Updated on 24 October 2026. Ask a child what they want to be and “pilot” is still one of the top answers. It is also one of the best-paid careers in India, at least once you reach the captain’s seat. Here is what pilots earn, what it takes to get there and the costs you should know about.
How much do pilots earn in India?
Pay depends on the airline, the aircraft, your rank and the hours you fly. Captains earn the most. In August 2026, Business Today, citing an Economic Times report on an internal Air India document, reported that Air India would raise pay for senior commanders from October:
| Air India captain | Before | From October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| At 40 flying hours a month | Rs 6.41 lakh a month | About Rs 7 lakh a month |
| At 70 flying hours a month | Rs 7.61 lakh a month | About Rs 8.9 lakh a month |
First officers, the co-pilots, earn considerably less, and trainees earn less again while they complete airline training. Pay at other airlines differs, and figures change often as airlines compete for experienced pilots.
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Source: Business Today, 8 August 2026.
Why demand for pilots is high
Indian airlines have placed large aircraft orders, and every new plane needs several crews. That demand is why airlines have been raising pay and offering incentives to keep experienced pilots.
How to become a commercial pilot in India
- Finish Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. These subjects are required for a Commercial Pilot Licence.
- Clear the medicals. You need DGCA medical certificates: a Class 2 medical to start flying training and a Class 1 medical for the Commercial Pilot Licence.
- Join a flying school. Choose a DGCA-approved flying training organisation in India or abroad.
- Complete flying hours and exams. You need the required flying hours and must pass DGCA ground exams.
- Get your CPL and type rating. Airlines usually require a type rating on the aircraft you will fly, often through their own cadet or training programmes.
The costs and trade-offs
- Training is expensive: a CPL and type rating can cost tens of lakhs of rupees, and many students take loans.
- Waiting time: it can take time to get an airline job after your licence, depending on hiring cycles.
- Lifestyle: irregular hours, night flights and time away from home are part of the job.
- Medical fitness: you must keep passing medicals throughout your career.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a pilot in India?
It varies by airline and rank. Air India captains were reported to earn about Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8.9 lakh a month from October 2026, depending on hours flown. First officers earn less.
What qualifications do I need to become a pilot?
Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics, DGCA medical fitness and a Commercial Pilot Licence from a DGCA-approved flying school.
How much does pilot training cost in India?
A CPL and type rating can cost tens of lakhs of rupees, depending on the school and aircraft.
Is being a pilot a good career in India?
It pays well once you are established and demand is high, but training is costly and the lifestyle is demanding.
Can I become a pilot after commerce or arts?
You need Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level. Students without them can usually clear these subjects later through an open schooling board.
