In a landmark move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved a proposal that will allow students from arts and commerce backgrounds to pursue commercial pilot training.
This ends the decades-old restriction requiring aspirants to have a science background with physics and mathematics in Class 12.
Industry experts believe that this decision, once formally approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the law ministry, could drastically reshape India’s aviation sector, making pilot training more accessible to a broader talent pool.
For years, thousands of aspiring pilots had to retake their Class 12 exams through open schooling to meet eligibility requirements. With the new policy change, students from any stream will be able to enrol in CPL training, provided they meet mandatory medical and aptitude tests.
The move has been welcomed by aviation professionals, who argue that basic scientific concepts essential for flying are already covered in earlier schooling years. If implemented, the reform could help address India’s increasing demand for trained pilots as airlines continue to expand their operations.
