Aviation Courses in India: Colleges, Jobs, Salary & More

Mohit Dhulia
Updated on December 29, 2023

Aviation offers a diverse array of courses designed to cater to the demands and aspirations of the aviation sector. From Airport Management to Cabin Crew Training, and from Commercial Pilot License to Aviation Hospitality, there’s a rich spectrum to choose from.

Qualifying Requirements for Aviation Courses

For Aviation Courses beyond the 12th grade, whether Bachelor’s or Post-Baccalaureate programs, eligibility criteria are tied to your class 12th grades and Bachelor’s results, respectively. In both scenarios, students need to achieve a minimum of 50%.

Embark on a Pilot’s Journey

Aspiring pilots have a selection of three pilot licenses to choose from:

Student Pilot License: The initial step, allowing you to learn the basics of flying.
Commercial Pilot License: For those aiming for a professional career as a pilot.
Private Pilot License: Ideal for those who seek the joy of flying without pursuing it as a career.

Each pilot training program’s duration and eligibility requirements differ.

Exploring Aviation Hospitality

Beyond piloting, the aviation industry offers avenues like becoming an Air Hostess. This role requires qualities such as effective communication, punctuality, and a graceful demeanor. These skills are essential to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for passengers.

Bright Prospects in the Indian Aviation Sector

Even amidst the pandemic’s challenges, the Indian aviation sector demonstrated remarkable resilience. According to Business Standard, the industry has defied the pandemic’s gloom. Today, individuals enrolling in top Aviation Institutions stand to benefit from a promising market and robust career opportunities.

As you embark on your aviation education journey among India’s 370 aviation colleges, you’re not just pursuing a course – you’re preparing to soar in a sector that’s full of potential and possibilities.

Exploring Different Types of Aviation Courses

Aviation offers a wide spectrum of courses that cater to various levels of education, even as early as the tenth grade. Aspiring aviators can embark on their journey after completing class 10 or 12 or graduating from a science-related course. Here’s a glimpse of the diverse aviation courses available:

Diploma in Aviation Courses

Course Name	Duration	Average Expected Salary (INR)
Diploma in Airport Management	1 year	2-5 LPA
Commercial Pilot Training	4 to 5 years	5-12 LPA
Diploma in Ground Staff & Cabin Crew Training	6 months to 1 year	4-6 LPA
Diploma in Aviation Hospitality	1 year	4-6 LPA
Diploma in Airfare & Ticketing Management	6 months to 1 year	2-3 LPA

Undergraduate Level Aviation Courses

Course Name	Duration	Average Expected Salary (INR)
BBA in Business Management	3 years	3-6 LPA
BBA in Aviation	3 years	3-6 LPA
Btech Aeronautical Engineering	4 years	3-5 LPA
B.Sc in Airline And Airport Management	3 years	3-7 LPA
B.Sc Aviation	3 years	2-4 LPA
BBA in Airport Management	3 years	4-8 LPA
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)	3 years (6 months training)	3-5 LPA

Post-Graduation Level Aviation Courses

For those seeking higher education in aviation, India offers master’s degrees in the form of MBA and MSc programs. These programs typically span two years and have varying admission processes across institutions. Here’s a glimpse of the post-graduation options:

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates typically need a minimum of 50 percent from a recognized university.
Entrance Exams: Certain programs like MBA in Aviation Management may require candidates to take entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, SNAP, and others.

What do Aviation Courses Involve?

Aviation courses encompass a wide range of opportunities and fields, catering to the diverse aspects of the aviation industry. From piloting to aviation management, engineering to aircraft maintenance, these courses provide students with a chance to delve into this captivating realm of human achievement.

Pilot Licenses and Beyond

The allure of flight has captured human imagination for generations. Aviation courses offer numerous pathways, including various pilot licenses that equip individuals to take command of aircraft.
For those interested in aviation hospitality, management degrees open doors to the dynamic world of aviation services.
The realm of aviation also extends to engineering and science degrees, nurturing talents for aircraft manufacturers and innovators.
Specialized maintenance diplomas groom professionals for the crucial task of ensuring aircraft safety and performance.

Global Prospects

One of the remarkable facets of the aviation industry is the global reach it offers. Professionals in this field have the privilege to traverse the world and explore diverse destinations.
Notably, an Indian Commercial Pilot License holds validity in an impressive 191 countries. Similarly, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering license is recognized worldwide.
This global recognition paves the way for aspiring students to seek career opportunities beyond India’s borders, embracing international horizons.

Resilience Amid Challenges

Despite the formidable challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the aviation industry has displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability.
The sector’s response to adversity includes innovative strategies, such as repurposing aircraft for cargo transportation, including critical vaccine shipments.
Encouragingly, passenger numbers are gradually rebounding to levels witnessed prior to the pandemic, instilling hope for a robust recovery in the aviation domain.

In essence, aviation courses encapsulate a diverse spectrum of fields, offering students the chance to explore their passion for aviation, travel the world, and contribute to an industry that continues to evolve and thrive.

Who Should Pursue Aviation Courses?

Aviation courses are open to candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, spanning arts, commerce, and science. The eligibility criteria and application procedures vary based on the level of aviation programs one intends to pursue.

Pathways to Pursue

Aspiring pilots typically require a foundation in science during high school, along with a graduate degree, to embark on this career path.
For other aviation programs, the prerequisites may differ, aligning with the specific skills and knowledge needed for each role within the aviation industry.

Essential Traits and Qualities

Aviation courses are particularly well-suited for individuals possessing certain characteristics that are instrumental in various aviation roles:

Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is a cornerstone of success for roles such as pilots and air hostesses. The ability to communicate clearly and confidently is paramount, ensuring safe and efficient interactions with passengers and crew.
Attractive Personality and Interpersonal Skills: A key attribute in the aviation field is having a captivating personality and an innate enthusiasm for engaging with new people. This is especially valuable for roles involving passenger interactions.
Calmness Under Pressure: Aviation inherently involves unpredictable situations. Maintaining composure during adversity is critical, especially at high altitudes. The capacity to remain composed and manage stress is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of all on board.

Why Choose Aviation Courses?

The Indian aerospace and aviation sector holds a prominent position in both engineering and non-technical career landscapes. Pursuing aviation courses can be a transformative experience, offering numerous compelling reasons to consider enrolling. Here are some of the key motivations for taking aviation classes:

Thriving Amidst Challenges

Workplace Challenges: The aviation industry operates within a high-risk environment, demanding exceptional levels of concentration and patience. Professionals in roles like Airport Crash Fire Tenders and Rescue Crews are regularly confronted with hazardous situations that require unwavering focus and composure.

Diverse Exposure and Growth

Exposure to Various Fields: The aviation sector encompasses a wide spectrum, spanning hospitality, management, and engineering disciplines. This exposure to diverse fields not only enriches an employee’s skill set but also facilitates career progression through multifaceted avenues.
Building a Global Network: Embracing a career in aviation opens the door to global exploration. Professionals have the privilege to journey to different countries, immerse themselves in various cultures, forge new connections, and cultivate meaningful relationships.

A Realm of Ambition

Ambitious Endeavors: The aviation industry thrives on ambition. It presents a challenging landscape, demanding stringent standards and perseverance from its participants.

Firm Benefits and Opportunities

Aviation Firm Benefits: High-paying aviation positions often come with additional perks, including travel benefits extended to employees. This adds an extra dimension of appeal to pursuing a career in the aviation sector.

Aviator Education

When aspiring to become pilots, the majority of individuals opt to pursue aviation programs at the bachelor’s level, followed by master’s level aviation courses.

Distribution of Degrees

A breakdown of the percentage of candidates pursuing different degree levels in aviation is as follows:

Degree	Percentage of Candidates Pursuing
Bachelors	81.7%
Masters	6.4%
Associate	5.6%
Certificate	4.4%
Diploma	2.0%

Top Qualities Required for Aviation Courses

Success in aviation courses hinges not only on technical competencies but also on a range of essential qualities and skills that contribute to a well-rounded aviator.

Flight Operations Expertise: Notably, 66.3% of aviator resumes prominently feature flight operations as a top skill. This underscores the technical prowess required to navigate the complexities of aviation.
Emphasis on Soft Skills: Beyond technical expertise, soft skills play a pivotal role in aviation careers. Effective communication and problem-solving abilities are paramount for successful aviators.
Strong Communication and Customer Service: Many aviation roles involve daily interactions with customers. Strong communication and customer service skills are prerequisites to excel in these positions.
Airport Security and First-Aid Competence: Proficiency in airport security protocols and first-aid procedures is imperative, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers in emergencies.
Front-Office Operations and Computer Proficiency: Aviation students must be well-versed in front-office operations and computer applications, given the technological integration in the aviation domain.
Organizational Skills: The aviation sector’s vastness demands meticulous organization. Being systematic and up-to-date is essential to manage tasks effectively.

Key Qualities at a Glance

Key Qualities
Team worker	Clear speech and voice
Good written English/Hindi	Squadron
Federal Aviation	Emergency
Communication Skills	Problem-Solving Skills

Top Aviation Course Colleges in India

India boasts some of the world’s top aviation schools, situated in prominent cities such as Kerala, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. These institutions offer a comprehensive array of aviation programs, ranging from certificates to master’s degrees.

Aviation Colleges in Kerala

College	Fee
International Institute of Management and Technical Studies	INR 80.7 K
Skywings Academy of Aviation and Tourism	INR 35 K – 3.14 L
Sha Shib Aviation Academy	INR 31 L
VIMS Aviation	–
Great India Academy	–
Avalon Academy	–

Aviation Colleges in Bangalore

College	Fee
Skybird Aviation	INR 75 K – 45 L
ABBS Bangalore	INR 3.9 L
Christ University	–
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences	INR 27 K
Krupanidhi Degree College	INR 3.93 L
AIMS Institutes	INR 3.25 L

Aviation Colleges in Mumbai

College	Fee
Adventure Flight Education Private Limited	INR 25.2 L – 32.4 L
Garware Institute of Career Education and Development	INR 60 K – 1.56 L
The Bombay Flying Club’s College of Aviation	INR 5.5 L – 6.78 L
Indian Aviation Academy	–
Institute of Logistics and Aviation Management	INR 35 K
National Institute of Management and Research Studies	INR 25 K – 1.2 L

Aviation Colleges in Hyderabad

College	Fee
Skybird Aviation	INR 75 K – 45 L
Adventure Flight Education Private Limited	INR 25.63 L – 32.95 L
Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy	INR 2.66 L
Flytech Aviation Academy	INR 5 L
GMR Aviation Academy	INR 22.34 K – 2.95 L
Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy	INR 38 K – 42.85 L

Aviation Course Syllabus

Aviation courses offer a diverse curriculum that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the aviation industry. The syllabus typically includes:

Introduction To Airline Industry
Personality Development & Soft Skills
Introduction To Aircraft
Language 1
Crew Member Coordination And Communication
Language 2
Customer Service
Cargo Management & Handling
Airport Functioning & Strategy
Safety And Emergency Procedures (Aircraft and On-Ground)
Managing Passenger Interactions
Computer Reservation System Training
Safety & Security Management

Career Scope of Aviation Courses

The aviation industry stands among the world’s highest-paying sectors, offering a wealth of opportunities upon completing aviation courses.

Aviation Jobs and Salaries

Embarking on a career in aviation presents a diverse array of job profiles with corresponding average salaries:

Job Profile	Average Salary
Air Hostess/ Cabin Crew	INR 504,000 to 702,000
Front-end Office Operator	INR 5,00,000
Airport Manager	INR 6,00,000
Cargo Department Manager	INR 3,00,000 to 4,00,000
Flight Attendant	INR 480,000 to 675,000
Commercial Pilot	INR 5,00,000- 6,00,000
Ground Services Staff	INR 504,000 to 735,000

Top Hiring Recruiters

Leading recruiters in the aviation sector include:

Make My Trip
Spicejet
Airbnb
Indigo
Airport Authority of India
Air Asia
Air India
Go Air
Vistara
Yatra

Salary of an Aviator in India

The aviation industry offers a dynamic salary trajectory for aviators:

Starting wages range from INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 per year.
With years of experience, salaries can escalate to an impressive range of INR 9-12 LPA.

Aviation Courses FAQ’s

What are some reasons to consider pursuing aviation courses?

Aviation courses offer a wide range of compelling reasons to enroll. Notably, the aviation business ranks among the top-paying industries globally, promising lucrative career prospects. Furthermore, the exposure to various fields within aviation, including hospitality, management, and engineering, sets the stage for multifaceted career growth. The opportunity to build a global network, travel to different countries, and engage with diverse cultures also adds to the appeal of aviation courses.

What are some key qualities required for success in aviation courses?

Success in aviation courses is contingent upon a blend of technical proficiency and personal attributes. Strong communication skills, an attractive personality, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital traits, particularly for roles like pilots and air hostesses. Furthermore, competence in airport security and first-aid procedures, along with a grasp of front-office operations and computer applications, are essential for a comprehensive skill set in the aviation sector.

What are the potential career paths after completing aviation courses?

The aviation industry presents a plethora of career opportunities across various job profiles. Roles such as air hostess/cabin crew, airport manager, cargo department manager, flight attendant, commercial pilot, and ground services staff are just a few examples. Salaries in the aviation sector are notably competitive, with figures ranging from INR 3,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 per annum, depending on the role and experience.