How to Become a Commercial Pilot in India (Guide)
Thinking of becoming a commercial pilot in India? This beginner-friendly guide walks you through every step of the journey from eligibility and DGCA medicals to choosing a flying school and earning your CPL. Perfect for students planning to start pilot training in 2025.
CPLPILOT JOURNEYBECOMING PILOT INDIA
6/2/20253 min read


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:
First, get a Class 2 medical test done by a DGCA-approved doctor
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:
Ground School:
You will study theoretical subjects like:Air Navigation
Meteorology
Air Regulations
Technical General
Radio Telephony
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.