Can Arts and Commerce Students Become Pilots? DGCA Proposes Major Change

G GOWTHAM
In a significant development for aviation aspirants in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed changing the eligibility rules to allow students from Arts and Commerce streams to pursue Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training — a path previously restricted mainly to science students.

Old Rule: Only Science students Could train as Pilots

Until recently, India’s aviation rules required Class 12 students to have studied Physics and Mathematics in order to be eligible for CPL training. This effectively limited most pilot aspirants to those from the science (PCM) stream after high school.

New Proposal: Opening Doors for All Streams

Under the DGCA’s new proposal:

  • Students who have completed Class 12 in Arts or Commerce could be allowed to pursue CPL training without having Physics and Maths as subjects in school.
  • This proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval and — if accepted — will be notified officially before coming into force.
Why This Change Is Being Considered

Officials say the existing physics‑maths requirement is outdated and inconsistent with global norms. india has historically been one of the few countries that restricted pilot training based on Class 12 subjects. Experts argue basic aviation concepts can be taught during pilot training itself, and schooling in science isn’t strictly necessary.

Current Transition: What Aspiring Non‑Science students Should Know

  • Proposal Status: The DGCA has approved the recommendation to relax subject requirements, but the final approval is still with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  • Medical and Aptitude Tests: Regardless of academic stream, all candidates will still need to clear DGCA medical fitness evaluations and aptitude tests required for pilot training in India.
  • Alternate Path: Until the new rule is officially implemented, many non‑science students take Physics and Mathematics later through open school boards like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to meet eligibility.
What This Means for Would‑Be Pilots

If approved, this rule change could:

  • Increase accessibility to pilot careers for students across all academic backgrounds.
  • Expand the talent pool needed for India’s growing aviation sector.
  • Reduce the need for non‑science students to re‑study entire science curricula if they want to fly.
However, safety and training standards will remain strict. students must still complete the full flight training programme, pass DGCA exams, and clear medical criteria to earn their commercial pilot licence.

Bottom Line

✔️ Yes — Arts and Commerce students could soon become commercial pilots in india if the DGCA’s proposed rule change is approved by the government.
❗ Until then, non‑science students currently need Physics and Maths credits (often via open school) to qualify under existing rules.

 

Disclaimer:

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