Aircraft Pilot
Qualified to fly aircraft in civil aviation or the Indian Defence Forces.
Overview
Aircraft pilot is a professional who is qualified to fly an aircraft. In India, a pilot can either be in civil aviation or Indian Defence Forces.
Where they work
- Civil aviation airlines across India
Work environment
As an airline pilot, you are expected to sit for extended hours in the cockpit. You may experience fatigue and jet lag, particularly during long flights. You are expected to spend several days away from home.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to pay attention to details
- You can stay calm under pressure
- You have excellent communication skills
- You like maths and science
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1For Civil Aviation (Non-Military):
- 2Complete 10+2 in Science stream (Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry).
- 3Complete a flying course from an aviation institute and apply for commercial or pilot license
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management or a BBA in aviation and then enrol in an aviation institute.
- 2For Defence Forces:
- 3Complete 10+2 in Science (Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry).
- 4Complete Bachelor's degree in any Science subject and then appear for any one of the following exams: AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), NDA (Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Exam) (exam can be taken directly after Class 12), CDSE (Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services).
Forms, exams and applications
Civil aviation: commercial pilot license via an aviation institute. Defence Forces: AFCAT, NDA (can be taken directly after Class 12) or CDSE, all conducted by UPSC/Air Force. Check official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Aviation.
Government institutes
- Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd., Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Bihar Flying Institute, Patna, Bihar
- Flytech Aviation Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Government Aviation Training Institute, Bhubneswar, Odisha
- Government Flying Training School, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Mumbai University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademi, Fursatganj, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Academy of Carver Aviation, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Alchemist Aviation, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
- Ambitions Flying Club, Harigarh, Uttar Pradesh
- Blue Ray Aviation Pvt.Ltd., Osmanabad Airfield, Khed, Maharashtra
- Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Pune Institute of Aviation Technology, Pune, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee
- 2Co-Pilot
- 3Pilot, General
- 4Chief Pilot, Aircraft
Expected income
₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000 per month or more
Figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Indian Administrative Service
Government Services
Holds key administrative positions across the Union and state governments.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to travelling.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi — An Indian pilot from Madhya Pradesh, declared the first woman combat pilot in the Indian Air Force in June 2016. Completed her graduation in 2014 and took the AFCAT exam the same year.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 699 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.ncs.gov.in/content-repository/Pages/ViewNcoDetails.aspx
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.