Aviation and Aeronautics After 12th PCM: Admission, Colleges, Fees, Scope & Career Opportunities

Aviation and Aeronautics After 12th PCM: Admission, Colleges, Fees, Scope & Career Opportunities

Do you dream of flying high, designing aircraft, or managing air travel operations? 
If you’re a 12th PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) student passionate about technology, travel, and adventure, then a career in Aviation and Aeronautics could take you above the clouds — literally and professionally!

Aviation and Aeronautics are among the most dynamic and prestigious fields in science and technology, offering global career opportunities and rewarding pay packages.


What are Aviation and Aeronautics?

Aviation

Aviation deals with the operation, management, and maintenance of aircraft, airports, and airline services.
It includes both technical (like flying, aircraft maintenance) and non-technical (like air traffic control, airport management) careers.

Popular Fields in Aviation:

  • Commercial Pilot

  • Air Traffic Control

  • Aviation Management

  • Ground and Cabin Crew

  • Airport Operations

Aeronautics / Aerospace Engineering

Aeronautics is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft.
It involves aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight mechanics, and control systems.

Key Fields in Aeronautics:

  • Aircraft Design and Maintenance

  • Space Research

  • Defense and Aerospace Technology

  • Navigation Systems


Top Courses After 12th PCM

Course Name Duration Type
B.Sc. Aviation 3 years Undergraduate
BBA in Airport Management / Aviation Management 3 years Undergraduate
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Training 18–24 months Certification
B.Tech. Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering 4 years Undergraduate
Diploma in Aviation / Aeronautical Engineering 2–3 years Diploma
B.Sc. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) 3 years Undergraduate
B.Sc. Air Traffic Control / Aviation Safety 3 years Undergraduate

PCM students are eligible for all technical and management courses in aviation and aeronautics.


Eligibility Criteria

  • Qualification: 10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

  • Minimum Marks: 50–60% aggregate

  • Age Limit: 17–25 years for flying courses

  • Medical Requirement: DGCA-approved Class I or II medical fitness certificate (for pilots)

  • Entrance Exams:

    • AME CET (for Aircraft Maintenance)

    • DGCA (for Pilot Training)

    • AIAEE (for Aeronautical Engineering)

    • CUET / University-level tests


Top Colleges in India for Aviation and Aeronautics

Aviation Institutes

College Location
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) Raebareli
Bombay Flying Club Mumbai
Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology Thiruvananthapuram
Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. Gujarat
Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science Chennai
Amity Institute of Aviation Noida
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies Pune
Wingsss College of Aviation & Technology Pune


Aeronautical Engineering Colleges

College Location
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Thiruvananthapuram
Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) Chennai
Hindustan University Chennai
Lovely Professional University (LPU) Punjab
SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chennai
PEC University of Technology Chandigarh
Manipal Institute of Technology Manipal

Fee Structure

Course Type Average Annual Fee (INR)
B.Sc. / BBA in Aviation 80,000 – 2,00,000
Commercial Pilot Training 25 – 45 lakhs (total course)
B.Tech. Aeronautical / Aerospace 1,00,000 – 3,00,000
Diploma Courses 50,000 – 1,50,000

Pilot training is the most expensive but also one of the most rewarding fields in terms of career and salary.


Subjects and Curriculum Overview

Depending on your chosen course, the syllabus covers both technical and operational aspects of flight and aircraft.

Core Subjects:

  • Physics of Flight and Aerodynamics

  • Aircraft Systems and Maintenance

  • Air Navigation and Meteorology

  • Aviation Safety and Regulations

  • Flight Instruments and Control Systems

  • Airport Management and Operations

  • Airline Marketing and Finance

  • Aerospace Materials and Propulsion

Students also undergo internships, simulator training, and industrial visits as part of their coursework.


Career Opportunities

The aviation and aeronautics sectors offer diverse career paths across private airlines, airports, research centers, and defense organizations.

Career Options in Aviation

  • Commercial Pilot

  • Cabin Crew / Air Hostess

  • Air Traffic Controller

  • Ground Handling Officer

  • Airport Operations Manager

  • Aviation Safety Officer

Career Options in Aeronautics

  • Aeronautical Engineer

  • Aerospace Designer / Analyst

  • Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)

  • Avionics Engineer

  • Space Research Scientist


Top Recruiters

  • Air India, Indigo, Vistara, SpiceJet

  • Airbus, Boeing, HAL, DRDO, ISRO

  • AirAsia, Emirates, Qatar Airways

  • DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)

  • GMR and Adani Airport Holdings

  • Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce


Global Opportunities

Aviation and Aeronautics professionals are in high demand in countries with growing aviation industries and space programs.

Country Average Salary (INR Equivalent) Popular Roles
USA 60–120 LPA Pilot, Aerospace Engineer
UAE / Qatar 45–90 LPA Flight Operations, Maintenance
Canada 40–80 LPA Aviation Manager, Aircraft Technician
Germany 45–85 LPA Aeronautical Engineer
Australia 40–75 LPA Air Traffic Controller, Pilot

Many Indian-trained professionals work internationally after passing regional aviation certifications.


Higher Studies and Specializations

After graduation, students can pursue:

  • M.Sc. / M.Tech. in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering

  • MBA in Aviation Management / Airport Operations

  • Pilot License Upgrade Programs (ATPL, CPL)

  • PG Diploma in Air Safety or Aviation Law

Specializations Include:

  • Avionics and Flight Control

  • Propulsion and Jet Engine Design

  • Air Traffic Management

  • Space Science and Satellite Technology

  • Aircraft Manufacturing


Salary Range in India

Role Average Salary (INR/year)
Commercial Pilot 10–25 LPA
Aeronautical Engineer 5–12 LPA
Cabin Crew / Air Hostess 4–8 LPA
Airport Operations Manager 6–15 LPA
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer 6–10 LPA
Air Traffic Controller 8–18 LPA

Senior pilots and aerospace engineers in international airlines can earn INR 40–80 LPA or more.


 Why Choose Aviation or Aeronautics After 12th PCM?

  • Exciting, adventurous, and high-status profession
  • Global job opportunities with travel perks 
  • Rapidly expanding industry with high salaries
  • Combines science, technology, and management
  • Opportunity to work in cutting-edge aerospace research

Conclusion

Choosing Aviation or Aeronautics after 12th PCM is perfect for students who dream of the sky — whether by flying aircraft, managing airports, or designing the next generation of jets and spacecraft.

This career path offers adventure, innovation, and prestige along with global recognition. 

If you’re passionate, disciplined, and ready to reach new heights, a career in aviation or aeronautics will let you turn your dreams into flight. 

Also read this:

https://smartachievers.online/career-options-after-pcm-without-jee-scope-courses

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