New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recommended allowing students from arts and commerce streams to pursue commercial pilot training in India.
If implemented, this will end a long-standing restriction that limits eligibility to science students only.
The proposal, now with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will be forwarded to the Ministry of Law for final notification once approved, according to reports.
Currently, aspirants must have to study physics and mathematics at the Class 12 level to qualify for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training.
But the DGCA’s proposed amendment would make all Class 12 graduates eligible, provided they meet the required medical fitness standards and pass other assessments.
The rule, in place since the 1990s, has often been criticised by aviation experts who argue that such academic prerequisites are outdated and not followed in most other countries.
Many arts and commerce students have been compelled to retake their Class 12 exams with physics and maths through open schooling just to qualify.
With the anticipated rise in CPL aspirants, the DGCA has also initiated efforts to enhance transparency and standards in flying schools.
Reports stated that DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has directed all Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) to maintain dedicated websites with up-to-date information on aircraft availability, training timelines, simulator access and instructor strength, aiming to make training safer and more student-focused.
