Scholarships and Government Schemes for Aspiring Pilots in India

The Indian aviation industry has grown significantly in the recent past. Because of this, there is an increased demand for trained pilots. However, the high cost of pilot training can hinder many people who dream of stepping into this illustrious career.  For this, the Indian government and various organizations have introduced numerous scholarships and schemes. This blog will talk about these scholarships and schemes for pilot training and their benefits for aspiring pilots in India.

The DGCA has a significant role in shaping pilot training policies. The DGCA approved a proposal to broaden the eligibility criteria for commercial pilot training and sent it to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This reform will enable any student who has passed the 12th grade to become a commercial pilot in India. This move will broaden career opportunities in aviation.

Haryana

The Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation is promoting aviation training within the state. Established in 1966, HICA runs several flying clubs and provides many pilot training programs.

• Eligibility: Candidates must have a domicile in Haryana, have completed 10+2 in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, and have a Class II medical certificate.
• Benefits
• Private Pilot License: The state government offers a subsidy of ₹221 per hour for general candidates, ₹421 per hour for females, and ₹341 per hour for SC/STs.
• Commercial Pilot License: For general category students, the subsidy is ₹981 per hour; for females, ₹1,200 per hour; and SC/STs, ₹1,322 per hour.
• Simulator Training: SC/STs have a subsidy of ₹1,500 per hour.
• Additional Benefits: Monthly stipends of ₹5,000 throughout training and 100% fee coverage up to ₹10 lakhs for deserving candidates.
• Application Process: Candidates can apply through the HICA website, where they should submit required documents and undergo a selection process on the basis of merit and income criteria.

Maharashtra

 Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy of Maharashtra provides pilot training scholarships for supporting ambitious pilots.

• Eligibility: Candidates should have a domicile of Maharashtra, be 12th passed from the Science stream, be aged between 17 and 28 years and have a Class II medical certificate.
• Benefits
• Training Subsidy:  There is up to a 100% subsidy on pilot training fees.
• Additional Support: Stipends for food, lodging, throughout training and insurance coverage.
• Application Process: Applications should be filled out through the official Maharashtra government portal, where candidates should fill in all the necessary documents and then they are selected through a selection process based on merit and income criteria.

Tamil Nadu

The Pudhumai Penn Scheme of Tamil Nadu, launched in 2022, supports female students, including aspiring female pilots.

• Eligibility: Females who have studied from Class V to Class XII in state government schools are pursuing higher education.
• Benefits
• Financial Assistance: A stipend of ₹1,000 every month until their diploma or graduation is completed.
• Coverage: About six lakh girls benefit annually from this scheme.
• Application Process: Applications are submitted on the Pudhumai Penn scheme portal, where candidates provide essential documents and participate in the selection process.

Haryana

Apart from HICA's scholarships, the Haryana government has presented a fee subsidy scheme to make pilot training more economical and affordable.

• Eligibility: Candidates should be the official residents of Haryana and meet the essential requirements.
• Benefits
• Fee Subsidy: The state government will give a 50% scholarship to eligible candidates.
• Employment Opportunities: The government is talking to the aviation firms to offer employment for trained pilots.
• Application Process:  Candidates can apply through the official Haryana government portal, submit required documents and undertake a selection process.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh provides a contributory scholarship scheme for pilot training through the Civil Aviation Department of Madhya Pradesh.

• Eligibility: Candidates should have a domicile certificate of Madhya Pradesh and meet the essential medical and academic requirements.
• Benefits
• Financial Assistance: The state government offers monetary aid for pilot training at approved flying clubs.
• Coverage: Specific details regarding the amount and duration of assistance are provided upon application.
• Application Process: Candidates can apply through the Madhya Pradesh Civil Aviation Department portal, submit required documents and participate in the selection process.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs

This Ministry provides 10 scholarships to ST students, aspiring to become commercial pilots. The candidate's family income should not exceed Rs. 44,500 per annum. The scholarship covers training up to 60 hours at government flying school rates or until the completion of the PPL training.

Rajiv Gandhi Foundation

 This foundation provides scholarships of Rs. 3 lakhs each to two women candidates to become a commercial pilots. This scholarship can only be obtained if the candidate is enrolled in a government flying school on the basis of merit.

JRD Tata Scholarship

This Scholarship Program provides scholarships to candidates chasing a CPL or a type rating. Candidates with a CPL who wish to proceed to a type rating can also apply. There is an interview to select the candidates. Based on the candidate and the program's requirements, scholarships are given for domestic or overseas organizations offering CPL or type rating courses.

Saraswati Aviation Academy

It provides scholarships for aspiring pilots whose family's annual income should not exceed Rs. 1 lakh. Candidates can complete the application online and submit the following documents: an income certificate, a domicile certificate, a caste certificate, and photographs.

Air India and Indian Airlines

Both airlines offer scholarships based on merit. Each batch has two scholarships of Rs. 4 lakhs each. Admission is given based on 10+2 marks in Physics and Mathematics.

Indian Air Force

The IAF provides the President’s Gold Medal to worthy students following pilot training at the induction stage. A candidate should be an unmarried Indian citizen, securing a minimum of 60% marks in 12^th and between 16.5 and 19 years.  There is full coverage of training fees, a stipend throughout the one-year training period, and the opportunity to be a fighter pilot. Selected candidates must serve the IAF for 20 years.

Indian Navy

The Navy provides the 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme, allowing aspirants to follow a four-year B.Tech course at the Indian Naval Academy. Upon completion, candidates are given the post of Permanent Commissioned Officers in the Executive and Technical branches. The Indian Navy bears the full cost of training, and cadets are provided with free clothing and messing facilities.

Eligibility

• Unmarried Indian citizens.
• Passed 10+2 Pattern or equivalent with a minimum of 70% aggregate marks in PCM and at least 50% marks in English.
• Appeared for JEE (Main)

Benefits

• Full coverage of training fees.
• There are stipends and mess facilities.
• Service as a Permanent Commissioned Officer in the Navy.

It is a national-level examination for aspiring pilots. This exam opens doors to the top flying clubs in India and abroad, providing pathways to significant pilot training courses like CPL, PPL and SPL.

Eligibility

• The minimum age of the candidates should be 17 years.
• Completed 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics.

Benefits

• Scholarships for pilot training.
• Prospects to train at reputed flying clubs.

Application Process

• Register for the PS-CET on the website
• Prepare and appear in the entrance test.
• Qualified candidates will be given scholarships based on their performance.

Scholarships and government schemes have done wonders in easing the way for interested candidates to become pilots. Ambitious pilots can start their aviation journey with the help of these scholarships and schemes by understanding the process of attaining their benefits. With the required financial support, India's future pilots can spread their wings far and wide.

 If you also want to become a pilot, enroll in a DGCA-approved RPTO like Flapone Aviation. Here, you will get some of the best instructors and facilities to make the pilot training journey an unforgettable experience.