DGCA proposal to open cockpit doors to non-science students sparks debate on eligibility
While some industry voices welcome the move as a step towards addressing the country's growing shortage of commercial pilots, others have raised concerns over safety standards given the non-technical academic background of the potential candidates.
According to the govt's open-source data, issuance of CPLs has fluctuated in recent years. While 1,165 licences were issued in 2022, the number rose to 1,622 in 2023 — a 39.2% jump.
However, 2024 saw the issuance of only 1,213 CPLs — a fall of 25.2% compared to 2023. The sharp dip has has once again raised concerns about the long-term availability of pilots in India's rapidly expanding aviation sector.
'DGCA's new regulations can help bridge the shortage not just by expanding the pool of candidates but also by improving training quality,' said Hemant DP, chief executive officer, Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Ltd.
'According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) norms, Class 10-level knowledge of physics and mathematics is sufficient to begin commercial pilot training. The rest depends on how effectively flying schools train these pilots.
Besides, modern aircraft are highly automated, so the required technical know-how has decreased. We will have a larger pool of pilots to pick from,' he said.
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Currently, in India, CPL aspirants must complete 150 hours of theoretical training in subjects like air navigation, air meteorology, and air regulations, followed by practical flight training.
Basic eligibility includes a 10+2 qualification in physics and mathematics, a minimum age of 17 or 18 years, and a Class 1 medical certificate. To enable non-science students to join the profession without compromising on safety, DGCA is likely to introduce bridge courses in physics and mathematics.
'Aviation is a highly structured, procedural profession, and flight safety depends on how well candidates are trained, tested, and mentored, not merely on their school subjects.
Many countries already follow this model with no adverse impact on safety,' said Captain Shahinsha SK, founder and director of Aviacons Pilot Training Institute, and a member of various DGCA advisory committees. Globally, aviation regulators like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already permit candidates from diverse academic backgrounds.
He proposed the launch of a Pre-Flight Technical Foundation Programme (PFTFP), which would equip students with the essential knowledge in physics, math, and basic technical concepts before they begin core CPL modules.
'This would help level the field without diluting the technical rigour. The aim would be to ensure equity in opportunity without compromising on competency,' he said.
Experts suggest India could adopt a similar model through a 2–3 month bridge course that focuses on applied physics (like forces of flight and weather), basic math (navigation, trigonometry), digital literacy for CBT modules, and proficiency in aviation English.
'This bridge course can be scheduled during the initial phase of the 18 to 24-month CPL training programme, ideally in 2 to 3-hour sessions over 12 to 15 weeks, either as a preparatory semester or alongside early ground school,' said Suresh Ukarande, who has been in the aviation industry for 37 years, currently serving as dean of a private university in Mumbai.
He added that the number of training hours should be made more exhaustive, either by increasing daily training time or extending the course duration, to provide students with adequate learning support. 'The inclusion of this foundational programme not only ensures academic readiness but also upholds the high standards of safety, technical competency, and regulatory compliance set by DGCA, thus enabling non-science students to enter the field of aviation with confidence and competence,' Ukarande said.
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