Becoming a pilot in India is a demanding but rewarding career that requires a strong commitment to safety and attention to detail. In addition to the financial investment in training and education, it is also a job that can require long and irregular work hours. However, for those who are passionate about flying and are willing to put in the hard work and dedication required, a career as a pilot in India can be a fulfilling and exciting path.
How to become a pilot in India?
Here is a general outline of the steps you can take to become a pilot in India:
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements: To become a pilot in India, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 18 years old, and meet any other requirements set by the flight school or aviation academy you apply to.
- Complete a pilot training program: There are several flight schools and aviation academies in India that offer pilot training programs. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on flight training.
- Obtain the necessary licenses and certifications: In order to be eligible to fly commercially in India, you will need to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Indian aviation regulator. To obtain a CPL, you will need to pass a series of exams and flight tests.
- Find a job: Once you have completed your pilot training and obtained the necessary licenses and certifications, you can begin applying for pilot positions with airlines or other aviation companies. Competition for pilot positions can be intense, so it may take some time to find a job.
It is worth noting that becoming a pilot requires a significant financial investment in training and education, as well as a strong commitment to safety and attention to detail. It is also a demanding job that can require long and irregular work hours.
What is the cost/fee to be a pilot in India?
The cost of becoming a pilot in India can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the type of pilot training program you choose, the duration of the program, and the type of aircraft you will be trained on. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from several lakhs to several crores of rupees to complete a pilot training program in India.
Here are some factors that can impact the cost of pilot training in India:
- Type of pilot training program: There are several types of pilot training programs available in India, including private pilot training, commercial pilot training (approx 45-50 Lacs), and airline pilot training. The cost of each type of program can vary significantly.
- Duration of the program: The length of a pilot training program can also impact the cost. Some programs may be shorter in duration, while others may take several years to complete.
- Type of aircraft: The type of aircraft you will be trained on can also affect the cost of pilot training. Training on larger, more complex aircraft typically costs more than training on smaller aircraft.
- Overall Pilot training cost in India comes to around 75-80 Lacs.
It is worth noting that the cost of pilot training can be significant, and you may need to take out loans or seek other forms of financing to pay for it. Some flight schools and aviation academies may offer financing options or payment plans to help students manage the cost of their training. It is a good idea to carefully research your options and create a budget before committing to a pilot training program.
Can you be a pilot after engineering in India?
Yes, it is possible to become a pilot after studying engineering in India. In order to become a pilot, you will need to complete a pilot training program at a flight school or aviation academy. These programs typically require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may also have specific course or GPA requirements. Once you have completed a pilot training program and obtained the necessary licenses and certifications, you can apply for pilot positions with airlines or other aviation companies. It is worth noting that competition for pilot positions can be intense, and the job may require long and irregular work hours.
What are the age boundaries to be a pilot in India?
To be eligible to become a pilot in India, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age at which you can obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Indian aviation regulator.
It is worth noting that while there is no upper age limit for becoming a pilot in India, many airlines have their own age limits for pilots. For example, some airlines may have a maximum age limit of 60 or 65 years old for pilots. These age limits are typically based on safety considerations and may be subject to change.
In addition to meeting the age requirements, you will also need to meet other eligibility criteria to become a pilot in India. These may include having a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a physical examination, and meeting any other requirements set by the flight school or aviation academy you apply to.
How much does a pilot earn in India?
The salary of a pilot in India can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the type of aircraft they fly, the size of the airline or aviation company they work for, and their level of experience. Here are some rough estimates of the salary of a pilot in India:
- Commercial pilots: Commercial pilots in India typically earn a salary of around 500,000 to 3,000,000 rupees per year.
- Airline pilots: The salary of an airline pilot in India can range from around 2,000,000 to over 10,000,000 rupees per year, depending on the size of the airline and the pilot’s level of experience.
- Captains: Pilots who have been promoted to the rank of captain typically earn a higher salary than other pilots. The salary of a captain in India can range from around 3,000,000 to over 10,000,000 rupees per year.
It is worth noting that these estimates are just rough guidelines, and the actual salary of a pilot in India may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances. For example, pilots who fly long-haul international flights may earn a higher salary than pilots who fly shorter domestic routes. In addition to their base salary, pilots may also receive additional pay for overtime and other special assignments.
Average Salary of a Pilot in India
Tabulated below is the average, starting and highest salary received by a Pilot across various airline companies.
| Name of the Airlines | Annual Starting Salary (INR) | Highest Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Air India | 15 L | Upto 1 Crore |
| Indigo | 11 L | 97 L |
| Spice Jet | 8 L | 75 L |
| Go Air | 7.9 L | 67 L |
| Vistara | 7 L | 87 L |
Sector-Wise Salary of a Pilot
The average pilot salary across the International and Domestic sectors is tabulated below.
| Sector | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | 46.88 L |
| International Flights | 63.90 L |
Designation Wise Salary of a Pilot
The average Pilot Salary across various designations is tabulated below.
| Designation | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Pilot Captain | 10 L |
| Co-Pilot | 40 L |
| First Officer | 1 Crore |
| Flight Engineer | 12.31 L |
| Relief Crew | 60 L |
Airline-Wise Salary of a Pilot
The average pilot salary across various airline companies is tabulated below.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Indigo | 30.65 L |
| Emirates | 97.2 L |
| Air Asia | 86.3 L |
| Spice Jet | 38 L |
| Vistara | 74.1 L |
| Qatar | 14.15 L |
Experience Wise Salary of a Pilot
The average Pilot salary on the basis of experience across various years is listed below.
| Experience | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 5 years | 12 L – 15 L |
| 6 – 10 years | 17.67 L – 24.91 L |
| 11 – 15 years | 37 L & above |
| 16 – 20 years | 63 L & above |
| 20 years & above | 97 L & above |
What are the educational qualifications required to be a pilot in India?
To become a pilot in India, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some flight schools and aviation academies may have additional educational requirements, such as specific course or GPA requirements.
In addition to having a high school diploma, you will also need to complete a pilot training program at a flight school or aviation academy. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on flight training and will prepare you for the exams and flight tests required to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Indian aviation regulator.
It is worth noting that while a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement to become a pilot in India, many pilots have a college degree in a field such as aviation, engineering, or a related subject. Obtaining a college degree can help you stand out in a competitive job market and may provide additional opportunities for career advancement.
Higher Studies Vs Pilot Training after undergraduate degree which is more rewarding?
Higher studies and pilot training are two different paths that individuals can pursue after completing a degree in India. Higher studies, also known as postgraduate studies, involve pursuing an advanced degree in a particular field of study, such as a Master’s degree or a Ph.D. Pilot training, on the other hand, is a professional certification program that prepares individuals to become pilots.
Here are some key differences between higher studies and pilot training:
- Duration: Higher studies programs can vary in length, with some taking just a few months to complete and others taking several years. Pilot training programs, on the other hand, can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete, depending on the type of program and the individual’s progress.
- Cost: Higher studies programs can be expensive, with tuition and other costs ranging from several lakhs to several crores of rupees depending on the program and institution. Pilot training programs can also be costly, with estimates ranging from several lakhs to several crores of rupees.
- Career outcomes: Higher studies programs can help individuals advance in their current careers or prepare for new career paths. Pilot training, on the other hand, is specifically designed to prepare individuals to become pilots.
It is worth noting that both higher studies and pilot training can be demanding and require a significant time and financial investment. Ultimately, the decision of which path to pursue will depend on your personal goals and interests.
