How to become a pilot

How to become a Pilot

CPL Training — Basic Qualification Requirements

English Language Skills

Minimum Age Requirement – 18 Years

Educational Qualifications

To effectively pursue a CPL course, you must have the ability to read, write, and understand English clearly as it’s essential for communication in aviation.

You can begin flight training at 17, and by the time you turn 18, you’ll be eligible to apply for a CPL, as the training typically takes around one year.

You must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics or possess an equivalent diploma. If you’re from a non-science background, you can still qualify by taking Physics and Mathematics as additional subjects through a recognized board such as NIOS.

Pilot Training: Medical Fitness Requirements

Before starting your journey as a pilot, it is essential to ensure you meet the DGCA-mandated medical fitness standards. The medical evaluation is carried out in two important stages:

Class 2 Medical Examination : This is the first step for every aspiring pilot.
It can be completed anywhere in India through DGCA-approved medical examiners.
After the examination, you will receive a CA-35 assessment, which acts as your temporary medical fitness certificate.
Your reports are then reviewed by the DGCA, after which an official medical assessment is issued.

Class 1 Medical Examination : Your Class 1 medical is required before beginning formal flying training.
The initial assessment is conducted only at DGCA-designated centers located in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Jorhat
You can apply for a Class 1 examination only after receiving your Class 2 medical clearance.

DGCA File Number : Once your Class 2 medical is approved, you will be issued a unique DGCA file number, printed on your assessment.
This number remains permanent throughout your aviation career.
It will be used for all future DGCA documentation, communication, and licensing processes.

CPL Training is divided into two main Components.

CPL Theory Exams

To appear for the CPL theory exams, you must first obtain a DGCA Computer Number by registering on the DGCA Pariksha portal. After completing the online application, the attested documents must be couriered to the DGCA office within 10 days, failing which the application will be rejected. Once your documents are verified, you will receive a confirmation email on your registered ID. The DGCA conducts theory exams four times a year, mostly in an MCQ format, making them manageable with the right preparation. The subjects you need to clear depend on whether you are training in India or abroad, and the table below provides a clear breakdown based on your training location.

Class II Medical Examination

A Class II medical is the first mandatory step for every aspiring pilot and must be completed before applying for a Class I medical, which is required for Commercial Pilot Training. This initial medical certification ensures that you are fit to begin your pilot journey, including qualifying for a Private Pilot License. To apply, visit the DGCA Medical Portal and select an approved Class II Medical Examiner from your preferred location. After scheduling an appointment, you will undergo basic evaluations such as a general health check, BMI measurement, color vision testing, and a review of any existing medical conditions. Once you successfully clear your Class II medical, you become eligible to apply for the Class I medical—an essential requirement for CPL training.
Ground Classes

According to DGCA guidelines, every aspiring pilot must clear the required theory subjects and complete 200 hours of flying to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). A strong theoretical foundation is essential before starting your actual flight training, and this is where Ground Classes become indispensable. The primary CPL theory subjects include Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical General, Technical Specific, and Radio Telephony (RTR). These classes help you grasp key aviation concepts such as flight principles, operational rules, aircraft systems, and communication procedures. With this knowledge, you are better prepared, more confident, and ready to begin your journey in the cockpit
10th & 12th Board Verification Certificate

The 10th and 12th Board Verification Certificate is a crucial document required throughout a pilot’s licensing journey—from applying for the DGCA Computer Number to securing the Commercial Pilot License. Issued by your respective education board, it confirms the authenticity of the marks stated on your mark sheets. The process to obtain this certificate differs from board to board. For CBSE students, it is quick and straightforward, as the verification can be done online. Students from other boards should visit their board’s official website to check the specific steps for obtaining their verification certificate.
Computer Number

The Central Examination Organisation (CEO) issues a Computer Number, a unique identification number required for every aspiring pilot in India. To obtain this number, candidates must register on the DGCA Pariksha portal and submit all necessary documents, including the mandatory Board Verification Certificate. The Computer Number is used throughout your aviation journey—from registering for DGCA theory exams to the final issuance of your Commercial Pilot License. Since the approval process usually takes 1–2 months, it’s highly recommended to apply early to avoid any delays in your training timeline.
SPL - Student Pilot License

The Student Pilot License (SPL) is the first official milestone in your pilot training journey. To receive an SPL, candidates must clear an oral examination conducted by a DGCA-authorized examiner, covering key subjects such as Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, and Aircraft Technical (General & Specific). The SPL is mandatory before progressing to a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have passed the 10th standard or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board. Once these requirements are met, the flying academy issues the SPL, allowing you to begin your initial flying training.
FRTOL – Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License

The Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License (FRTOL) is required to operate radio communication systems on Indian-registered aircraft. It is issued in two categories—Restricted and Non-Restricted—with the Non-Restricted FRTOL being compulsory for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). To qualify, candidates must clear the RTR (A) examination conducted by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of India, along with a written test conducted by the DGCA. Candidates who already hold an RTR license from an ICAO-recognized country, such as the UK or New Zealand, can apply to have it converted into an Indian FRTOL.
CPL – Commercial Pilot License

The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) marks the final and most significant milestone in a pilot’s training journey, enabling them to begin a professional flying career. To qualify for a CPL, candidates must complete a minimum of 200 hours of flight training and successfully clear five DGCA-conducted written examinations covering navigation, meteorology, air regulations, aircraft technical knowledge, and radio telephony. Earning a CPL signifies that a student has gained the essential theoretical foundation and practical flying proficiency required to operate as a commercial pilot, officially opening the door to the aviation industry.
Class I Medicals

Candidates become eligible to apply for a Class 1 Medical only after their Class 2 Medical has been successfully completed and verified, after which a Permanent Medical Record number is issued. The Class 1 Medical is the final stage of the pilot medical evaluation process in India and is compulsory for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). It is conducted either at designated Indian Air Force medical centres or at the two DGCA-approved private hospitals listed on the official DGCA website. This detailed assessment ensures that aspiring pilots meet the stringent medical standards required for commercial aviation.
Police Verification Certificate (For Abroad)

A Police Verification Certificate (PVC) is an official document issued by your local police station or passport office, confirming that you have no criminal record and maintain good character. This certificate is required at multiple stages of your pilot training journey—particularly when applying for a visa to undergo flight training abroad or when submitting documents for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India. The validity period of a PVC varies from state to state, and in many regions, the application process has now been simplified through online portals for faster processing.
Visa Medicals and Applications (For Abroad)

For students planning to pursue pilot training overseas, completing a visa medical examination is often a mandatory requirement before the visa can be approved. These medicals are completely separate from DGCA’s Class I and Class II medical examinations and are conducted according to the health standards set by the specific country where you plan to train. Applicants must check the official visa website of the destination country to understand the required medical tests and to locate accredited hospitals authorized to conduct them. After the visa medical is completed and all documents are submitted, the visa application process proceeds. Most aspiring pilots apply for a student visa, and depending on the country, the application may be processed online or through an in-person visit to the respective visa office.
License Conversion for Foreign Trained Pilots (For Abroad)

Candidates who have completed their flight training in ICAO-recognized foreign countries must meet specific DGCA requirements to convert their foreign CPL into an Indian CPL. The essential prerequisites include holding a valid foreign professional pilot license along with a verification letter from the issuing authority, a valid foreign Class-I medical certificate, and a verified logbook covering the previous five years with authenticated entries. Additionally, candidates must have valid skill test certificates for single- and multi-engine aircraft (if applicable), the required cross-country flights, night flying experience (minimum 5 hours PIC with 10 takeoffs and landings), and a total of 40 hours of instrument flying—20 hours actual and 20 hours simulated. Once all eligibility conditions are fulfilled and the necessary flying tests are completed, applicants can apply for license conversion either through the DGCA online portal or by submitting physical documents. If all submissions are accurate and complete, the Indian CPL is generally issued within approximately one month.