school (like Felix) that is upfront with cost breakdowns hidden charges hurt.

At Felix, we help you plan your finances we provide clear cost schedules, assist in loan tie-ups, and help you estimate cost per flying hour so you’re prepared.

🎯 Career Opportunities After Pilot Training

Once you obtain your CPL, a world of exciting opportunities opens up for you:

• Airline Pilot – Fly commercial aircraft for domestic or international airlines.

• Charter Pilot – Fly private jets or VIP aircraft.

• Flight Instructor – Train upcoming pilots and build flight hours.

• Rescue or Medical Evacuation Pilot – Work in emergency and humanitarian missions.

• Survey or Aerial Mapping Pilot – Fly specialized aircraft for surveys and research.

Every license and rating you add unlocks new possibilities in aviation and Felix ensures you’re ready for every opportunity.

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Felix’s Promise: Why Train With Us

At Felix Pilot Training Institute, we’re not just a ground school we see ourselves as your long-term partner in transforming your dream into reality. Here’s what we commit:

• End-to-end guidance: from eligibility check, medical, training, to placements

• Transparent cost structure no hidden fees

• Experienced instructors who’ve flown commercially

• Modern, well-maintained fleet

• Support in financing (loans, installments)

• After-training mentorship to help during your early airline career

We believe in building trust, we’ll always walk you through what you’ll pay, what you’ll learn, and what you can expect.