Class 12 passouts from arts and commerce streams may soon be eligible to pursue careers as commercial pilots, as India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), considers a major policy change aimed at widening the talent pool for the country’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
Currently, only students who have passed Class 12 with physics and mathematics are allowed to apply for commercial pilot training in India. However, under the new proposal, the DGCA is exploring the possibility of relaxing this requirement by allowing non-science students—those from arts and commerce backgrounds—to qualify after clearing an additional bridge course in the required subjects.
The idea stems from the increasing demand for pilots in India and globally, coupled with the need to make aviation careers more inclusive. With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets in the world, the DGCA is under pressure to ensure a steady and diverse supply of skilled professionals.
According to sources close to the development, the proposed framework would require arts and commerce students to complete physics and mathematics through open schooling or certified online programs recognized by the DGCA. Once they pass these subjects at the required level, they would be eligible to apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) just like science stream students.
This shift would mirror global practices in some countries where the primary requirement is to demonstrate knowledge of the necessary subjects, rather than having studied them as part of a specific school curriculum.
Industry experts have welcomed the potential move, stating that it could democratize access to aviation careers and tap into a much larger group of aspirants. However, they also caution that maintaining rigorous standards in flight training and academic qualifications is crucial to ensure safety and operational excellence in the skies.
If approved, the revised eligibility norms are expected to be rolled out within the next academic cycle. The DGCA is currently consulting stakeholders, including flying schools and aviation academies, to finalize the details of the bridge courses and eligibility criteria.
For thousands of students who previously thought a career in the cockpit was out of reach due to their academic background, this policy change could open new doors—and elevate new dreams.
