How to become a Commercial Pilot after Graduation

Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

This article will be of use to Indian graduates who want to become a Commercial Pilot. I’ve already written guides on the same topic for 12th Science, Commerce and Arts stream students. Folks who have completed graduation have been hitting me up with queries regarding CPL training and eligibility criteria required to join a flying school. That’s why I’ve decided to come up with an article for graduates possessing a Bachelor’s Degree. In this article, you will be reading about basic eligibility criteria, application process and medical standards required to become a Commercial Pilot after graduation.

How to become a Commercial Pilot after completing graduation in India

Eligibility criteria

The basic eligibility criteria is that the graduate must have completed 10+2 Science stream schooling with Physics and Mathematics as the main subjects. Minimum aggregate marks in the 12th board examination should be 50%. The minimum marks criteria may differ from one institute to another.

The graduate could have completed any 3 or 4 years long professional course from a recognized University. He/she won’t be eligible to become a Commercial Pilot without Science stream (Mathematics group) schooling!

As long as the 12th standard criteria remains satisfied, the Degree course doesn’t matter at all. It could be any course like- Engineering, B.Sc., BCA, B.A., B.Com., CA, BBA etc.

Preferable courses

If the graduate has done a Bachelor’s Degree course related to the field of Aviation (or a course that comes handy in the field of Aviation), he/she could get a preference at the time of Pilot recruitment. It is not necessary that Commercial Pilot aspirants must pursue such courses. Having said that, I must also add that doing such relevant courses will help them get an edge over their counterparts. Some such courses are- Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics (Science course), B.Sc. Aviation, Core Engineering branches, Electronics Engineering, EC Engineering etc.

Please note that pursuing the above mentioned courses during graduation is not compulsory.

Selection process

To become a Commercial Pilot, graduates must undergo flying training. Flying schools are where one will be able to get this training. Flying training is not cheap. The selection process is also not that easy!

The first step would be to approach a flying school and apply for selection. If you satisfy the basic eligibility criteria- 12th science schooling with mathematics group, you will be asked to go through the next stage of selection process.

A Pilot aptitude test of the graduates will be held at the flying school. The selection test can be said to be made up of three stages- written test, interview and pilot aptitude test.

The written test is like a screening test. This test covers topics like general knowledge, current affairs, geography, science subjects (Physics and Mathematics), reasoning and English. The questions asked will be of 12th standard level.

The written test is followed by an interview. It will be like a personal interview. The interviewer may ask technical questions, personal questions etc. Those who manage to clear written test and interview have to appear for the pilot aptitude test.

The pilot aptitude test is conducted to gauge the flying aptitude and ability of the graduates. When it comes to CPL training, DGCA wants only candidates with good flying potential and ability to undergo the training. That’s why this test is give much important these days.

If a graduate manages to pass the above mentioned stages, he/she can be said to have dealt with 75% of the selection process. These successful candidates will then be subjected to thorough physical and medical tests. Physical and mental health of the candidate will be checked. Eyesight of the candidate, in particular, is given much importance! To check out the eyesight requirements, read the below mentioned article-

Also read: Commercial Pilot training & eyesight requirement

Once a candidate completes all the above mentioned stages, he/she will be selected to undergo CPL training. The final selection is made on the basis of marks scored in written test, interview, pilot aptitude test and medical examination.

Also read:

How to become a Commercial Pilot after 12th

Become Commercial Pilot at less cost in India

When will one get Commercial Pilot License?

At the time of training, one will be given a Student pilot license. In the beginning, assisted flight training and extensive simulator flight training will be given to a candidate. After clocking 200 flying hours (assisted and solo) and clearing written tests, one will be given the CPL!

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.