How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India (Guide)

How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India: A Complete Guide for 2025

Do you dream of flying planes for a living? Becoming a commercial pilot is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the world. If you’re based in India and want to know how to start your journey in 2025, this guide is for you.

We’ll explain everything you need to know — from eligibility, entrance exams, and training to license requirements.

✈️ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

To start CPL (Commercial Pilot License) training in India, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old

• Have passed Class 12 with Physics and Math

• Be able to speak and understand English

• Hold a valid Indian passport

• Clear the DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 Medical Tests

You can even take Math and Physics from NIOS (open school) if you didn’t have these subjects in your original board exams.

✈️ Step 2: Get Your DGCA Medical Certificates

Before flight training begins, you need to:

1. First, get a Class 2 medical test done by a DGCA-approved doctor

2. Then upgrade to a Class 1 medical (this is mandatory for CPL)

Medical tests include an eyesight check, hearing, ECG, blood/urine test, and BMI. You must be physically and mentally fit to fly safely.

📞 Need help? At Skylok Aviation, we guide students through their medical bookings step-by-step.

✈️ Step 3: Choose a DGCA-Approved Flying School

Only DGCA-approved Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) in India can legally offer CPL training.

Here’s what to look for in a good FTO:

• Experienced instructors

• Modern training aircraft

• In-house ground school

• Simulator training

• Clear fee structure and student support

✅ Skylok Aviation offers all of this and more — ensuring students are trained to the highest standards.

✈️ Step 4: Clear the Entrance Assessment

Most top FTOs will conduct:

• A written test (Physics, English, Maths)

• Psychometric or aptitude test

• Personal interview to understand your motivation

This helps the school evaluate if you are ready for professional training.

✈️ Step 5: Start CPL Ground Classes and Flight Training

Once admitted, the CPL course begins in two parts:

1. Ground School:
   You will study theoretical subjects like:

   • Air Navigation

   • Meteorology

   • Air Regulations

   • Technical General

   • Radio Telephony

2. Flight Training:
   You’ll complete 200 hours of flying, both in single and multi-engine aircraft.

Training usually takes 18 to 24 months to complete, depending on the weather, your pace, and exam readiness.

✈️ Step 6: Pass the DGCA Exams

During and after your training, you must appear for DGCA examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India). These exams are mandatory to qualify for your CPL.

The major DGCA exams include:

• Air Navigation

• Air Meteorology

• Air Regulations

• Technical General

• Technical Specific (based on aircraft)

• RTR (A) – Radio Telephony License exam (by WPC/Ministry of Communication)

You must score 70% or more in each subject to pass. These exams test your understanding of aviation theory and operational safety.

Don’t worry — at Skylok Aviation, our instructors prepare you thoroughly for each of these exams with dedicated revision, mock tests, and personal mentoring.

✈️ Step 7: Get Your CPL Issued by DGCA

After successfully completing:

• All ground and flight training

• Required 200 hours of flying

• All DGCA exams

• DGCA Class 1 Medical and skill check

—you can apply for the issue of your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from DGCA.

This license legally allows you to apply for pilot jobs with airlines, charters, cargo operators, or work as a flight instructor.

🎯 Why 2025 is the Right Year to Start Your Pilot Training

• Airline recruitment is growing fast post-pandemic

• India is now the 3rd largest aviation market in the world

• DGCA licensing and processing is becoming faster and more transparent

So, if you're passionate about flying, now is the perfect time to start.

👨‍✈️ Join Skylok Aviation – Take Off with Confidence

Skylok Aviation is a DGCA-approved FTO offering structured CPL training, mentorship, and placement guidance.

✅ Our expert faculty
✅ On-campus ground school
✅ Fleet of modern training aircraft
✅ Smooth admission and medical assistance

🎓 Applications for the 2025 batches are open.

👉 Apply Now or Talk to Our Team

Becoming a commercial pilot in India is not impossible. It takes effort, planning, and good training. With the right flight school and guidance, you’ll be ready to take off toward a successful aviation career.