The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the national aviation authority in India, responsible for regulating civil aviation and enforcing aviation safety standards. In a significant move to democratize pilot training, the DGCA has proposed a groundbreaking change that could revolutionize the way aspiring pilots are trained in India. The proposal aims to allow students from arts and commerce streams to pursue commercial pilot training, breaking the decades-old barrier that restricted pilot training to science students with physics and mathematics.

The Current Scenario

For nearly three decades, commercial pilot licence (CPL) training in India has been limited to science students with physics and mathematics. This requirement has forced many students from arts and commerce streams to retake their class 12 exams with physics and mathematics to be eligible for CPL training. The DGCA's proposal seeks to eliminate this requirement, opening up new opportunities for students from diverse academic backgrounds. 

The DGCA's initiative is part of a larger strategy to simplify pilot training and address the increasing demand for qualified personnel in India's expanding airline sector. By broadening the talent pool, the DGCA aims to attract more students to pursue careers in aviation, ultimately enhancing the quality of pilot training in India. The proposal is expected to have a significant impact on India's aviation industry, potentially leading to a more diverse and skilled workforce.

 Becoming a Commercial Pilot in India: Steps and Requirements
To become a commercial pilot in India, students typically follow these steps after class 10th and 12th: 

After Class 12th (With Physics and Mathematics)
- Clear DGCA Class 2 Medical: Obtain a medical certificate from a DGCA-approved medical examiner to ensure fitness for flying.
- Join a DGCA-Approved Flying School: Enroll in a flying school that meets DGCA standards and offers comprehensive training programs.
- Prepare for DGCA Exams: Study subjects like Air Navigation, Meteorology, Aircraft and Engines, and Air Regulations.
- Clear DGCA Exams: Pass the theoretical exams and flight checks to demonstrate competence.
- Get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Upon completing training and passing exams, apply for a CPL from the DGCA .

 Steps After DGCA's Proposed Plan (Allowing Arts and Commerce Students)
- Eligibility: Class 12 passouts from arts and commerce streams can pursue commercial pilot training, subject to clearing medical fitness and other tests.
- Additional Requirements: Students may need to demonstrate proficiency in physics and mathematics, potentially through additional coursework or certifications.
- Same Training and Exams: Arts and commerce students would follow the same training and examination process as science students, including DGCA-approved flying schools and exams .

The Benefits

The change is expected to benefit students from arts and commerce streams who have a passion for flying but were previously excluded from pursuing commercial pilot training. With the DGCA's proposal, these students will have an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming commercial pilots, subject to clearing medical fitness and other tests. The change is also expected to address the growing demand for trained pilots in India's aviation industry, which is experiencing rapid growth. While this is a welcome move, becoming a pilot in India is still a challenging and expensive endeavor. Many student pilots come from middle-class families who take significant loans to fund their training. Senior pilots caution aspiring aviators to factor in the financial aspect and potential time lag in getting a job after completing training. "Even after the expensive CPL training and endorsement, getting a job can take a long time," they warn.

To ensure that flying schools in India meet the required standards, the DGCA has already started working on improving these institutions. The regulator has directed all flying schools to maintain dedicated websites with updated information on training parameters, including the minimum and maximum time taken to complete 200 hours of flying, number of aircraft, instructors, and designated examiners. This move aims to bring transparency and accountability to the pilot training process, enabling students to make informed decisions about their training.

The DGCA's proposal is a significant step towards making aviation more inclusive and accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how this change shapes the future of pilot training in India. With the DGCA's commitment to safety and quality, India's aviation industry is poised for a bright future.