Do you dream of flying too? Does the holler of plane engines mesmerize your ears? Then Yes, the career of a Pilot definitely suites your armor. A lavishing career with free travel across the globe and a high salary too!
But, before you get lost in your sky-dreams. You must know the accurate eligibility criteria and requirements to become a Pilot. Also, you must be aware of the life grudging expenses that’ll you need to put into your aviation career.
So, read below to know more- know accurate!

How to Become a Pilot in India?
Broadly, there are two paths for you to step into the aviation industry as a Pilot. They are as below:
Route 1: Civil Aviation (Non-Military Aviation/ Commercial Pilot)
Route 2: Indian Defence Forces (Indian Air Force)
In the last part, we talked about the first Category.
Read here if you still haven’t How to become a Pilot in India? (I)
Take the alternative, cheaper step. Join Indian AirForce!
Let’s look at the second method here.
People who are passionate to serve the nation can opt for the courses that provide defence license. The most valuable part of getting into a course which will give out the defence license is it is free. And after successful completion of the training, one will be paid well.
If the candidate is considered to be efficient, they may be paid during the training period as well.
However, they should also have the presence of mind, agility, efficient decision-making skills, sense of questioning, adaptability to change, stamina, and a healthy mind.

The range of options through which one can become a pilot by getting the license from the Indian Airforce are a lot.
You can acquire the license by directly applying that is by applying to National Defense Academy (NDA), by being an active member of the National Cadet Corps society and, Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holder by taking up the Short Service Commission. This scheme allows one to be a part of the Indian Airforce for just 14 years. One can also apply through Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE).
NDA Entry to the Air Force
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the first opportunity, to be a part of this esteemed institute and join the flying branch. Under this entry, the selected candidates are trained for a period of 3 years, at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.
After the successful completion of the training, candidates are commissioned as a Permanent Commission Officer. And, later posted as a Pilot at one of the Air Force Stations.
- If you plan to join NDA, you will need to appear for, and qualify the NDA entrance examination.
NDA Admission Procedure
The admission procedure consists of the following:
Written Examination- The written examination has a maths based paper and a general ability test. It constitutes the subjects- English, Physics, Chemistry, Math, General Knowledge, History, Geography and Current Events.

SSB Interview- This consists of two stages:
- Stage 1 – Officer Intelligence Rating Test and a Picture perception and discussion test.
- Stage 2 – Clear first stage to qualify for the next stage. This stage comprises of psychological tests conducted by a psychologist, group tasks, and a personal interview.
Pilot Aptitude Test– You can apply for this test only once. If you don’t clear this in the first attempt, you are never eligible to appear for the flying branch again.
- This consists of written and machine tests to evaluate. It will be on the basis of your ability to read instruments, machine control and mental strength.
Medical examination– You will have to undergo medical examination wherein your eyesight, height and weight will be examined. The minimum height required for an NDA aspirant is 152cms with correlated weight. Eye Vision Should be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia.
NDA Eligibility Criteria
If you are passionate to serve your country and be a part of the Indian defense forces. Then you don’t have to wait until you are a graduate.
- The minimum age to apply is 16 ½ and the maximum age is 19 years.
- Only Male candidates can apply for NDA. While applying for this entry you should have cleared 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Students appearing in final year of their college are also eligible to apply.
How to Become a Pilot in the Indian Air Force after Graduation?
1. CDSE to enter the Air Force
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) is for individuals who want to join Indian Air Force after graduation. The selected candidates are sent for training at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad, wherein they undergo Pre-Flying Training School.
- Post Completion of the training, the selected officers are assigned their flying units.

CDSE Entrance Procedure
The entrance process for CDSE consists of the following:
Written Examination- Elements assessed are English, Maths and General Knowledge
SSB Interview- This consists of two stages
- Stage 1– Officer Intelligence Rating Test and a Picture perception and discussion test.
- Stage 2– Only if you clear stage 1, you qualify for stage 2. This comprises of Psychological tests conducted by a psychologist, group tasks, and a personal interview.
Pilot Aptitude Test- This is once in a lifetime examination. You are never eligible to appear for the flying branch again, if you fail.
- This consists of written and machine tests to evaluate you on the basis of your ability to read instruments, control of your actions and mental strength.
Medical examination– The minimum height required for males for CDS entry is 162.5 cms with correlated weight. Eye Vision Should be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia.
CDSE Eligibility Criteria
Only Male graduates can apply.
- Three Year Course in any discipline from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level). Or,
- BE / B. Tech (Four Year Course) (either of option 1 or 2 goes good)
- And, holding an Indian passport are eligible to apply for CDSE entry.
- The minimum age to apply is 19 years to 23 years. The candidate should be unmarried at the time of applying.
∆ Please note- While filling up the application form of NDA and CDSE, you'll have to mention the preference of your wing, that is Air Force.
2. AFCAT Entry to the Airforce (SSC)
SSC stands for Short Service Commission. Under this entry scheme, candidates cannot serve in the Indian Air Force for more than 14 years.
- To join this branch, the candidates have to qualify the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). The selected candidates are then sent for 74 weeks training course at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.

SSC Entrance Procedure
It consists of the following:
Written Examination – Elements assessed are verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, general awareness, and military aptitude.
SSB Interview– This consists of two stages
- Stage 1– Officer Intelligence Test and a Picture perception and discussion test.
- Stage 2- Only if you clear stage 1, you qualify for stage 2. This comprises of Psychological tests conducted by a psychologist, group tasks, and a personal interview.

Pilot Aptitude Test- This is once in a lifetime examination. You are never eligible to appear for the flying branch again, if you fail.
- This consists of written and machine tests to evaluate you on the basis of your ability to read instruments, control of your actions and mental strength.
Medical examination- The minimum height required for males is 162.5 cms with correlated weight. And, for women is 148cms with correlated weight. Eye Vision Should be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia.
SSC Eligibility Criteria
Unlike other entries, SSC allows both Male and female candidates to apply and be a part of this esteemed institution.
- You should be a graduate (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) Or,
- BE / B Tech (Four Year Course) with a minimum 60% marks in aggregate.
- Minimum age required at the time of commencement, of course, is 19 years to 23 years.
∆ Note: If you hold a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India), then you can get an age relaxation up to 25 years. Similar to the other entries, you should be unmarried and be a citizen of India.
3. NCC Entry to the Air Force
If you were a part of your school NCC society and are an Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holder, then you can join the Air Force (Flying Branch) through the Directorate General National Cadet Corps or through your respective NCC Air Squadrons.
- If a candidate has secured “A” or “B” grade in their “C” Certificate then they can directly appear for the SSB Interview.

NCC Entrance Procedure
It consists of the following:
SSB Interview- This consists of two stages
- Stage 1– Officer Intelligence Test and a Picture perception and discussion test.
- Stage 2- Only if you clear stage 1, you qualify for stage 2. This comprises of Psychological tests conducted by a psychologist, group tasks, and a personal interview.
Pilot Aptitude Test- This is once in a lifetime examination. You are never eligible to appear for the flying branch again, if you fail.
- This consists of written and machine tests to evaluate you on the basis of your ability to read instruments, control of your actions and mental strength.
Medical examination– The minimum height required for males for CDS entry is 162.5 cms with correlated weight. Eye Vision Should be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia.
NCC Eligibility Criteria
You should hold NCC Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ certificate to be eligible for this entry.
- You should be a graduate (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) Or,
- BE / B Tech (Four Year Course) with a minimum 60% marks in aggregate.
- Minimum age required at the time of commencement, of course, is 19 years to 23 years.
Note: Only Male candidates can apply for NCC entry. You must be unmarried and should be an Indian citizen.
Lastly, I would like to add that, no one field is better than the other.
Both would require you to possess good decision-making skills, perseverance and the ability to understand and cope with abnormal situations.

So, if you are determined, and possess these qualities. We then encourage you to think of making a career in this field and fly in 3-Dimensional space.
Best of luck for your career!
Thank You.
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