List of Top Aviation Scholarships In India
Given below is a curated list of top aviation scholarships available in India to help students achieve their dreams in the aviation field.
1. NSP Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students: The NSP Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students, offered by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, aims to empower Scheduled Caste students by funding their education at top institutions across India. For aspiring pilots, this scholarship extends support even to private flying clubs, covering a significant portion of training costs and living expenses, making commercial pilot training more accessible for SC candidates from economically weaker backgrounds.
Eligibility criteria:
Only Scheduled Caste (SC) students are eligible.
- Family income must be ₹8 lakh per year or less.
- Must have passed Class 12 with at least 60% marks.
- Must be enrolled in the first year of a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at a notified top institution (such as IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, NAAC A+/A++, or top‑100 NIRF institutes) or a DGCA-recognised flying club offering CPL/type-rating courses.
- Only one or two siblings per family can receive the award.
- 30% of the total slots are reserved for SC girls, transferable to boys if not filled.
Benefits:
- Tuition and non-refundable fees:
- Up to ₹2,00,000 per year for private institutions
- Up to ₹3,72,000 per year for private flying clubs offering commercial pilot training
- Living allowance: ₹3,000 per month
- Books and stationery: ₹5,000 per year
- One-time computer/laptop grant: ₹45,000 (with accessories)
- Academic allowance: ₹86,000 in the first year, and ₹41,000 annually from the second year onwards.
2. Maharashtra Pilot Training Scholarship (Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy): Offered through the Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy under the Maharashtra government, this scholarship provides up to 100% subsidy on pilot training for eligible Maharashtra residents. The program also supports trainees with stipends for food and accommodation and includes insurance coverage during the training period.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Maharashtra domicile
- 10+2 with Science stream
- Aged 17–28
- Valid DGCA Class II Medical Certificate
Benefits:
- Full subsidy on pilot training fees
- Support stipends for living expenses
- Training period insurance coverage
3. Pilot CET (Common Entrance Test): A national-level examination designed to identify and reward aspiring pilots with merit-based scholarships for ground school classes. PSCET allows candidates to earn up to 100% tuition fee waivers for ground training at DGCA-approved flying academies, based on their All-India Rank (AIR).
- Minimum age: 17 years (18 for CPL track)
- CPL track: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics, 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories); students must hold a valid SPL or PPL and have at least 150–200 hours of flying (depending on program).
- PPL track: Minimum 10th pass; Class II Medical Certificate required.
Benefits:
Scholarships on ground school tuition fees, with slabs such as:
- AIR 1–5: 100%
- AIR 6–15: 75%
- AIR 16–50: 50%
- AIR 51–200: 25%
- AIR 201–500: 20%
- All qualified candidates: 10%
Scholarships are disbursed in three installments linked to course milestones.
Scholarship value capped at ₹5 lakh or actual tuition fee, whichever is lower.
4. Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme: This fully funded program offers selected 10+2 PCM students a four-year B.Tech degree at the Indian Naval Academy, followed by training for a Permanent Commission in the Navy. Candidates receive full tuition, accommodation, uniforms, and living expenses from the Navy.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Unmarried male Indian citizens, aged approximately 17–19.5 years
- Minimum 75% in PCM and 50% in English in Class 12 or Class 10
- Valid JEE Main score and medical fitness
Benefits:
- Fully funded B.Tech degree
- Free accommodation, uniforms, books, and a monthly stipend
- Guaranteed Permanent Commission in the Indian Navy
5. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA) Scholarship: The Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA), a recognised private aviation training institution, offers a merit-based scholarship to students pursuing pilot training. This program aims to support academically strong candidates and those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to build an aviation career.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- A minimum of 60% marks in both subjects is required.
- Candidates must clear an aptitude test and a personal interview conducted by IGIA.
- A valid DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate is mandatory.
Benefits:
- Partial tuition fee waivers of up to 50% for eligible students.
- Additional financial aid may be provided to those with outstanding academic performance or significant economic need.
Application timeline:
- Applications are usually accepted between March and April each year.
- Applicants must submit their academic records, medical certificates, and entrance test results as part of the evaluation process.
6. Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation (HICA) Scholarship: The Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation is a state-run flying training organisation committed to promoting aviation as a viable career path for local students. To support this mission, HICA offers a dedicated scholarship program that covers full training fees and provides monthly financial assistance, making pilot training more affordable and accessible for deserving candidates across the state.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold a Haryana domicile.
- Completion of 10+2 (non-medical stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Minimum age of 17 years (required for solo flying and CPL training).
- Possession of a valid DGCA Class II Medical Certificate at the time of application.
HICA Scholarship for Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
| Category | Aircraft Type | HICA Training Fee (Per Hour) | State Govt. Scholarship (Per Hour) |
| General | Cessna-152 | ₹9,000 | ₹221 |
| Girl | Cessna-152 | ₹9,000 | ₹421 |
| SC/ST | Cessna-152 | ₹9,000 | ₹341 |
HICA Scholarship for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
| Category | Aircraft Type | HICA Training Fee (Per Hour) | State Govt. Scholarship (Per Hour) |
| General | Cessna-152 | ₹9,000 | ₹981 |
| Girl | Cessna-152 | ₹9,000 | ₹1,200 |
| SC/ST | Cessna-152 | ₹9,000 | ₹1,322 |
| SC/ST | Simulator | – | ₹1,500 |
7. SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program Scholarship: The SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based opportunity offered by SpiceJet to support aspiring commercial pilots. Through this initiative, the airline provides substantial financial aid to a limited number of high-performing students each year, helping them complete their professional pilot training with reduced financial burden.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Category 1: 96% or higher in 10+2 (Physics, Maths & English) or JEE rank between 1 and 1,500.
- Category 2: 92% or higher in 10+2 (Physics, Maths & English) or JEE rank between 1,501 and 3,000.
Scholarship Benefits:
Category 1: Total of ₹30 lakh scholarship spread across:
- ₹10 lakh on the 2nd installment
- ₹10 lakh on the 3rd installment
- ₹10 lakh on the 4th installment
(Up to four scholarships annually in this category)
Category 2: Total of ₹15 lakh scholarship spread across:
- ₹5 lakh on the 2nd installment
- ₹5 lakh on the 3rd installment
- ₹5 lakh on the 4th installment
(Up to six scholarships annually in this category)
8. NCC Air Wing Scholarship: An initiative by the National Cadet Corps under the Cadets Welfare Society, the NCC Air Wing Scholarship recognizes and supports cadets who excel in their academic and flying activities. Around 1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to cadets completing their 10th examination, with additional awards for those completing 12th , offering encouragement and recognition for dedication.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicant should be a citizen of India or Nepal.
- The applicant should demonstrate a good moral character.
- The age limit to join a Junior Wing, for both girls and boys is set to 12 – 18.5 years.
- The age limit to join a Senior Wing, for both girls and boys is set up to 26 years.
- If accepted, the applicant will be subjected to a medical examination before getting finalized.
Benefits:
- ₹6,000 for passing 10th
- ₹12,000 for passing 12th
FAQs
Who can apply for the Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation (HICA) Scholarship?
Only Indian nationals domiciled in Haryana are eligible. Applicants must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and hold a valid DGCA Class II Medical Certificate.
What documents are typically required to apply for aviation scholarships in India?
Commonly required documents include academic transcripts (10th & 12th), DGCA medical certificates (Class I or II), identity/address proof, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation (if applicable).
Can I apply for more than one aviation scholarship at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but some schemes may prohibit receiving benefits from more than one scholarship concurrently. Always review the terms of each program.
Are there any scholarships specifically for SC students pursuing pilot training?
Yes. The NSP Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students supports pilot training at DGCA-recognized flying clubs, covering up to ₹3.72 lakh per year plus living and academic allowances.
What financial support does the Maharashtra Pilot Training Scholarship offer?
The Maharashtra Government provides up to 100% subsidy on pilot training fees via the Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy. Additional benefits include stipends for food, accommodation, and insurance coverage during training.