Sky the limit: DGCA moves to open cockpit doors to Arts, Commerce students

In a bold move that could redefine access to India’s aviation industry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a sweeping change that would allow arts and commerce students to train as commercial pilots — a profession long restricted to those with a science background.

Under current regulations, aspiring pilots in India must have studied physics and mathematics in Class 12 to qualify for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). But the DGCA is pushing to eliminate this prerequisite, arguing that it has outlived its relevance in modern aviation.

“The recommendation has been sent to the civil aviation ministry. Once cleared, it will move to the law ministry for final notification,” a senior official was quoted as saying.

A legacy rule nears takeoff for reform

India stands alone globally in mandating science subjects for CPL training — a holdover from decades past. As late as the mid-1990s, even students with only a Class 10 education could become pilots. DGCA officials now assert that the science-only requirement is outdated, noting that fundamental physics and math are already covered in earlier schooling.

For years, non-science students passionate about aviation have been forced to retake Class 12 through open schooling to meet the eligibility criteria. This bottleneck has deterred many talented candidates from pursuing their dreams of flight.

Flying schools brace for a new wave

With the potential floodgates opening for more diverse applicants, the DGCA is also moving to upgrade and regulate flying schools across the country. Many Indian students currently opt for CPL training abroad due to extended training periods and concerns over quality and safety standards at home.

In a significant push for transparency and accountability, DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai on May 16 directed all flying schools to maintain comprehensive and regularly updated websites. These platforms must include information on available aircraft, instructors, simulators, training hours, and ground school facilities.

Kidwai said this overhaul aims to make flying academies “more competitive, safer, and student-friendly,” fostering a culture of informed choice and elevated standards.

High hopes, hard truths

While the proposed reform is being welcomed as a democratizing leap forward, industry veterans are urging caution.

The journey from classroom to cockpit is still riddled with challenges. Many student pilots in India take on massive loans for CPL training—only to face an uncertain job market after certification. Flying schools and senior pilots warn that training is just the beginning; job placements can take months, sometimes years.

“Families need to factor in the financial strain and delayed returns. It’s a high-risk path, and the reality isn’t always as glamorous as it seems,” a senior pilot was quoted as saying.

If implemented, this landmark policy shift could not only diversify India’s pilot corps but also inspire a new generation of aviators from every academic stream — reshaping the skies and who gets to soar in them.