Become an Airline
Pilot in India

Complete Pilot Training Pathway with ThePilot.in: DGCA Ground Classes, CPL Flight Training, Cadet Preparation & Type Rating

ThePilot.in cadets in pilot uniform beside a Cessna trainer at a New Zealand partner flying school
ThePilot.in student pilot in uniform seated on a Cessna trainer wing at an FTO tarmac
ThePilot.in cadet with a Cessna 172 during CPL flight training at a partner FTO
ThePilot.in cadet in uniform next to a Tecnam P2008JC trainer aircraft
ThePilot.in student pilot shaking hands with an instructor after completing a check ride
ThePilot.in cadet holding a Commercial Pilot Licence beside a Cessna trainer in the hangar
ThePilot.in student pilot seated on a Cessna wing on the apron at sunset
ThePilot.in cadet shaking hands with an instructor beside a P2008 trainer after a successful sortie
ThePilot.in cadet beside a New Zealand Airline Academy Tecnam ZK-NYF trainer
ThePilot.in student pilot in uniform beside a Cessna N5105P trainer at an FTO apron
ThePilot.in cadets celebrating CPL completion beside a training aircraft
ThePilot.in student pilot on a Cessna trainer giving a thumbs up after a solo flight
Three ThePilot.in cadets in pilot uniform posing beside a Cessna trainer aircraft
Guiding pilots since 2019
2,000+
Pilots trained
20+
Partner flying schools
9+
Global training locations
3
Training partners for leading airlines

Your 10 Step Pilot Roadmap

From Class 12 to Airline-Ready Pilot

How to become a Pilot
  1. 1 ELIGIBILITY

    10+2 With Physics & Maths

    Complete 10+2 with Physics and Maths.

  2. 2 MEDICAL CLEARANCE

    DGCA Class 1 & Class 2 Medicals

    Complete your DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medical assessments.

    COST ₹5,000–20,000
  3. 3 GROUND SCHOOL

    DGCA Ground Classes

    Prepare for the DGCA CPL theory examinations.

    COST ₹1.5–3.5 Lakh
  4. 4 REGISTRATION

    DGCA Computer Number

    Apply for your DGCA Computer Number.

    COST Free
  5. 5 THEORY CLEARANCE

    DGCA Theory Exams

    Clear the required DGCA flight crew theory examinations.

    COST ₹2,500–5,000 / paper
  6. 6 FLIGHT TRAINING

    Flight Training in India or Abroad

    Complete your CPL flight training through a DGCA-compliant route.

    COST ₹70–95 Lakh
  7. 7 RADIO LICENCE

    RTR & FRTOL Licence Issuance

    Complete radio telephony requirements and obtain the required documentation.

    COST ₹10,000
  8. 8 DGCA CONVERSION

    DGCA CPL Licence Conversion

    Complete the applicable DGCA licence conversion requirements if training abroad.

    COST ₹2.5–4 Lakh
  9. 9 CPL ISSUED

    CPL Licence Issuance

    Complete the required documentation and licensing process for your DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence.

    COST ₹10,000–15,000
  10. 10 AIRLINE READY

    Type Rating

    You can now apply to airlines as a qualified Airline Pilot with your CPL and required qualifications.

    COST ₹15–19 Lakh
01 / 10

ADDITIONAL COSTS

  • Living Expenses
  • Travelling Expenses
  • Additional Medical Tests
  • Extra DGCA Exam Attempts
Our courses

Pilot Training & Aviation Courses

DGCA ground classes, CPL flight training, cadet programme preparation and A320 or B737 type rating — for aspiring and qualified pilots.

DGCA Ground Classes for CPL

  • Online classes
  • Offline classes

New DGCA batches start every Tuesday

Ask about next batch
Instructors
14+ Instructors Largest qualified faculty in India
DGCA exam pass rate
87% DGCA Exam Pass Rate Highest in the industry
Standardised training
Airline Cadets and Conventional All go through the same standardised training

DGCA papers

  • Air Navigation
  • Air Regulations
  • Aviation Meteorology
  • Technical General
  • Technical Specific
  • Composite paper revision
  • RTR Part 1
  • RTR Part 2
Duration
3–5 months
Passing Percentage for DGCA Exams
70%
Exam frequency
Every month
Paper validity
5 years

Some of our All India Rankers and Top Performers in DGCA Examination

  • Score 100/100
    Aman DM — DGCA RTR Part 1, 100/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Aman DM RTR Part 1
  • Score 100/100
    Pratham Minocha — DGCA RTR Part 1, 100/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Pratham Minocha RTR Part 1
  • Score 100/100
    Ronak Ghadei — DGCA RTR Part 1, 100/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Ronak Ghadei RTR Part 1
  • Score 100/100
    Veerelli Sathwika — DGCA RTR Part 1, 100/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Veerelli Sathwika RTR Part 1
  • Score 95/100
    Savio JL — DGCA Air Navigation, 95/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Savio JL Air Navigation
  • Score 98/100
    Bhavy Yadav — DGCA Meteorology, 98/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Bhavy Yadav Meteorology
  • Score 94/100
    Kirubanandhan R — DGCA Meteorology, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Kirubanandhan R Meteorology
  • Score 98/100
    Anushka Sandhu — DGCA Meteorology, 98/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Anushka Sandhu Meteorology
  • Score 98/100
    Sudherson C — DGCA RTR Part 1, 98/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Sudherson C RTR Part 1
  • Score 96/100
    Aryan KA — DGCA Meteorology, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Aryan KA Meteorology
  • Score 96/100
    Divyashree HJ — DGCA Meteorology, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Divyashree HJ Meteorology
  • Score 96/100
    Rajyeveer Sultania — DGCA Meteorology, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Rajyeveer Sultania Meteorology
  • Score 96/100
    Sachin Khatana — DGCA RTR Part 1, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Sachin Khatana RTR Part 1
  • Score 96/100
    Sayoojya AK — DGCA RTR Part 1, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Sayoojya AK RTR Part 1
  • Score 96/100
    Shreyansh Sachan — DGCA RTR Part 1, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Shreyansh Sachan RTR Part 1
  • Score 96/100
    Venus Singh — DGCA RTR Part 1, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Venus Singh RTR Part 1
  • Score 96/100
    Vinil KAK — DGCA RTR Part 1, 96/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Vinil KAK RTR Part 1
  • Score 91/100
    Aryan Velapure — DGCA Air Navigation, 91/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Aryan Velapure Air Navigation
  • Score 95/100
    Akhil RB — DGCA Air Navigation, 95/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Akhil RB Air Navigation
  • Score 95/100
    Arush Deep — DGCA Air Navigation, 95/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Arush Deep Air Navigation
  • Score 94/100
    Anish Pulivarthi — DGCA Meteorology, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Anish Pulivarthi Meteorology
  • Score 90/100
    Ganti SA — DGCA Meteorology, 90/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Ganti SA Meteorology
  • Score 94/100
    Jai Verma — DGCA Air Navigation, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Jai Verma Air Navigation
  • Score 92/100
    Mehakdeep KM — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Mehakdeep KM Meteorology
  • Score 94/100
    Palanirajan ES — DGCA Meteorology, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Palanirajan ES Meteorology
  • Score 94/100
    Rishi Sinha — DGCA Meteorology, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Rishi Sinha Meteorology
  • Score 94/100
    Yohan SK — DGCA Meteorology, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Yohan SK Meteorology
  • Score 94/100
    Kandala ST — DGCA RTR Part 1, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Kandala ST RTR Part 1
  • Score 94/100
    Nakul Shah — DGCA RTR Part 1, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Nakul Shah RTR Part 1
  • Score 94/100
    Nandhumon KR — DGCA RTR Part 1, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Nandhumon KR RTR Part 1
  • Score 94/100
    Pranel SKV — DGCA RTR Part 1, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Pranel SKV RTR Part 1
  • Score 94/100
    Sehr Bansal — DGCA RTR Part 1, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Sehr Bansal RTR Part 1
  • Score 94/100
    Shireen Narula — DGCA Meteorology, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Shireen Narula Meteorology
  • Score 94/100
    Tushar Boken — DGCA RTR Part 1, 94/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Tushar Boken RTR Part 1
  • Score 93/100
    Sankalp Saini — DGCA Air Navigation, 93/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Sankalp Saini Air Navigation
  • Score 93/100
    Adithya Ayyappan — DGCA Air Navigation, 93/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Adithya Ayyappan Air Navigation
  • Score 92/100
    Shashank PP — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Shashank PP Meteorology
  • Score 92/100
    Trinak Das — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Trinak Das Meteorology
  • Score 92/100
    Aalind Bareliya — DGCA RTR Part 1, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Aalind Bareliya RTR Part 1
  • Score 92/100
    Aaryan Singh — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Aaryan Singh Meteorology
  • Score 92/100
    Ayush Khandai — DGCA RTR Part 1, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Ayush Khandai RTR Part 1
  • Score 92/100
    Bhoomika Rathore — DGCA RTR Part 1, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Bhoomika Rathore RTR Part 1
  • Score 92/100
    Harsh BG — DGCA RTR Part 1, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Harsh BG RTR Part 1
  • Score 92/100
    Harsh Sapate — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Harsh Sapate Meteorology
  • Score 92/100
    Manish — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Manish Meteorology
  • Score 92/100
    Mente Sriharsha — DGCA RTR Part 1, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Mente Sriharsha RTR Part 1
  • Score 92/100
    Niranjan K — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Niranjan K Meteorology
  • Score 92/100
    Radhika Yadav — DGCA RTR Part 1, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Radhika Yadav RTR Part 1
  • Score 92/100
    Rashman Singh — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Rashman Singh Meteorology
  • Score 92/100
    Saisha Bhatura — DGCA Meteorology, 92/100 (ThePilot.in student)
    Saisha Bhatura Meteorology
YOUR PILOT JOURNEY 30-second quiz

Are you ready to take off?

Discover your next step towards becoming a pilot.

Checks covered: Age, Class 12 with Physics & Maths, DGCA medical, English.
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

4 questions. One step closer.

Let's find out where you stand.

Student reviews

Student testimonials

Hear from students now flying, in their own words.

  • Kalpana Joshi talking about training with ThePilot.in

    Kalpana Joshi

    DGCA Ground Classes

    “Cleared all DGCA papers in my first attempt.”

  • Aparna talking about training with ThePilot.in

    Aparna

    DGCA Aviation Meteorology — Scored 90/100

    “Scored 90 in Aviation Meteorology. The notes and question banks helped a lot.”

  • Neethu M talking about training with ThePilot.in

    Neethu M

    Flight Training in the USA

    “Got my USA visa approved and am starting flight training in the USA.”

  • Atharva Wagh talking about training with ThePilot.in

    Atharva Wagh

    CPL Process & Ground Classes

    “ThePilot.in helped me through my entire CPL process. Their ground classes are amazing.”

  • Dev Mehra talking about training with ThePilot.in

    Dev Mehra

    DGCA Cleared — Maldives CPL next

    “Cleared all DGCA exams in 5 months. Now going to Maldives for CPL.”

Where should you do your flight training?

Explore Flight Training options in 8 Countries and 15+ Flying Schools.

India

DGCA
Duration
Approx cost
18–24 months
₹45–55 L

USA

FAA
Duration
Approx cost
12–14 months
₹58–68 L

South Africa

SACAA
Duration
Approx cost
12–15 months
₹42–52 L

New Zealand

CAANZ
Duration
Approx cost
15–18 months
₹60–72 L

Australia

CASA
Duration
Approx cost
15–18 months
₹62–75 L

Maldives

MCAA
Duration
Approx cost
14–16 months
₹50–60 L

Spain

EASA
Duration
Approx cost
14–17 months
₹55–65 L

Hungary

EASA
Duration
Approx cost
14–16 months
₹55–65 L
  • Flight training in India: 18–24 months, approximately ₹45–55 L, DGCA — issued directly.
  • Flight training in USA: 12–14 months, approximately ₹58–68 L, FAA — conversion required.
  • Flight training in South Africa: 12–15 months, approximately ₹42–52 L, SACAA — conversion required.
  • Flight training in New Zealand: 15–18 months, approximately ₹60–72 L, CAANZ — conversion required.
  • Flight training in Australia: 15–18 months, approximately ₹62–75 L, CASA — conversion required.
  • Flight training in Maldives: 14–16 months, approximately ₹50–60 L, MCAA — conversion required.
  • Flight training in Spain: 14–17 months, approximately ₹55–65 L, EASA — conversion required.
  • Flight training in Hungary: 14–16 months, approximately ₹55–65 L, EASA — conversion required.
  • India

    Duration
    Approx cost
    17–18 months
    ₹61–65 L

    DGCA — issued directly

    Full details
  • USA

    Duration
    Approx cost
    12–14 months
    ₹58–65 L

    FAA — conversion required

    Full details
  • South Africa

    Duration
    Approx cost
    15–16 months
    ₹55–62 L

    SACAA — conversion required

    Full details
  • New Zealand

    Duration
    Approx cost
    14–16 months
    ₹67–71 L

    CAANZ — conversion required

    Full details
  • Australia

    Duration
    Approx cost
    15–17 months
    ₹85–90 L

    CASA — conversion required

    Full details
  • Maldives

    Duration
    Approx cost
    15–18 months
    ₹55–57 L

    MCAA — conversion required

    Full details
  • Spain

    Duration
    Approx cost
    17–18 months
    ₹70–72 L

    EASA — conversion required

  • Hungary

    Duration
    Approx cost
    15–18 months
    ₹70–72 L

    EASA — conversion required

Guide to DGCA CPL conversion

View guide
India or abroad

Pilot Training in India vs Abroad: Two Routes to a DGCA CPL

Both pathways end in a DGCA CPL. They differ in timeline, cost and how the licence reaches your hand.

Pilot training in India vs abroad: a side-by-side comparison of timeline, indicative cost, licence issuance, conversion process, flying conditions, and best-fit student profile for each route to a DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence. Figures as of October 2026.
Compare on Option A Flight training in India DGCA licence issued directly. No conversion, slower hour building. Option B Flight training abroad Faster hour building, then a DGCA conversion on your return.
Timeline to CPL 17–18 months 12–18 months
Indicative total cost ₹61–65 L ₹55–90 L
Licence issued by DGCA — issued directly FAA, CASA or SACAA — foreign licence
Conversion process Not required DGCA conversion: papers, checkride and paperwork, 3–6 months
Flying conditions Monsoon and traffic delays extend the calendar More weather-clear days, faster hour accumulation
Best suited for Students who want to stay close to home and avoid conversion Students optimising for speed and continuous flying
Explore India training Explore training abroad

Which should you choose?

Train abroad for the fastest route to 200 hours. Train in India for a licence issued directly. Costs overlap once conversion is counted in.

Talk to a counsellor
Fees & funding

Pilot Training Fees in India: CPL Cost & Funding Options

One honest range, broken down by stage and confirmed in writing before you enrol.

Ground school to DGCA CPL

₹70–95 Lakh

All-in, including medicals, exams and documentation.

DGCA ground classes
₹1.5–2.5 L
CPL flight training (200 hours)
₹70–95 L
Medical, exams & documentation
₹1–3 L
Conversionif flown abroad
₹2–3 L
Fee breakup & loan options

PDF · EMI and education-loan options · Updated October 2026

Partners For Leading Airlines

Trusted by

Why choose us

Why Choose ThePilot.in

Over 2,000 students have trained with us since 2019. This is what they get that a standalone flying school does not offer.

End-to-end guidance
From DGCA ground classes to type rating, we support every stage of your pilot training journey.
14+ aviation experts
Learn from instructors with airline and flight training school backgrounds.
Global training network
Access vetted flight training partners across nine countries.
2,000+ pilots trained
Students have trusted us to launch their aviation careers since 2019.
Documentation support
Help with medicals, visas, licence conversion and education loans.
Career guidance
One-on-one counselling to help you choose the right pathway with confidence.

Reviews from Google

Read all reviews on Google
For parents & guardians

Information for Parents & Guardians

01. Pilot Training Costs

Understand the full cost before enrolling.

  • Flight training fees and included hours
  • Medicals, exams and accommodation
  • Extra flying hours and other additional costs

02. DGCA Licence & Approvals

Know what is required to obtain an Indian CPL.

  • DGCA examinations and medical requirements
  • Required flight training and licence criteria
  • Verify your chosen flying school's approval with its regulator

03. How ThePilot.in Helps

Get guidance through your pilot training journey.

  • DGCA ground classes for theory exam preparation
  • Flight training options in India and abroad
  • Guidance on CPL requirements and foreign licence conversion
Book A Call with ThePilot.in Team
Cadet pilot programs

Airline Cadet Pilot Programs In India

A cadet pilot program is an airline-sponsored pathway where the airline selects you before training begins and places you in its own cockpit on completion. Selection covers aptitude, technical knowledge, psychometrics and interview.

Air India aircraft

Air India Cadet Pilot Program

We are an Air India cadet training partner, preparing aspirants for the full assessment process.

Learn more
  • Air India aircraft Air India

    Air India Cadet Pilot Program

    We are an Air India cadet training partner, preparing aspirants for the full assessment process.

  • IndiGo aircraft IndiGo

    IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program

    India's largest airline and biggest A320 operator. The most competitive cadet intake in the country.

The selection process

Airline Cadet Programme Selection

STEP 01

Aptitude Test

Tests cognitive ability, numerical reasoning, spatial awareness, memory and problem-solving.

Swipe to see the next stage
01 / 04
  1. Step 01

    Aptitude Test

    Tests cognitive ability, numerical reasoning, spatial awareness, memory and problem-solving.

  2. Step 02

    Psychometric Assessment

    Assesses behavioural traits, personality and responses to work-related situations.

  3. Step 03

    Group Discussion

    Evaluates communication, teamwork, collaboration and decision-making in a group setting.

  4. Step 04

    Personal Interview

    Assesses communication, motivation, aviation awareness and overall suitability for the programme.

Selection stages vary by airline and cadet programme.

Explore cadet programme preparation

A320 & B737 Type Rating

A type rating qualifies a CPL holder to fly a specific airliner. With ThePilot.in an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 rating takes 40 to 45 days and starts from USD 15,250 (about ₹13.4 lakh at ₹88 to USD 1, October 2026), with visa processing, licence endorsement support and study material included free.

ThePilot.in Benefits

Total saving of ₹50,000+

  • Visa processing (1–2 weeks)
  • Free pre-type-rating study material
  • Licence endorsement support
  • ₹30,000 cashback on completion

A320 & B737 Type Rating Training in India and Abroad

A type rating qualifies a CPL holder to fly a specific airliner. With ThePilot.in an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 rating takes 40 to 45 days and starts from USD 15,250 (about ₹13.4 lakh at ₹88 to USD 1, October 2026), with visa processing, licence endorsement support and study material included free.

ThePilot.in Benefits

Total saving of ₹50,000+

  • Visa processing (1–2 weeks)
  • Free pre-type-rating study material
  • Licence endorsement support
  • ₹30,000 cashback on completion
Career outlook

Pilot salary in India

What Indian carriers pay across a typical airline career, so you can weigh the training cost against what follows it.

Role Monthly (indicative)
Trainee first officerOn joining, post type rating ₹1.5–2.5 L
First officer1–4 years ₹2.5–4.5 L
Senior first officer4–7 years ₹4.5–6 L
Captain — narrow body7–12 years ₹6–9 L
Captain — wide body12+ years ₹9–14 L

Indicative ranges compiled from publicly reported Indian airline pay scales as of October 2026. Actual pay depends on the airline, aircraft type, flying hours and allowances. ThePilot.in does not guarantee employment or earnings.

Flight training

The 200-hour flying breakup

A DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) needs 200 hours of logged flight time. These minimums are counted within the 200.

Total flight time

200 hrs

PIC / Solo
Flown as pilot-in-command, without an instructor on board
100 hrs
Cross-country PIC
Pilot-in-command flights between aerodromes
50 hrs
Instrument
Minimum 20 hours in an approved simulator
40 hrs
Night flying
Minimum 10 take-offs and landings at night
5 hrs
Multi-engine
Flown on a multi-engine aircraft
25 hrs
Visit us

ThePilot.in: DGCA Ground Classes in Mumbai, Flight Training in India & Abroad

Ground school and counselling in person at our Mumbai centre, or over a video call if you are further away. Partner flying schools operate across nine countries.

On Google Maps

Mumbai centre

ThePilot.in

102, B Wing, Arham Siddha, Poppy CHS, Ram Nagar Road, off Haridas Nagar Road, Saibaba Nagar, Borivali West, Mumbai 400092

Answers

Pilot Training & DGCA CPL FAQs

The questions students and parents ask us on almost every counselling call.

  • You must be at least 17 to hold a CPL, have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics (a NIOS improvement is accepted), hold a DGCA Class 1 medical, and be proficient in English to ICAO Level 4. Flight training can begin at 16.

Your Complete Pilot Career Starts Here

Everything you need to become a commercial pilot: from DGCA Ground Classes and flight training to airline cadet programs, type rating, career guidance, and expert counselling.