In a landmark move set to democratize the aviation industry, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reformed its pilot training regulations to allow students from all academic streams—including arts, commerce, and vocational—to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. This groundbreaking policy change removes the long-standing requirement of having studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12, a move that is expected to significantly widen the talent pool for India's rapidly growing aviation sector.
The new policy is designed to align with international norms and the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. To ensure safety and a solid academic foundation, flight schools will now be required to offer mandatory foundational courses in Physics and Mathematics for non-science students. This shift in focus, from a student's past academic stream to their aptitude and ability to master technical subjects during training, is a huge step forward.
With India projected to become the world's third-largest aviation market by 2027 and a massive shortage of pilots on the horizon, this reform is a strategic response to meet the industry's demand for skilled professionals. It not only opens up new career pathways for millions of young Indians but also ensures that the industry's rigorous safety and competence standards are maintained.