India’s aviation sector may soon see a big change. For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved a proposal that could allow Class 12 students from arts and commerce streams to become commercial pilots.Until now, only students who had passed Class 12 with physics and maths were allowed to apply for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

This rule forced many students from non-science backgrounds to reappear for Class 12 through open schooling just to become eligible. But things may soon change.The DGCA has sent its recommendation to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), which will now forward it to the law ministry.The final approval will come from the law ministry, which will officially notify the rule change.If approved, students from any stream, arts, commerce, or science, will be allowed to apply for CPL training. However, they must still clear the required medical and aptitude tests.

Experts in the aviation field have often criticised the current rule, saying that India is one of the few countries that restricts pilot training based on academic streams. They also say that the science knowledge needed for flying is basic and already taught in earlier classes.This rule change is expected to make pilot training more open and fair for all students. It could also help India deal with the rising demand for trained pilots, as airlines continue to grow and add more flights. This reform could open cockpit doors to many new dreamers.