Can Arts and Commerce students also become pilots? Learn what the DGCA rules say

Now, not just science students, but also Arts and Commerce students will be able to dream of becoming commercial pilots. The DGCA has proposed changes to the rules. Let's find out what might change.

If you passed 12th with Arts or Commerce and have always dreamed of becoming a pilot, this could be good news for you. Preparations are underway to change pilot license rules in India. The DGCA has put forward a new proposal that calls for eliminating the requirement of Physics and Maths in 12th grade. If approved, non-science students will also be able to train as commercial pilots.

Until now, obtaining a commercial pilot license in India required studying Physics and Maths in 12th grade. This means only Science students could directly enter this field. Arts and Commerce students previously had to pass Physics and Maths through open school or separately.

What might change now?

According to the DGCA's proposal, some rules related to pilot licenses may be changed. According to the draft, a candidate will be required to have passed the 10th grade from a recognized board for a student pilot license. A 12th grade pass will be mandatory for a private pilot license (PPL).

The most significant change concerns the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). A 12th grade pass will now be considered sufficient for these licenses, and the stream can be any: Arts, Commerce, or Science. If implemented, even Arts and Commerce students will be able to fulfill their dream of flying commercial flights.

This change is being made to provide more students with opportunities in the aviation sector. This move is also aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy. The policy aims to make education flexible so that students can choose a career based on their interests, rather than being limited by stream.

Will Physics and Maths not be required?

Even if the rules change, subjects like physics, math, meteorology, and navigation remain part of a pilot's education. Flying a plane isn't just a matter of pressing buttons; it requires a great deal of technical understanding. Therefore, it's possible that training institutes may introduce separate basic foundation classes for arts and commerce students. This could make training more lengthy and more expensive.

Safety is paramount in the aviation industry. Pilots must make quick and accurate decisions in every situation. Therefore, the DGCA will ensure that the level of training and testing remains the same, regardless of the stream of study.