January 29, 2026

What they are, how they work, and how you can plan your financing to pursue your pilot dreams without being overwhelmed by costs.
✈️ What Is a Pilot Training Loan?
A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course is typically expensive — training costs in India often range from ₹35 – ₹55 lakh or more, depending on flying hours, academy, and additional fees. Many aspiring pilots take education loans to fund this training instead of paying upfront.
💸 Loan Options Available in India
🏦 Bank Education Loans
National and private banks in India offer education loans tailored for pilot training, covering most of your training expenses:
✔ State Bank of India (SBI) – covers up to the entire training costs; ✔ Bank of Baroda (Baroda Gyan) – loans up to ~₹1.5 Cr for aviation courses. ✔ Punjab National Bank / Canara Bank / Union Bank – ✔ ICICI Bank / HDFC / NBFC lenders (e.g., Credila)
🧑💼 Who Can Apply? (Typical Eligibility)
To be eligible for a pilot training loan, you generally need:
Indian citizenship
Admission letter from a DGCA-approved flying school in India or abroad (important for bank approval).
Minimum educational requirements (10+2 with Physics & Math preferred).
A co-applicant (usually a parent/guardian) with stable income or assets.
Collateral may be required for high-value loans (typically above ₹7.5 lakh). 💰 Loan Amounts, Interest & Repayment
📊 What You Can Borrow
Up to ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore+ depending on domestic or international training, collateral, and institute reputation.
Some banks may lend ₹15–60 lakh without collateral if eligibility criteria are strong.
Interest rates typically start around ~9%–11% p.a. in many public sector banks.
Loan tenures can be flexible, often up to 15 years.
Many banks offer a moratorium period during the training period plus 6–12 months before EMIs begin. 📝 What Expenses the Loan Covers
Most pilot training loans can cover:✔ Tuition fees✔ Flying hours & simulator charges✔ Licensing and examination fees✔ Accommodation & living expenses (especially for out-station training)✔ Travel costs, if applicable✔ Training equipment/supplies
🛠️ Step-by-Step Loan Process
Choose a Flight School: Pick a reputable, DGCA-approved academy.
Get Admission Letter: Essential for bank applications.
Estimate Total Cost: Include all fees and living expenses to finalize loan amount required.
Find a Co-applicant: Most loans require one (often parent/guardian).
Apply Online or at Bank Branch: Submit documents including admission letter, income proof, and collateral details.
Loan Sanction & Disbursement: Once approved, funds are disbursed directly to the academy in stages.