In a landmark move that could reshape India’s aviation landscape, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recommended scrapping the decades-old requirement of science stream eligibility for commercial pilot training. If approved, students from arts and commerce backgrounds will soon be allowed to pursue the coveted Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), a path previously reserved only for science students with Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
This major educational reform, aimed at making aviation more inclusive, is now under review by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. After final approval, the proposal will be sent to the Law Ministry for formal notification. Once implemented, any Class 12 graduate — regardless of stream — will be eligible for CPL training, provided they meet the medical and aptitude criteria.
“The DGCA has sent the recommendation to the aviation ministry. Once finalized and cleared by the law ministry, the change will be officially notified,” a senior official confirmed.
Decades of Restriction Nearing an End
Since the mid-1990s, aspiring pilots in India were required to have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. Before that, even students with a matriculation (Class 10) qualification were eligible for CPL training. Aviation veterans have long called India’s stringent eligibility criteria outdated, especially since most countries do not mandate science stream qualifications for pilot training.
“The basic physics and math required for flying are taught much earlier in school,” said a senior pilot. “Forcing arts and commerce students to retake exams through open schooling just to meet eligibility is unnecessary and outdated.”
Rising Interest, Strained Infrastructure
The anticipated expansion of eligibility is likely to spark a surge in student enrollments at flying schools across India. In preparation, aviation authorities have begun working on upgrading flying training organizations (FTOs) to handle the increased demand.
On May 16, DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai directed all FTOs to maintain dedicated, transparent websites detailing key training metrics — such as fleet size, instructor availability, simulator hours, and average duration to complete required flying hours. The goal is to make flying schools more student-friendly, transparent, and competitive.
Challenges Remain: Cost, Quality, and Career Uncertainty
Despite the optimism, industry insiders warn that becoming a commercial pilot in India is still an expensive and uncertain journey. Many student pilots come from middle-class families, often taking hefty loans to fund their dreams. The high cost of CPL training, along with the limited job opportunities post-training, continues to be a concern.
“Just finishing the course doesn’t guarantee a job,” cautioned a senior captain. “Families must prepare for both the financial investment and the potential delay in employment after training.”
With many students currently heading abroad for faster and more reliable training, the DGCA hopes that systemic reforms — including streamlined entry, upgraded infrastructure, and greater transparency — will help India retain its aspiring aviators.
