No Physics, No Problem: DGCA May Let Arts & Commerce Students Become Pilots
No Physics, No Problem: DGCA May Let Arts & Commerce Students Become Pilots
New reform could open the skies to non-science stream students, removing the longstanding physics and maths requirement for CPL training.
In a landmark shift that could reshape aviation training in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering allowing Class 12 graduates from arts and commerce streams to pursue commercial pilot licences (CPL), a path that was previously open only to science students with physics and maths.
If implemented, this reform would do away with the long-standing requirement for CPL aspirants to have studied physics and mathematics in high school. This condition has often been a barrier for passionate students from non-science backgrounds, who were otherwise ready and able to take on the demands of aviation. Medical fitness standards, however, will remain mandatory for all aspiring pilots.
Until the mid-1990s, even a Class 10 pass was enough to begin CPL training in India. But since then, the field has been restricted to science stream students, pushing determined arts and commerce candidates to reappear for physics and maths via open schools to meet the eligibility.
“This has been a major roadblock for many deserving candidates,” said veteran pilot Captain “They’ve had to jump through extra hoops just to do what they love.”
Many flying school operators have also voiced concern over the logic of the current rule. “You don’t need physics and maths to get a personal pilot licence (PPL), even if you’re flying your own aircraft. But to fly commercially, it’s suddenly mandatory? That doesn’t add up,”
An official said. “We’re working to ensure pilot training becomes more inclusive and efficient.”
The aviation ministry is reportedly evaluating multiple ways to reform pilot training pathways to keep up with the rising demand in India’s rapidly expanding airline sector. Alongside eligibility changes, the DGCA is also preparing to rank flying schools across the country based on critical factors like safety standards and duration of CPL programs, an initiative aimed at helping students make better-informed choices.
Many Indian students currently opt to train abroad due to concerns about domestic training quality and delays in CPL completion. Authorities say that reforms are on the horizon and changes could roll out sooner than expected.
