To become a pilot, you must first acquire a commercial pilot's licence issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation. The training for this is conducted in three stages.

Aspirants at least 16 years old who have passed 10+2 with maths and physics can register at any one of the DGCA-approved flying clubs, the Rashtriya Uran Academy, Rae Bareilly or with private flying schools.

After registration an entrance test is held in subjects such as air regulations, aviation meteorology, air navigation, and engine (technical and specific).

Those who clear the entrance test go through a medical test conducted by the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi, or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bangalore. A security deposit and bank clearance is also required.

A Student's Pilot Licence (SPL), valid for 12 months, permits the student to train for flying. The SPL holder has to fly only under the supervision of a flight instructor within Indian territory.

After completing 60 hours of flying, of which about 15 hours are dual flights, i.e. accompanied by the flying instructor, and at least 20 hours are solo flights, you will be eligible to sit for the Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) certificate examination.