Archive · 7 Oct 2026
How Students Can Become Commercial Pilots After Class 10
You cannot become a commercial pilot right after Class 10, but you can start preparing.
In Classes 11 and 12, you need to study Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
The article says candidates generally need at least 50 per cent in their Class 12 exams.
After that, they enrol at a flying school recognised by the DGCA.
They work toward three licences: Student Pilot, Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot.
The minimum age for a Student Pilot Licence is 16, and for a Commercial Pilot Licence it is 18.
Candidates also need to complete flight training, pass required exams and meet medical standards.
The article says new junior first officers may earn Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh per month, while experienced captains may earn more.
After Class 10, students should take Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Classes 11 and 12.
The guide says candidates generally need at least 50 per cent in their Class 12 board exams.
After Class 12, candidates should train at a flying school recognised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The licence path includes a Student Pilot Licence, a Private Pilot Licence and a Commercial Pilot Licence.
The article estimates starting salaries at Rs 1.5 lakh–Rs 2.5 lakh per month, with experienced captains earning Rs 5 lakh–Rs 8 lakh or more.
- Who
- Students aspiring to become commercial pilots.
- What
- A step-by-step guide to the education, training, licensing and medical requirements for a commercial pilot career.
- When
- Preparation can begin after Class 10; the article describes further steps after Class 12.
- Where
- At a flying school recognised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA); no specific location is given.
- Why
- To explain how students can prepare for a commercial aviation career.
- Class 11–12 subjects
- Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Class 12 marks
- Generally at least 50 per cent, according to the article
- Licence sequence
- Student Pilot Licence (SPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- Minimum age for SPL
- 16 years
- Minimum age for CPL
- 18 years
- Medical requirements
- DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medical examinations, depending on licence and privileges sought
- Estimated starting monthly salary
- Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh for junior first officers
- Estimated experienced captain monthly salary
- Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh or more, depending on airline, aircraft type and experience