How to Start a Drone-Based Business in India?
The drone industry in India is buzzing like nothing in the current scenario. If a report of Kotak Securities is to be believed, the number of drone b
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering a change that would allow students from all educational backgrounds to fulfill their dreams of becoming commercial pilots.
Students who didn’t study Mathematics and Physics in Class 12 and want to become commercial pilots can fulfil the DGCA requirements by taking these subjects privately through the National Institute of Open Schooling. Now, DGCA is planning to change the NIOS exam requirements.
Since the mid-1990s, only science students, with Mathematics and Physics, have been eligible to become commercial pilots in India. This signifies a tightening of requirements as opposed to the earlier standards, as before the 1990s, only metric or equivalent was needed to become a commercial pilot.
The recommendation to disregard the mathematics and Physics requirement will be submitted to the Aviation Ministry for approval. If sanctioned, students from all academic streams could train to become commercial pilots in India if they are medically fit, as per the guidelines laid down by the DGCA, which will remain unchanged.
Veteran pilot Captain Shakti Lumba, who retired as IndiGo (6E) VP-flight operations and previously headed Alliance Air (9I), believes that the restriction on Mathematics and Physics should be lifted. He also states that no country other than India needs Mathematics and physics at the Class 12 level as eligibility criteria for CPL training.
Currently, arts and commerce students wanting to become commercial pilots should take physics and mathematics examinations through open schooling to qualify for commercial pilot training.
Flying school operators have asked about the logic behind existing regulations, noting a substantial inconsistency: Wealthy people seeking Private Pilot Licenses (PPL) face no physics and mathematics requirements. Simultaneously, commercial pilot candidates are mandated to meet this educational criterion.
The proposed reforms are part of the aviation ministry's broader strategy to meet the staffing demands of India's rapidly expanding aviation sector. Along with policy changes, the DGCA is preparing to introduce a ranking system for Indian flying schools, evaluating them based on safety records, training quality, and course completion timelines. This will help aspiring pilots select the right academy while strengthening the country's pilot training ecosystem. As the aviation industry continues to grow, students need a strong understanding of aircraft systems, including how thrust generated by engines works together with lift produced by the wings to keep an aircraft or plane safely in flight. Choosing a reputed aviation training institute such as FlapOne Aviation can provide aspiring pilots with quality training, experienced instructors, and industry-focused education that prepares them for successful careers in aviation.
From selecting the right drone to finding a course, our team can guide you through every step of your drone journey.