DGCA Proposes Eligibility Reform for Commercial Pilot Training: Arts & Commerce Students May Soon Take Flight

New Delhi – In a move that could reshape the entry path to Indian aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed allowing Class 12 students from arts and commerce streams to pursue Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training — a path that has so far been exclusive to science stream students.

Currently, CPL aspirants must have studied physics and mathematics in Class 12, restricting access to only science stream students. However, if the proposed amendment is approved, all Class 12 pass-outs — regardless of stream — will be eligible, provided they clear mandatory medical and aptitude tests.

The DGCA has submitted this recommendation to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, which will finalize the proposal before sending it to the Law Ministry for official notification. Once approved, the rule change will come into effect.

A Timely Shift Amid Soaring Demand

This development comes at a time when Indian aviation is on the cusp of historic growth. With Air India and IndiGo placing record-breaking aircraft orders — Air India alone having ordered over 470 aircraft — the demand for skilled commercial pilots is expected to multiply in the coming years.

Allowing non-science stream students to enroll in CPL training could significantly expand the pilot pool and help meet the sector’s growing needs. It also brings India in line with international practices, where pilot training does not rely on high school academic streams, as essential physics and math are covered during flight training.

But the Skies Aren’t All Clear: Pilots Raise Concerns

Despite the positive outlook, many current pilots have voiced concerns about the state of the aviation profession in India. Some fear that the rising number of pilots, along with airline cost-cutting, could result in increased exploitation.

“There was a time when being a commercial pilot was both glamorous and financially stable,” said one senior captain anonymously. “Today, some junior pilots earn less than what we did two decades ago, all while flying longer hours under tighter schedules.”

Veteran professionals warn that unless airlines focus on fair pay and working conditions, the industry could become increasingly unsustainable for new pilots — even as demand for air travel continues to grow.

India’s Growing Pilot Base

According to DGCA data:

• 2024: 1,342 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) issued
• 2023: 1,622 CPLs issued (record high)
• 2022: 1,165 CPLs issued

These figures include CPLs issued to trainees from both India and abroad, including those who converted foreign licences to meet Indian regulatory standards.

A System Ready for Reform

Since the mid-1990s, CPL training in India has been restricted to science students. Before that, even Class 10 pass-outs (matriculation) were eligible. Many experts have long called the existing system outdated, especially since core scientific concepts are revisited during aviation training.

If passed, the new rule could bring a welcome reform — creating a more inclusive and accessible pathway to the cockpit, and opening up flying careers to thousands of students across India from diverse educational backgrounds.