4 days Ago
New Delhi: In a move that could significantly broaden access to aviation careers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is planning to scrap the current eligibility requirement of physics and maths in Class 12 for pursuing a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). This change would allow students from arts and commerce backgrounds to enter CPL training, aligning Indian aviation regulations with global norms. At present, only Class 12 science stream students with physics and mathematics are permitted to enrol in CPL programmes in India.
This policy has been in place since the mid-1990s. Prior to that, a 10th standard pass (matric) was sufficient for CPL training. Once finalised, the DGCA's recommendation will be sent to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval.
If accepted, CPL training will be opened to any medically fit student, regardless of their academic stream. Veteran pilot Captain Shakti Lumba, former Vice President of Flight Operations at IndiGo and ex-head of Alliance Air, has called the current rule "archaic". He noted that no other country requires physics and maths at the 12th-grade level for CPL training.
“The physics and maths taught in 12th are not required by pilots; they already grasp the necessary concepts from junior school,” Lumba said. Currently, aspiring pilots from arts and commerce streams must reattempt their Class 12 with physics and maths through open school systems to meet eligibility. Flying school operators also question the logic behind the existing rule, pointing out that no such requirement exists for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), which allows individuals to fly their own aircraft.
“This rule has long acted as a barrier,” one flying school operator commented. “It’s illogical that a PPL doesn’t require physics and maths, but a CPL does.” The reform comes as the Ministry of Civil Aviation explores ways to streamline pilot training to address growing demand in India’s expanding airline industry.
The DGCA is also planning to introduce a ranking system for flying schools based on parameters such as safety standards and time taken to complete CPL training. Many Indian students currently choose to pursue CPL training abroad due to concerns over quality and duration in domestic flying schools. Officials say that various reforms are underway and changes are expected to be rolled out soon.
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