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About The Career
Pilots operate aircraft in airlines, cargo, charter or private sectors. Training includes ground theory, flight hours, medical fitness and DGCA licensing (CPL). Early-career pilots often begin as First Officers (co-pilots) and progress to Captain with experience and type ratings.
Pilot (Aviation)
Persona (Who suits this career best?)
Minimum Required Qualification
- Cool-headed, disciplined and decisive
- Strong spatial awareness and coordination
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Class XII (10+2) pass for entry to flying schools; obtain DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) after completing required flying hours, exams and medical standards.
Stream of Study
Entry Pathways
- Science (Physics/Maths) helps but not mandatory; medical fitness and good English communication important.
- Enrol at a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO), complete required flying hours and ground training, pass DGCA exams and obtain CPL. Airlines may also hire through cadetship/MPL programs.
Average Starting Salary
- Large variation: fresh First Officers may earn roughly ₹1.5–3 lakh per month in many airline packages (some regional operators pay less; wages rise fast with experience and type-rating). Training costs are high; scholarships and airline cadet schemes can reduce burden.