Big Leap in Pilot Training: Now Arts and Commerce Students Can Also Apply for Commercial Pilot License in India

New Delhi, May 26, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move that could redefine aviation careers in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a significant policy change that will open the doors of pilot training to students from all academic streams—not just science.

Until now, eligibility for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) was restricted to candidates who had studied Physics and Mathematics in their Class 12 curriculum. But with the new proposal from DGCA, this requirement could soon be eliminated, allowing Arts and Commerce stream students to pursue their dreams of becoming commercial pilots.

A Long-Awaited Reform in Aviation

This reform comes nearly three decades after the current CPL eligibility norms were introduced. In the early 1990s, India amended its aviation rules to make Physics and Mathematics mandatory for pilot training. Prior to that, even candidates with just a Class 10 qualification could enroll in flying schools.

However, under the current regulations, thousands of aspirants from Arts and Commerce backgrounds have had to go through open schooling or take additional exams in Physics and Mathematics just to meet eligibility. Many aviation professionals and industry experts believe that this requirement is outdated and unnecessarily restrictive in today’s age of modern training tools and technologies.

Now, after 30 years, a change appears to be on the horizon.

The Proposal and Its Path Forward

The DGCA has officially sent a recommendation to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, seeking approval to revise the CPL eligibility rules. Once the Ministry greenlights the proposal, it will be forwarded to the Ministry of Law and Justice for final clearance. If approved, any student who has completed Class 12, regardless of their stream, will be eligible for pilot training, provided they meet the necessary medical fitness and aptitude criteria.

This marks a historic moment for Indian aviation, as it opens up new career pathways for thousands of students across the country who were previously ineligible due to their academic background.

Flying Schools Prepare for a Surge

With this change expected to bring a surge in applications, flying schools across India have already begun preparations to accommodate a larger and more diverse group of trainees.

DGCA chief Faiz Ahmad Kidwai has directed all flying training organizations (FTOs) to upgrade their infrastructure and update their websites with detailed, transparent information. This includes:

• Number of available aircraft

• Instructor strength and qualifications

• Simulator availability

• Duration and scheduling of training programs

These steps are aimed at ensuring that prospective students can make informed decisions and receive standardized, high-quality training.

An Inclusive Step Toward Democratizing Aviation

The proposed change is being hailed as a progressive step toward making the aviation industry more inclusive. By removing outdated academic barriers, India is aligning its policies with global standards, where pilot training is often based more on aptitude, physical fitness, and rigorous professional instruction rather than specific school subjects.

Many believe this move will diversify the talent pool, improve gender representation, and give rural and underrepresented communities a fair shot at pursuing aviation careers.

What This Means for Aspiring Pilots

If you’re a student from Arts or Commerce with dreams of taking to the skies, this is your moment. Keep an eye on DGCA’s updates and ensure you meet the medical fitness and age criteria. While Physics and Math may no longer be required, training to become a pilot remains a highly technical and demanding journey—and one that still requires dedication, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility.

For now, India’s aviation future looks brighter, broader, and more inclusive than ever before.