In a landmark move set to transform aviation training in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a major policy shift—opening the skies to students from arts and commerce streams for commercial pilot training. This proposal, which seeks to do away with the longstanding requirement of mandatory physics and mathematics in Class 12, has now been sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval.

A Long-Standing Barrier, Finally Lifted

For nearly three decades, only students from the science stream—those who studied physics and mathematics—were eligible to pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India. This rule, unique to India, has been criticized by aviation professionals and aspirants alike as outdated. Before the mid-1990s, even a Class 10 pass was enough to begin CPL training. The recent DGCA proposal seeks to restore accessibility, allowing all Class 12 graduates, regardless of their stream, to chase their dream of becoming a pilot.

The government will review the DGCA’s suggestion and if everything goes well, the new rules will come into effect soon. Of course, students will still need to clear medical exams and other tests, but the door will finally be open for a wider group of aspiring pilots.

This shift could significantly increase the number of CPL aspirants in India. Until now, many arts and commerce students had to reappear for Class 12 with physics and math through open schooling—often a major financial and emotional burden. The new policy will remove this barrier, enabling more diverse and inclusive access to aviation careers. With a potential surge in pilot training demand, the DGCA is also focusing on improving flying training organizations (FTOs) across India. DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has instructed all flying schools to maintain updated websites disclosing details such as total aircraft, simulator access, instructor count, and the average duration for completing required flight hours. This initiative aims to increase transparency and empower students to make informed decisions about where to train.

While the skies may be opening up, senior pilots warn that the road to becoming a commercial pilot is still long and financially demanding. From expensive training programs to limited job opportunities post-certification, the journey remains tough. Families are advised to carefully consider the full investment of time, money, and effort required before committing.

Conclusion: A Step Toward More Inclusive Aviation

The DGCA’s proposed change is a bold step toward democratizing pilot training in India. By removing outdated academic restrictions, the aviation sector can welcome a broader talent pool, encourage diversity, and inspire a new generation of aviators—no matter their academic background.

Your Dream, Our Mission

At Flytech Aviation Academy, we’re ready to help you take full advantage of this opportunity. Whether you’re from arts, commerce, or science, we provide top-notch training with modern aircraft and expert instructors to prepare you for a successful career in aviation.

Ready to take off? Contact us today and let’s get your aviation journey started!

courtesy: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dgca-gives-nod-to-class-12-arts-commerce-students-becoming-commercial-pilots-in-india-seeks-ministry-approval/articleshow/121397712.cms