Overview: CPL in India
- License Issued By: DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
- Duration: 12 to 18 months (depends on weather, aircraft availability, and exams)
- Minimum Flying Hours: 200 hours
- Eligibility:
- Age: Minimum 18 years
- Education: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics
- Medical: DGCA Class 2 (initial), followed by Class 1 Medical
📝 Step-by-Step Path to CPL in India
1. Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Get from a DGCA-authorized doctor
- After approval, go for Class 1 Medical
- Cost: ₹3,000–₹10,000
2. Computer Number Application
- Register on the DGCA Pariksha portal
- Submit documents and get your computer number (needed for exams)
3. Enroll in a Flight School
Choose a DGCA-approved school (see list below)
4. Ground School + DGCA Exams
Subjects:
- Air Navigation
- Air Regulation
- Meteorology
- Technical General
- RTR (A) – by WPC, Ministry of Communications
5. Flying Training
- 200 hours minimum (Single + Multi-engine if possible)
- Usually done on Cessna 152/172, Piper, or DA42 for multi-engine
- Includes cross-country, solo, night flying, instrument flying
6. Skill Test & CPL Application
- Pass skill test
- Submit documents and apply for your CPL via eGCA
💰 Total Estimated Cost Breakdown (All-Inclusive)
| Expense Category |
Range (INR) |
Notes |
| Flight Training (200 hrs) |
₹30–42 Lakhs |
Depends on aircraft type, location, fuel cost |
| Ground School & DGCA Exams |
₹1–2 Lakhs |
May be included in school fees |
| RTR(A) Exam & License |
₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
Conducted separately |
| Medical (Class 1 + 2) |
₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
DGCA approved clinics |
| Accommodation & Food (12–18 mo) |
₹1.5–2.5 Lakhs |
PG or hostel near school |
| Uniform, Headsets, Materials |
₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
One-time cost |
| Miscellaneous/Travel |
₹50,000 – ₹1 Lakh |
Variable |
🧾 Total Estimated Cost: ₹35–50 Lakhs (approx. $42,000 – $60,000)
🏫 Top DGCA-Approved CPL Schools in India (With Accommodation Options)
| Flight School |
Location |
Highlights |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics |
Chandigarh |
Offers hostel & mess |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology (IGIAT) |
Amethi, UP |
Govt. aided, affordable |
| Madhya Pradesh Flying Club |
Indore & Bhopal |
Govt.-run, economical |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Sciences (IGIAS) |
Jaipur |
Good infrastructure |
| GATI (Capt Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy) |
Patiala |
Fast-track CPL with multi-engine |
| CAE Gondia (Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics with CAE) |
Maharashtra |
Premier integrated cadet program |
| Capt Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy |
Multiple cities |
Offers CPL + Instructor Rating |
Would you like a shortlist based on:
- Budget
- Fastest training
- Multi-engine focus
- Or airline placement support?
📅 Typical CPL Study Schedule
| Stage |
Duration |
Description |
| Ground School |
4–6 months |
Theory + exam prep |
| Flying |
8–12 months |
Weather & aircraft dependent |
| Exam Prep |
Ongoing |
DGCA exams, RTR, oral tests |
- Daily: 2–4 hrs classroom + 1–2 hrs flying (as per availability)
💳 Payment Schedule (Varies by School)
Most Indian schools allow:
- Installment plans: ~₹5–10 Lakhs upfront, then monthly or milestone-based
- Some offer loans in tie-up with banks like SBI, HDFC, Avanse, etc.
🎓 Add-on Options After CPL
| Rating |
Cost Estimate |
Value |
| Multi-Engine Rating |
₹5–8 Lakhs |
Required for airline entry |
| Type Rating (A320/B737) |
₹18–25 Lakhs |
After CPL, for specific airline aircraft |
| Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) |
₹3–6 Lakhs |
For building hours and teaching |
🛫 Job Prospects in India Post-CPL
| Option |
Approx. Salary |
Requirements |
| Flight Instructor |
₹25k–₹75k/month |
CPL + FIR |
| Charter Flying |
₹40k–₹1L+/month |
CPL + experience |
| Airline Cadet/FO |
₹1.5L–₹4L/month |
CPL + Type Rating (Jet) |
| Ground Instruction |
₹25k–₹50k/month |
If interested in teaching |
✅ To-Do Checklist Before You Start
- 12th PCM certificate with marksheet
- DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 Medical
- Computer Number from DGCA
- Select and enroll in DGCA-approved flying school
- Budget planning (₹35–50 Lakhs)
- Optional: Education loan if needed
