Top Aviation Courses After 12th: Guide to Career in Aviation

The aviation industry is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields globally. If you’ve just completed your 12th and are looking for a career that offers adventure, stability, and great opportunities, the aviation sector might be the right fit for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top aviation courses after 12th, the eligibility criteria, course duration, career prospects, and aviation course fees, helping you make an informed decision about your future.

Why Choose Aviation Courses After 12th?

Choosing a career in aviation after 12th offers you the chance to work in a dynamic, high-demand industry. Whether you want to fly as a pilot, manage aviation operations, or work as an air traffic controller, aviation offers many career paths. The aviation industry provides good salaries, global travel opportunities, and a fast-paced work environment.

With the increasing demand for air travel and aviation services, the need for skilled professionals in the sector is growing, making it an attractive option for students after 12th.

Top Aviation Courses After 12th Grade

Here are the most popular aviation courses after 12th, offering great career opportunities in various aspects of the aviation industry:

1. Pilot Training (Commercial Pilot License – CPL)

A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is one of the most prestigious and sought-after aviation courses after 12th. It’s ideal for those who dream of flying and want to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. The course includes both theoretical education and practical flight training.

• Eligibility:

  • Age: 17 to 25 years

  • Minimum 50% in 12th (Science with Physics and Maths is mandatory)

  • Medical fitness: Must pass a DGCA Class 1 medical examination

• Duration: Typically 18 months to 2 years

• Salary: Commercial pilots can earn a high salary, which increases with experience and the airline they work for.

2. Air Hostess/Cabin Crew Training

If you are passionate about aviation but prefer not to fly, becoming an air hostess or cabin crew member could be the perfect option. This training course prepares you to assist passengers and ensure their safety and comfort during flights.

• Eligibility:

  • Age: 18 to 26 years

  • Minimum qualification: 12th grade (any stream)

  • Physical Standards: Minimum height requirements usually apply (approx. 155 cm for females, 170 cm for males), with weight proportionate to height.

  • Good communication skills and a pleasant personality

• Duration: 6 months to 1 year

• Salary: Cabin crew members typically earn a competitive salary along with travel perks.

3. Aviation Management

An Aviation Management course is designed for students interested in managing aviation-related businesses, including airlines, airports, and aviation services. This course focuses on administrative, operational, and leadership skills needed to manage the aviation industry efficiently.

• Eligibility:

  • Age: 17 to 25 years

  • Minimum 50% in 12th (any stream)

  • Strong communication and leadership skills

• Duration: 3 to 4 years (Bachelor’s Degree)

• Salary: Aviation managers can expect a competitive salary, with the potential for rapid growth in the industry.

4. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Preparation

Note: Unlike other courses, you cannot become an Air Traffic Controller immediately after 12th.

The role of an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is crucial for guiding aircraft safely. In India, recruitment is conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). To be eligible, you must first complete a graduation degree.

• Pathway: Complete 12th (Science) >> Complete a B.Sc (Physics/Maths) or B.Tech Degree >> Apply for AAI Junior Executive Exam.

• Eligibility:

  • Age: Max 27 years (for general category)

  • Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Science (Physics and Mathematics) or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

• Salary: Air traffic controllers are government employees with high pay scales, and their salary increases with experience and responsibility.

5. Aerospace Engineering

If you’re more inclined towards technical and engineering aspects of aviation, aerospace engineering is the right choice. This course involves the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft.

• Eligibility:

  • Age: No specific age limit

  • Minimum 60% in 12th (Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths)

• Duration: 4 years (Bachelor’s Degree)

• Salary: Aerospace engineers earn a lucrative salary, especially with experience.

6. Airport Ground Training

Ground handling is an essential part of airport operations. The airport ground training course prepares you for tasks like baggage handling, passenger services, ticketing, and cargo management. It’s an excellent choice if you’re interested in working behind the scenes at an airport.

• Eligibility:

  • Age: 18 to 25 years

  • Minimum qualification: 12th grade (any stream)

  • Good physical health

• Duration: 6 months to 1 year

• Salary: Ground staff can earn a competitive salary, which increases with experience.

7. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a technical course that trains students to maintain and repair aircraft. The training covers both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in maintaining aircraft systems, engines, and other components.

• Eligibility:

  • Age: No specific age limit

  • Minimum 50% in 12th (Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths)

  • Medical fitness

• Duration: 3 to 4 years

• Salary: Aircraft maintenance engineers are in high demand and can earn a substantial salary, especially as they gain experience.

Aviation Course Fees After 12th

The aviation course fees vary depending on the course and the institute. Below is an approximate cost for some of the most popular aviation courses:

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): ₹35 Lakh to ₹50 Lakh (Costs can go higher with Type Rating)

• Air Hostess/Cabin Crew Training: ₹1 Lakh to ₹2.5 Lakh

• Aviation Management: ₹2 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh per year

• Aerospace Engineering: ₹1 Lakh to ₹2 Lakh per year

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME): ₹3 Lakh to ₹6 Lakh (Total course fee)

• Airport Ground Training: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 Lakh

Fees may vary depending on the institute and the country in which the course is pursued.

Eligibility Criteria for Aviation Courses After 12th

Each aviation course after 12th comes with specific eligibility requirements. However, here are the general requirements for most courses:

• Age: Most aviation courses have an age limit between 17 to 25 years.

• Educational Qualification: Most courses require at least 50% marks in 12th grade. For technical courses such as Aerospace Engineering, AME, or CPL, students with Physics and Mathematics are mandatory.

• Medical Fitness: Many courses, especially CPL and AME, require candidates to pass specific medical fitness tests approved by the DGCA.

Career Opportunities After Aviation Courses

Completing aviation courses after 12th opens up many career paths in the aviation industry. Some of the most popular career options include:

• Commercial Pilot: Fly for airlines or other commercial purposes.

• Air Hostess/Cabin Crew: Provide service to passengers during flights and ensure their safety.

• Air Traffic Controller: Guide aircraft safely in the air and on the ground (requires graduation).

• Aviation Manager: Manage operations in airports or airlines.

• Aerospace Engineer: Work on the design and maintenance of aircraft.

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer: Maintain and repair aircraft systems and components.

• Airport Ground Staff: Handle the logistics and operations at the airport.

Best Aviation Institutes in India for Aviation Courses After 12th

India has several reputed institutions offering aviation training after 12th. Some of the top-rated institutes include:

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)

• Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy

• Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training

• Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy

• Bombay Flying Club

Conclusion

Choosing aviation courses after 12th can set you on a path to a rewarding career in one of the most exciting industries in the world. Whether you dream of flying as a pilot, managing airport operations, or designing aircraft, there’s a course for every interest. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria, research the best institutes, and choose the course that aligns with your goals. With the aviation sector growing rapidly, now is the perfect time to start your journey in this dynamic field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best aviation courses after 12th?

Some of the best aviation courses after 12th include Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Air Hostess Training, Aviation Management, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering.

2. Which aviation course has the highest salary?

The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course leads to the highest salary in aviation. Commercial pilots earn high salaries, with their income increasing with experience and the airline they work for.

3. Can I become a pilot after 12th?

Yes, you can pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) after 12th if you have studied Physics and Math. It’s one of the most popular aviation courses after 12th.

4. What is the duration of pilot training after 12th?

Pilot training for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) usually takes 18 months to 2 years, including both theoretical studies and practical flying experience.

5. What are the eligibility criteria for air hostess training after 12th?

To pursue air hostess training after 12th, you need to be between 18 to 26 years of age with a minimum 12th-grade qualification. Good communication skills and meeting the height/BMI criteria are essential.

6. How much does an aviation management course cost?

The cost of aviation management courses ranges from ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per year, depending on the institute and the course duration.