In a significant move aimed at reforming aviation training in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering a proposal to do away with the existing eligibility requirement of having studied Physics and Mathematics at the Class 12 level for commercial pilot licence (CPL) training. The change, if implemented, will enable students from arts and commerce backgrounds to pursue a career as commercial pilots.
As of now only students with a science background—specifically those who have studied Physics and Mathematics—are eligible to enrol for CPL training. This condition has been in place since the mid-1990s, replacing the earlier requirement of a matriculation certificate. Sources familiar with the development said that once finalised, the recommendation will be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval.
If accepted, the move would make CPL training accessible to a wider pool of candidates, provided they meet the medical fitness standards mandated by the DGCA. “The proposal aims to remove an outdated barrier in pilot training, and once approved, medically fit students from all academic streams will be able to apply,” a senior official said.
Veteran pilot Captain Shakti Lumba, former Vice President of Flight Operations at IndiGo and ex-head of Alliance Air, welcomed the move. He noted that India is among the few countries that mandates Physics and Mathematics at the higher secondary level for CPL training. “This is an antiquated requirement. The concepts taught in Class 12 are not essential for piloting aircraft. Basic understanding gained in earlier classes is sufficient,” he observed.
Captain Lumba further pointed out that many aspiring pilots from non-science backgrounds are forced to reappear for Class 12 examinations in Physics and Mathematics through open schooling, just to become eligible. “This creates an unnecessary hurdle and delays their entry into the profession,” he added.
Operators of several flying schools have also questioned the rationale behind the existing eligibility norms. One school owner noted that individuals pursuing a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) are not required to have studied Physics or Mathematics at the Class 12 level, highlighting the inconsistency. “There is no logic in having such a requirement for CPL while allowing PPL without it,” he said.
The move comes as part of broader efforts by the aviation ministry to address the growing demand for trained pilots in the country’s rapidly expanding airline industry. In addition to revising entry criteria, the DGCA is also developing a ranking system for flying schools based on key indicators such as safety standards and training timelines, enabling prospective candidates to make informed decisions.
Officials confirmed that several policy-level changes are under active consideration. “Much is in motion, and visible outcomes can be expected soon,” an official involved in the process said.