Career guides · Defence & Space

How to become a Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilots fly passenger and cargo planes for airlines. You train at a flying school for a Commercial Pilot Licence, issued by the DGCA.

The route from Class 10

  1. Class 10
    Choose your stream
  2. Class 11–12
    Physics and Maths

    In Class 11–12, take Science with Physics & Maths and keep your marks above 50%, or pass both later through NIOS.

  3. After Class 12
    No entrance exam

    There is no national entrance exam. You need Physics and Maths in Class 12 and a DGCA Class 1 medical, so get the medical done before paying for training. Some flying schools and airline cadet programmes set their own tests.

  4. Then
    Study, skills and first job

    Set out step by step in the Career Blueprint.

  5. Where this path leads
    Commercial Pilot

What the work involves

  • Planning each flight: route, weather and fuel
  • Flying with a co-pilot, following strict checklists
  • Handling problems calmly when something goes wrong

You might enjoy it if

  • Physics and Maths are subjects you are comfortable with
  • You follow procedures carefully, even under pressure
  • You don't mind odd hours and nights away from home

Is it right for you?

This page is the same for every student. The free Career Sketch looks at your interests, personality and learning style, and shows the career that matches you best. It takes about 20 minutes.

Take the free Career Sketch

Still choosing a stream? Compare all four in the Stream Matrix, or talk it through with a counsellor.

Also check

Defence OfficerMerchant Navy OfficerAll career guides

Exam rules checked October 2026. They change from year to year, so confirm with the official body before you apply.