If you are searching for ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’, you are certainly not alone. Every year, thousands of students across the country aspire to sit in the cockpit, fly modern aircraft and build a respected, well-paying career in aviation. The dream of becoming a pilot is powerful, but the path to achieving it requires precise information, careful planning and the right sequence of steps.
Many students know what they want but struggle with how to begin. Confusion around eligibility, medical requirements, DGCA procedures, exams, licenses and flight training often leads to delays, mistakes and unnecessary expenses.
Understanding ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’ requires clarity at every stage. This guide explains the entire journey in detail, starting from Class 12 eligibility and progressing step by step until you receive your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Each phase is explained in the correct order, exactly how the DGCA mandates it.
Table of Contents
What Does a Commercial Pilot Do?
Before fully understanding ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’, it is important to know what a commercial pilot actually does and what the career involves.
A commercial pilot is a licensed aviation professional authorized to fly aircraft and earn income. Unlike private pilots who fly only for personal purposes, commercial pilots operate aircraft for organizations and clients.
After completing training and licensing, commercial pilots can work in:
- Scheduled passenger airlines
- Charter and business aviation
- Cargo and freight operations
- Flight instruction and pilot training
- Government, private and special aviation roles
In India, all pilot licensing, training standards, examinations and medical requirements are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Any aspiring pilot must strictly follow DGCA rules to legally operate aircraft.
Step 1: Clear Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics
The very first requirement in understanding ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’ is meeting the academic eligibility criteria.
To begin pilot training in India, you must:
- Pass Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board
- Have Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects
Physics and Mathematics are mandatory because aviation training is deeply connected to concepts such as aerodynamics, aircraft performance, navigation, weight and balance, meteorology and flight planning.
What If You Did Not Study Physics or Mathematics?
Candidates who did not study Physics or Mathematics in Class 12 still have alternative pathways available to pursue pilot training.
DGCA allows candidates to complete Physics and Mathematics through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling). Once these subjects are passed individually, NIOS certificates are fully valid and accepted for pilot training and licensing in India.
This flexibility ensures that your subject choices in school do not permanently block your path to becoming a commercial pilot.
Step 2: DGCA Class 2 Medical Examination
One of the most critical steps in ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’ is confirming your medical fitness at an early stage.
The DGCA Class 2 Medical is the first mandatory medical examination for pilot aspirants. It must be conducted only by a DGCA-approved medical examiner.
What Is Checked in Class 2 Medical?
The Class 2 medical evaluates whether you are physically fit to begin aviation training. It includes checks for:
- Eyesight and color vision
- Hearing ability
- Blood pressure
- ECG (heart health)
- Overall physical fitness
Clearing this medical confirms that you are eligible to proceed with DGCA processes and pilot training. It is strongly advised to complete this step before investing money in ground classes or flying schools, as medical issues discovered later can delay or stop the training.
Step 3: Apply for DGCA Computer Number
Once you clear your Class 2 medical, the next major milestone in ‘ ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’’ is applying for a DGCA Computer Number.
The Computer Number is a unique identification number issued by DGCA to every pilot aspirant. It is mandatory for all further steps in pilot training.
Without a Computer Number, you cannot:
- Appear for DGCA theory examinations
- Apply for any pilot license
- Maintain official training and exam records
Documents Required for Computer Number
Typically required documents include:
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Passport
- DGCA Class 2 Medical certificate
- Identity proof and passport-size photographs
At Aviators of Tomorrow (AOT), students receive complete guidance and end-to-end support for documentation, application submission and follow-ups, ensuring accuracy and faster processing.
Step 4: DGCA Class 1 Medical Examination
After receiving your Computer Number, the next essential step in ‘ ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’’ is completing the DGCA Class 1 Medical, which is more comprehensive and stricter than Class 2. It is mandatory before the issuance of a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and confirms that you are medically fit to fly aircraft professionally for airlines and commercial operations.
What Does Class 1 Medical Include?
- Advanced vision and hearing tests
- Blood investigations
- Cardiac and cardiovascular evaluations
- Overall physical and mental fitness assessment
Most students complete Class 1 Medical before or during ground school to avoid delays later when applying for licenses or airline opportunities.
Step 5: Ground School Training and DGCA Theory Exams
Ground school forms the academic backbone of pilot training and is a crucial phase in ‘ ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’.’
DGCA CPL Subjects
During ground training, students study mandatory DGCA subjects such as:
- Air Navigation
- Meteorology
- Air Regulations
- Technical
These subjects help students understand aircraft systems, aviation laws, weather behavior, navigation planning, operational procedures and safety standards.
DGCA Theory Examinations
After completing ground school, students must clear DGCA theory examinations. These exams are detailed and concept-based, requiring disciplined preparation, structured teaching and consistent revision.
Clearing DGCA exams is compulsory before progressing to licensing milestones and advanced flight training.
Step 6: Applying for Student Pilot License (SPL)
A major milestone in ‘ ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’’ is obtaining the Student Pilot License (SPL).
What Is an SPL?
The Student Pilot License officially authorizes a student to:
- Begin actual flight training
- Fly an aircraft under instructor supervision
- Be legally recognized as a pilot trainee
When Can You Apply for SPL?
Students apply for SPL after:
- Completing required DGCA medical examinations
- Clearing ground subjects and DGCA exams as applicable
Once the SPL is issued, the student is legally permitted to move forward to the most exciting phase. real aircraft flying.
Step 7: Flying Training (Minimum 200 Flight Hours)
Flying training is the most practical and transformative stage of ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’.
To qualify for a CPL, a student must complete a minimum of 200 flight hours at DGCA-approved flying training organizations.
What Do These 200 Hours Include?
- Dual instruction flights with instructors
- Solo flying
- Cross-country navigation flights
- Instrument flying
- Night flying
Flying training develops real-world skills such as aircraft handling, situational awareness, communication, decision-making and emergency management. Every flight is logged, evaluated and certified according to DGCA regulations.
Step 8: Skill Tests and CPL Issuance by DGCA
After completing:
- DGCA theory exams
- Required flight hours
- DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 Medical
- Skill tests with authorized examiners
Students submit their complete documentation to DGCA for license issuance.
Once approved, the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is issued by DGCA, officially allowing you to fly aircraft professionally.
At this stage, you have successfully completed the journey of ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’.
What Happens After Getting a CPL?
After receiving a CPL, pilots usually move towards:
- Aircraft Type Rating (A320, B737, etc.)
- Airline selection and interview processes
- Simulator assessments and line training
This phase prepares pilots for airline operations and first officer roles.
Cost of Becoming a Commercial Pilot in India
The total cost of becoming a commercial pilot in India typically ranges between ₹35–55 lakhs, depending upon:
- Flying location (India or abroad)
- Aircraft type
- Exchange rates
- Training structure
With proper planning and professional guidance, unnecessary expenses and delays can be avoided.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students face setbacks due to:
- Skipping medicals initially
- Incorrect Computer Number applications
- Starting flight training without clearing exams
- Choosing non-DGCA-approved schools
Avoiding these mistakes is critical when planning ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’.
You may also read our blog “Commercial Pilot Licence Training: Complete Guide“
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Pilot training is not only about flying. It also involves:
- Regulations and compliance
- Documentation accuracy
- Timelines and planning
- Career strategy
Institutes like Aviators of Tomorrow help students navigate every step of ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’ with clarity, confidence and long-term career vision.
Final Thoughts
Understanding ‘How to become a commercial pilot in India’ is the first step towards a rewarding and respected aviation career. With the right academic background, medical fitness, structured ground training, disciplined flying and expert guidance, the cockpit is an achievable destination.
The journey demands commitment, patience and focus but the reward is a career that truly takes you above the ordinary.
✈️ Your journey to the skies starts with the right knowledge and a right plan.
