Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by Vinod Saini
Many people have their sights set on becoming a pilot after graduating from high school, especially after finishing 12th grade. The idea of being able to fly high in the sky and travel around the world for a living is not only exhilarating, but it’s also a profitable and fulfilling career. That said, becoming a pilot can be a lot of work, and to avoid losing sight of the end goal, we must map out the journey ahead. The journey to becoming a pilot after 12th grade requires a lot of focus, training, and this guide. Here we will examine everything you need to do to get your wings, including pilot courses after high school, the requirements to become a pilot, how much it will cost, and more.
What You Should Know About The Pilot Career Path
Now, what we have to do is look over the various career paths that people who have gone to school to become pilots usually choose. There are three broad categories that we will discuss.
Commercial Pilot
What is a commercial pilot? Commercial pilots are people who fly for commercial airlines, cargo airlines, or other money-making ventures that require an aircraft. This is the most popular career option for people who want to fly for a living. To become a commercial pilot, a candidate must enroll in commercial pilot training courses and complete years of training.
Private Pilot
This level of pilot can fly independently. This level of pilot and fly chartered flights for people, or just fly for their pleasure. This training program is less intensive and shorter than a commercial pilot. This is still a prerequisite for higher levels of training.
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
This is the highest a pilot can get. This level pilots the large planes that fly overseas. This level commands and manages the flights. To reach this level, aviation goes through the Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot levels, then completes thousands of hours of training to reach it finally.
Helicopter Pilot
This level gets different training from the other pilots. This level can get private and commercial flight jobs that are very exciting and interesting.
Step 1: Educational Requirements and Eligibility
Congratulations on finishing 12th grade! Now let’s tackle the things we need to accomplish!
Educational Qualification
If you wish to be a pilot after 12th grade, you need to be a high school graduate, preferably with a science background (Physics, Chemistry, Math). This is necessary because aviation training is specific to these subjects, so having a strong foundation coming in is a big plus.
Students with a non-science background can also do aviation, but we science students are what the flying schools like. Some of these schools are lenient and will give you a go as long as you show solid competence in Math and English.
Age Limit
The age limit also depends on what country you are in and what type of pilot license you wish to pursue. For the most part, students should be between 17 and 35 to take pilot courses after 12th grade. However, each of those aviation authorities has its own specific age requirements, so you need to double-check the age requirements for the pilot course with the training school of your choice.
Medical Fitness
If people want to be pilots someday, they have to do a Class 1 Medical Examination. This is a check-up to ensure people are healthy enough to fly. You have to check your overall well-being to make sure you are healthy enough to fly an airplane, as well as your hearing and eyesight. Suppose you have color blindness, poor eyesight, or heart problems. You might not be cleared to be a pilot.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Pilot Course
If they can do the medical exam, the next step is to pick a pilot training course. This can be done in two ways.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Training
If you want to be a pilot, you have to take a commercial pilot course to fly for an airline or commercial company. This takes about 1.5 to 2 years to complete. This time is used for theory on flying, then for flying the airplane.
Key steps involved in CPL training:
Join a certified flight training school: Pick a school that is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Or, an academy can be an appropriate Aviation Authority in your country.
Ground Rule training: These are the basics that you would be studying, things like theory in flying, air navigation, studying the weather, flight planning, and laws of flying.
Flight Training: In this part, you learn to fly and gain the necessary hours to get your license (needs to be over 200 flight hours).
Tests: After you’ve completed the training program, you have to take a few tests and get a medical clearance to be able to receive the CPL.
Private Pilot License (PPL) Training
If you’re looking to do this on a smaller scale, you can get a Private Pilot License (PPL) that lets you fly smaller planes for your own use. Getting a PPL only takes about 40 to 50 flight hours, so the training is a bit shorter than the CPL.
With a PPL, you can get a commercial pilot license, which allows you to fly for a job. Training for the PPL teaches you the basics of flying, navigation, and aircraft systems.
Step 3: Understanding the Cost of Pilot Training
The training has a very high cost and financial investment, and the pilot training in India ranges from 15 to 60 lakhs, depending on the license type, school, and location. The fees for a commercial pilot school are much higher as you get more flight hours and more advanced training.
It’s important to factor in the following costs when planning for pilot training:
Ground training fees (theoretical classes)
Flight training fees (every hour you fly).
Medical exams and testing are necessary.
Obtaining certifications and licenses requires payment.
Accommodation and living costs (if training is conducted away from home).
While pilot training programs in India are pretty costly, careers in aviation are highly profitable. Also, numerous education loans and scholarships are available to aspiring pilots.
Step 4: Key Pilot Course Subjects
In both flight and ground training, specific pilot training courses include some of the following subjects:
Theory of aviation: flight principles, flight instruments, and aerodynamics.
Air navigation: maps, route planning, flight weather, and navigation systems.
Meteorology: weather analysis, weather tools, and forecasts.
Flight planning: pre-flight checks, fuel calculations, and route planning.
Air traffic control: communications, control of airspace, and procedures.
Systems of aircraft: maintenance, engines, and mechanical systems of aircraft.
Step 5: Career Opportunities After Pilot Training
Upon receipt of your pilot training, you will be able to select from the following careers.
Career as a Commercial Pilot
You will be able to find a job in the airline industry, a charter company, or in the cargo transport service. You will be able to find a job as a commercial pilot after you get your commercial pilot license. You might start your journey in the industry as a small-plane pilot, or you might get a job as a flight instructor to gain more experience.
Career as a Private Pilot
You can either fly private planes or get a job with a private company. As a private pilot, you would be doing this on your own.
Career as an Airline Transport Pilot
This is the highest of the three certifications and requires a lot of flight hours, along with several years of experience working for the airline. Once you gain experience, you will be able to fly the large, adapted planes.
Final thoughts
Choosing to become an aviation pilot after completing high school and obtaining an education is and always going to be very intensive and rewarding, followed by a commitment unlike any other and, most importantly, your own training. Whether you want to be a commercial pilot or just a private pilot is up to you. Being fully aware of changes in pilot course fees, training duration, and other required knowledge is essential to your success in a training program. Regardless of the training program, you will be able to achieve your educational goals. Don’t hesitate to achieve your academic goals and begin your aviation career. Prepare to go above and beyond!
FAQs
Q1. How long is the process to become a pilot after you have graduated in the 12th grade?
A1: A private pilot program will take 18 to 24 months, whereas a commercial program will take 6 to 12 months.
Q2. Can I become a pilot with a non-science background?
A2: Although a science background is helpful, some flying schools will accept students without one as long as they have a strong understanding of math and English.
Q3. What is the cost of pilot training in India?
A3: Pilot training in India will cost anywhere from ₹15 lakh to ₹60 lakh based on the type of training you will need and what flying school you end up going to.
Q4. What are the eligibility criteria for pilot training?
A4: To become a pilot, you need to complete training. To do that, you need to have completed 12th grade in a science stream, pass a medical exam, and be within the age limits.
Q5. What subjects are taught in pilot training?
A5: Several vital subjects in pilot training are aviation theory, meteorology, air navigation, and flight systems. All of these are important for pilots to know for actual flying.
Q6. What is the age limit for pilot training?
A6: In most countries, the age limit for training to be a pilot is between 17 and 35, but this can vary by country and by the country’s aviation authority.