There are two ways that an individual can choose to pursue their career in the field of aviation. The first route is- Civil Aviation, which comprises of Non-Military Aviation and Commercial Pilot. The second route that an individual can choose to opt for is Indian Defense Forces that is Air Force.
Route 1: Civil Aviation or Commercial Pilot-
A Commercial Pilot is a person who flies only a particular kind of aircraft for a specific airline and they hold a commercial pilot certificate issued by an authority and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the issued authority in India.
Educational Qualifications required to become a commercial pilot- an individual is required to complete his or her secondary education in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. If a person has not taken these subjects, then they are needed to study Mathematics and Physics either side by side or after completing higher secondary from the National Institute of Open Schooling. After doing this, the person has to go for a Pilot training course. This course permits taking off flights that are, approved by the flying clubs of the country. Getting enrolled in a flying school and pursuing BSc in Aviation is the first step if someone wants to pursue their career in this field.
A minimum of 50% is required in the higher secondary to pursue a career in aviation. For joining the training program, an individual needs to pass the entrance procedure. Such an entrance procedure comprises of written examination, medical test, and an interview. The minimum age to apply for Pilot License are as follows:
- Student Pilot License– This can be obtained at the age of 16 years. For this, the person needs to pass an entrance examination conducted by the representative of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or the Chief Instructor at the school. This license allows an individual to fly small planes and take off flights on gliders. These are generally those planes that are approved by flying clubs of the country.
- Private Pilot License– This can be obtained at the age of 17 years.
- Commercial Pilot License– This can be obtained at the age of 18 years.
Route 2: Indian Defense Forces
If someone does not want to spend 15-20 lakhs of rupees on becoming a Commercial Pilot and still does not want to give up on his dream of becoming a Pilot, then joining the Indian Defense Forces is the choice that one should go for. Also, if someone is passionate not only about flying but also serving the country, then Air Force is an appropriate career choice.
An individual can choose to go for Indian Defense Forces directly after the 10+2 level examination. These are some of the ways from which an individual can choose his course of action:
NDA Admission Procedure– For entry through this route, an individual needs to pass the written examination, which tests the general ability of a candidate, basic subjects, and current affairs. The second stage is the SSB interview which consists of two stages. The first stage is the Officer Intelligence Rating Test and a Picture perception and discussion test. The second stage consists of the psychological tests and a personal interview.
Then comes a Pilot Aptitude Test. This can be taken only once and, if an individual does not qualify for this test in his first attempt then, his flying career comes to an end. It comprises of the written and machine tests, and the ability of a candidate to read instruments, control the actions, and mental strength. The last stage is passing the medical examination, where height, eyesight, and weight are taken into consideration. The minimum age to apply for Indian Defense Forces is 16.5 years and, the maximum age is 19 years. Only male candidates can apply for NDA and must have cleared 10+2 level examination with Physics and Mathematics. Candidates who are in the final year of the undergraduate program are also eligible to apply.
If a person wants to go for Indian Defense Forces after graduation then, a person needs to go through the CDSE level entry program. CDSE is Combined Defense Services Examination and, the candidates who get selected in this examination, are sent for a training program at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. This also consists of the same examinations and interview levels that are required at the NDA eligibility criteria. The other option is the AFCAT Entry program. Here, selected candidates are sent to Air Force Academy, Dundigal. It also consists of the same level of examinations.
Conclusion
If someone is passionate about traveling and flying, then this career option best suits their interests. However, being a pilot comes with humongous responsibility as that person is responsible for the lives of so many people and their safety as well.
:By-Achal Suchak
Also Read:
