Home
/
All Blogs
/
Commercial Pilot Training

Commercial Pilot Training in India 2025: Fees, Institutes, Eligibility & More

Written By
Vaishali Pandey
&
Reviewed By
Victor Senapaty
Updated On:
Aug 21, 2025
|
10
mins read
Vaishali Pandey
Updated On:
Aug 21, 2025

Get Education Loan

2 Days Disbursement. 3 Steps Process. 4 Docs to Submit

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

Table of Contents

Apply Education Loan

Up to Rs. 50 Lakhs for 10 Years.
10X Faster.

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

Dreaming of flying commercial aircraft for a living? Commercial Pilot Training in India is the first step toward that goal. It involves structured ground schooling, practical flight hours, and passing DGCA exams to earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The process can take anywhere between 8 to 24 months, depending on your training path.

In this blog, you'll find all the details, from eligibility and admission to course fees, top institutes, and salary expectations. It’s a helpful starting point if you're planning to pursue flying professionally.

By the end of this blog, you will know

  • Commercial Pilot Training in India usually takes 8 to 24 months, with the CPL course requiring 200 hours of flying.
  • You need to complete Class 12 with Physics and Maths, and clear DGCA medical and written exams to be eligible.
  • Commercial pilot training fees range between ₹25 lakh to ₹35 lakh, varying by institute and license type.
  • Top flying schools include IGRUA, Bombay Flying Club, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, and others across India.
  • Pilot salaries range from ₹4 LPA to ₹10 LPA, with potential for higher earnings in specialised sectors.

Are you parent of a JEE/NEET aspirant?

Join the group and get latest updates, expert advice on counselling and college selection. Completely FREE!

Need guidance on funding your MBA College Fees?

Join the group and learn about the ways you can fund your MBA. Completely FREE!

Commercial Pilot Training: Course Overview

To become a commercial pilot in India, you must complete structured flight and ground training under DGCA guidelines. The training includes theory classes, simulator sessions, and a minimum of 200 flying hours.

Here’s a quick overview of what commercial pilot training in India typically includes:

Particulars

Details

Types of Licenses

SPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL, MPL, FIR, RPL

Eligibility

Class 12 with Physics & Maths; Class 1 DGCA Medical

Subjects

Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Navigation, Technical, Radio Telephony

Fee Range

₹40-55 lakhs, depending on course type and flying school

Top Institutions

IGRUA, Bombay Flying Club, RGAA, Silver Oak, IGIA

Average Salary

Starts from ₹4-10 LPA; goes up to ₹80+ LPA for experienced

Get 50 Lacs No Collateral Education Loan

Types Of Pilot Licenses In India

There are several licenses you can pursue depending on your aviation goals. DGCA regulates these licenses, and each has a specific age, training, and flying hour requirement.

Below are the most common types of pilot licenses in India:

License

Details

Student Pilot License (SPL)

Entry-level permit to begin flight training; issued at 16 years.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

 

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Non-commercial flying for personal or recreational purposes; minimum 50 flying hours.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

Required for professional flying roles; issued after completing 200 flying hours.

Flight Instructor Rating (FIR)

Allows a CPL holder to train student pilots after additional instructor-level assessments.

Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL)

Designed for airline-specific crew training; heavily based on simulator experience.

Remote Pilot License (RPL)

Mandatory for operating drones commercially in areas like agriculture, delivery, and surveillance.

Most students begin their journey with an SPL, progress to a PPL, and then pursue Commercial Pilot training to get a CPL. Some may go directly for commercial pilot license training if they meet the eligibility requirements from the start.

Need help covering your pilot training costs? Learn about the options in this detailed guide on Education Loan for Pilot Training.

Commercial Pilot Training in India: Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Commercial Pilot Training in India eligibility criteria, make sure you meet the DGCA basic requirements. These ensure that every aspiring pilot is fit to fly, both physically and mentally.

Educational Qualification
You must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board. If you're from a commerce or arts background, you can still qualify by clearing these subjects separately through NIOS.

Age Requirement
The minimum age to start with a Student Pilot License is 16 years, while for a CPL, you need to be at least 18. Many training academies allow you to enrol as early as 17 if you're preparing for your PPL alongside ground school.

Medical Fitness
A Class II medical certificate is needed to begin your training, but you’ll need to upgrade to a Class I medical before applying for your CPL. These tests cover eyesight, hearing, cardiovascular health, and lung function.

Nationality
You must be an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder to enrol in DGCA-approved flying schools. Some academies may accept foreign nationals, but only with additional regulatory requirements.

Once eligible, you can apply to DGCA-approved flying schools to begin your training.

Commercial Pilot Training: Admission Process

To start Commercial Pilot Training, you’ll need to meet basic eligibility requirements, clear a few exams, and complete flight hours. The full training usually takes 1-2 years, while a CPL alone can be finished in about 8-10 months.

How To Get Admission For A Commercial Pilot?

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
You can begin commercial pilot training after completing Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics, and passing a DGCA-approved Class II medical test. 

Step 2: Choose a Flying School
Select a DGCA-approved flying academy that fits your budget, location, and training needs. Look for batch sizes, aircraft types, and past placement records.

Step 3: Clear Medical Examinations
Before beginning flight training, get a Class II medical certificate. You'll need to upgrade to Class I before applying for your CPL. Tests include ECG, eye check-ups, lung function, and hearing.

Step 4: Enrol in a Training Program
Apply for your Student Pilot License (SPL) and begin ground school. You'll be introduced to aviation theory, aircraft systems, air navigation, meteorology, and regulations.

Step 5: Accumulate Flight Hours
Work under an instructor to log the required 200 hours of flying for CPL. This includes single-engine and multi-engine aircraft experience, solo flights, and simulator sessions.

Step 6: Complete DGCA Exams
Pass all five written exams, a flight check, and a short oral. These test your knowledge, flying skills, and radio communication.

Step 7: Apply for the Pilot License
Once you meet all the flying and academic conditions, submit your documents to DGCA and receive your CPL. You can now apply for co-pilot positions or airline openings.

Step 8: Optional Endorsements
If you want to fly specific aircraft, you'll need to undergo type rating training. This is often offered by flying schools or separately through aviation training partners.

What Are The Exams For Commercial Pilot Training?

Most DGCA-approved flying schools in India accept direct applications, but some conduct entrance exams to assess student aptitude, English skills, and aviation awareness. If you’re aiming to become a military or air force pilot, you’ll need to clear exams like AFCAT, CDS, or NDA

For civil aviation, DGCA conducts three stages of testing for CPL:

  • Written Exams
    There are 5 subjects, including Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulation, Aircraft Technical Knowledge, and RTR (A).
  • Flight Test
    A practical exam to assess your flying accuracy and safety under supervision.
  • Oral Examination
    Part of the RTR(A) process, testing your in-flight communication and decision-making.

Dream College? We’ll Fund It

Commercial Pilot Training: Syllabus

The Commercial Pilot Training syllabus in India is designed by DGCA and focuses on both theory and flying practice. You'll study subjects like Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical General, Technical Specific, and Radio Telephony.

Is Becoming A Pilot In India Expensive?

Many students dream of becoming pilots but aren't sure how to begin or manage the cost. Platforms like Reddit often bring out honest, unfiltered questions that reflect what thousands of aspirants are thinking.

Let’s look at a real case that highlights this confusion and curiosity.

Reddit User: r/Indian_Academia shared: How to become a pilot? How much will it cost?”

Insight: This is one of the most common doubts students have when they consider Commercial Pilot Training. The user is interested but unsure where to start or how financially demanding the journey will be.

What do we infer from the above case?

Many students want to pursue commercial pilot training after 12th but feel stuck at the starting line. The confusion often comes from not knowing the exact steps or financial planning needed. The training includes ground school, flight hours, and DGCA exams, totalling around ₹45-₹75 lakh.

Tip: If upfront costs are holding you back, student-friendly education loan providers like Propelld offer 100% financing with no collateral, quick approval, and repayment options that align with your career progress. It’s a solid way to move ahead without financial stress.

Commercial Pilot Training: Fees in India

The total commercial pilot training fees in India depend on the license, school, and aircraft type used during flying hours. On average, students spend between ₹40-55 lakhs to complete their CPL.

License Type

Estimated Cost 

Student Pilot License (SPL)

₹1,00,000 - ₹2,00,000

Private Pilot License (PPL)

₹15,00,000 - ₹25,00,000

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

₹25,00,000 - ₹35,00,000

Best Commercial Pilot Training Institutes In India

India has many DGCA-approved flight schools offering quality Commercial Pilot Training. The training quality, fleet size, and placement support vary, so it’s important to compare before choosing.

Below are some of the best commercial pilot training institutes in India:

Flying School

Courses Offered

Average Fee (INR)

Government Flight Training School, Bangalore

CPL, SPL, PPL

₹36,00,000

Adventure Flight Education Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore

CPL

₹25,60,000

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Amethi

CPL, MCC, CRM, AELP

₹45,00,000

Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, Thiruvananthapuram

CPL, SPL, PPL

₹20,00,000

National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), Gondia

CPL, Airline, Helicopter

₹36,40,000

Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd, Ahmedabad

CPL, PPL, APL

₹24,60,000

Indian Institute of Aeronautics (IIA), New Delhi

CPL

₹12,00,000

Orient Flights Aviation Academy (OFAA), Mysore

CPL, SPL, PPL

₹35,00,000

The Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai

CPL

₹41,00,000

Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Indore

CPL, PPL

₹25,00,000 - ₹30,00,000

Commercial Pilot Training: Jobs & Salary

Once you complete your Commercial Pilot Training, you can explore multiple job roles in civil and defence aviation. Salaries depend on your role, experience, and aircraft type.

Job Role

Avg. Salary 

Description

Charter Pilot

₹60.8 LPA

Fly VIP/private jets

Commercial Airline Pilot

₹34.5 LPA

Fly passenger aircraft

Military Pilot

₹8.8 LPA

Work in the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army

Cargo Pilot

₹3.4 LPA

Operate freight aircraft

Flight Instructor

₹2.5 LPA

Train aspiring pilots

Becoming a pilot is a serious investment of time, effort, and money, but it's also one of the most rewarding careers out there. If you're ready to pursue Commercial Pilot Training, now's a great time to start. With the right guidance, training, and support, you can turn your dream of flying into a lifelong profession.

Ready to start, but worried about the cost? Propelld makes funding your pilot training simple, fast, and hassle-free. Whether you're training in India or abroad, Propelld offers 100% financing, no collateral, market-based approval, and faster disbursals than banks.

So why wait? Apply now and let Propelld help you reach for the skies without financial turbulence.

Education Loan for Medical Colleges

MBBS | BDS | BAMS | Bsc Nusring |Or Pay Fees for Any Medical Course in India - Up to. Rs. 50 Lacs

Fund Your Education with Propelld

2 Days Disbursement. 3 Steps Process. 4 Docs to Submit

Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.
Apply Now

No Collateral Education Loan - 10X Faster than Banks

Available in all top Coaching Institutes
Get Loan

FAQs About Commercial Pilot Training

How many years is a commercial pilot course?

A full pilot training programme usually spans 1 to 2 years, while Commercial Pilot training for a CPL can often be completed within 8 to 10 months in India.

What is the cost of commercial pilot training?

The cost of commercial pilot training in India varies between INR 20 Lakh to INR 50 Lakh for a CPL course, depending on the institute and the training package.

Can a 12‑pass apply for a pilot?

Yes, candidates can start with their commercial pilot training after passing Class 12 with Physics and Maths, starting with a Student Pilot License (SPL).

What is the salary of a CPL pilot?

Entry-level CPL holders typically earn ₹10-12 lakh per year, with experienced pilots earning anywhere between ₹15-20 lakh or more annually.

Who is eligible for a commercial pilot?

To be eligible for commercial pilot training, you must be at least 18 years old, have completed 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics. You also need a Class 1 medical certificate.

Which exam for a pilot?

The DGCA conducts several exams, including a written exam in subjects like Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, and Air Regulations, as well as a flight test for commercial pilot license training candidates.

Which course is best for pilots?

A DGCA‑approved CPL training programme that offers both theory and 200 hours of flight training is best for aspiring commercial pilots.

How long does it take to learn to be a commercial pilot?

Learning to be a commercial pilot typically requires 200 flight hours, which in India is usually completed within 8 to 14 months of the CPL course.

What is the age limit for a pilot?

The minimum age to apply for a commercial pilot license (CPL) is 18 years, while there is generally no upper age limit. Commercial airlines typically hire pilots up to 35-40 years old for long-term career roles.

Is the DGCA exam tough?

The DGCA exams for commercial pilot training are rigorous and require in-depth knowledge of aviation theory, regulations, and flight procedures. However, with proper preparation, it is manageable.

Can I become a pilot with 10 lakhs?

It’s possible to start pilot training with 10 lakhs, but the total cost for a CPL course generally exceeds this amount. It typically ranges from INR 20 Lakh to INR 50 Lakh.

Can a pilot earn 1 crore per month?

While it's rare, experienced pilots working with major international airlines or in specialised sectors like private charters or cargo services could potentially earn around 1 crore per year. However, monthly earnings at this level are uncommon.

Is 25 too old to start pilot training?

No, 25 years old is not too old to start commercial pilot training. Many pilots begin their careers in their late twenties and still have long, successful careers ahead.

Vaishali Pandey
Content Marketer
Check out full profile

A banker turned content marketer with expertise in growth-focused content strategies for the finance and digital sectors.  She currently drives data-backed content initiatives at Propelld, through high-impact storytelling.

Before moving into content marketing, Vaishali spent nearly a decade in banking, across their asset and lending divisions and spent almost a decade in finance. An MBA in Marketing and a writer at heart, she finally took up content marketing and now simplifies money talks for the readers.

She is also a certified digital marketer (MICA), combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling to deliver measurable business growth.

Beyond work, Vaishali is a handcrafted brand founder, avid reader, and travel & food blogger, blending creativity and strategy in everything she does.

Text LinkText Link
Read More
Read Less
Victor Senapaty
Co Founder, Propelld
Check out full profile

Victor Senapaty is the Co-Founder of Propelld, a pioneering fintech platform revolutionizing education financing in India. An IIT Madras and FMS Delhi alumnus, Victor brings a rare blend of investment banking expertise, startup leadership, and financial innovation to the education lending space.

He is a serial entrepreneur with ventures spanning edtech, hyperlocal commerce, and consumer experiences, and an ex-Deutsche Bank investment banker with deep expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and strategic growth. At Propelld, Victor focuses on unlocking financial access for students by creating future-potential-based lending models, helping thousands pursue higher education without traditional credit barriers.

A National Maths Olympiad gold medalist, FRM Level 1 certified professional, an avid traveler and football enthusiast, Victor is passionate about building products that meaningfully impact lives and transform access to education in India.

Join Group for JEE & NEET Updates
Fund Your Higher Education with Us

Propelld Education Loan

2 Days Disbursal
Collateral Free Loans
10X Faster than Banks
"Propelld’s innovative approach and creative solutions made the daunting task of securing a loan an artful experience."
Tanuj Masiwal
IIM Ahmedabad
Let's Get the Best Offer for You
Thanks! We will reach out to you shortly.