To join a DGCA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) course, you need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognised board, or a recognised equivalent qualification. Engineering diploma holders must meet the applicable subject and equivalence requirements. [1][3] Eligible students can apply through AME CET for admission to participating institutes, subject to their admission conditions. [2]
AME Course Eligibility at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational qualification | Passed 10+2 from a recognised board, or a recognised equivalent qualification. [1] |
| Required subjects | Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). [1] |
| Equivalent qualifications | A recognised engineering diploma can qualify when the PCM and equivalence-document requirements are met. [3] |
| Minimum marks | A pass is required. CAR-66 does not specify a minimum percentage. Institutes or programmes may set additional cutoffs. [3][4] |
| Admission age |
CAR-66 does not specify a course-admission age. AME CET’s published policy requires candidates to be 16–28 years old at admission. [2][3] |
| Medical documentation | The admitting programme’s prescribed medical fitness certificate, including the required colour-vision assessment. [4] |
Educational Qualifications for AME Admission
Your subjects, board recognition and qualification documents determine whether you meet the academic requirements. The following conditions apply to different qualifications.
AME Eligibility After Class 12
You can apply after passing Class 12 with PCM from a recognised board, including CBSE and recognised State Boards. You must also meet the chosen programme’s admission conditions. [1][4]
Students appearing for Class 12 or awaiting results can apply for AME CET. Final admission depends on passing the required subjects and submitting the qualifying documents. Applying for the entrance examination does not confirm admission. [2][4]
AME Eligibility After an Engineering Diploma
An engineering diploma can qualify as equivalent to 10+2 when it meets these conditions:
- Recognition: The diploma is recognised by a State Technical Education Board.
- Subjects: Your diploma studies include Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Equivalence: You provide an equivalence certificate from the applicable board or university. [3]
AME Eligibility for B.Tech and Other Degree Holders
B.Tech, B.E. and other degree holders can apply if their qualifications meet the 10+2 PCM or recognised equivalent requirement and the programme’s admission conditions. [1][3]
A degree does not automatically provide direct second-year admission, a shorter AME course or exemptions from DGCA module examinations. Any examination credit must be formally supported by the applicable DGCA provisions. [3]
Minimum Marks Required for AME Admission
DGCA does not specify a fixed minimum percentage, such as 45% or 50%, in its stated AME qualification requirements. A pass is required. An institute or training programme may set an additional admission cutoff. [1][3]
For example, Air India’s Cadet AME Programme requires 50% in each PCM subject and 60% overall in Class 12. These are programme-specific conditions, not a common DGCA cutoff. [4]
When reading a cutoff, distinguish between PCM aggregate, overall percentage and marks in each subject. A per-subject minimum must be met separately. Any category-based relaxation must be stated in the applicable admission policy.
Age Requirements for AME Admission
For admission through AME CET, the published age range is 16–28 years. This is separate from DGCA examination registration and licence application requirements. [2]
| Stage | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| Admission through AME CET | 16–28 years at admission, along with the academic and programme requirements. [2] |
| DGCA examination registration | Minimum 16 years. The Pariksha AME FAQs state no maximum registration age. [1] |
| DGCA AME licence application | Minimum 18 years, with the applicable licensing requirements completed. [3] |
The 18-year licence-application age is not the minimum age for course admission.
Medical Fitness and Colour Vision
You must meet the admitting programme’s medical requirements and submit its prescribed fitness certificate. The checks and certificate format can differ between programmes.
For example, IGRUA requires an MBBS doctor’s certificate covering physical fitness, colour vision and night vision. Air India’s Cadet AME Programme requires a medical examination and a valid certificate in CA Form 19-06. [4]
The colour-vision assessment can be included in the medical fitness certificate. A separate colour-blindness certificate is needed only if the admitting programme asks for one. A qualified doctor must perform the assessment and record the findings.
Eyesight, Spectacles and Colour Vision
- Eyesight: The cited CA Form 19-06 does not state a numerical standard such as 6/6 or a maximum spectacle power. Any additional standard must come from the programme’s written requirements. [5]
- Spectacles: Wearing glasses is not listed as an automatic disqualification in the cited form. Admission remains subject to the medical assessment and programme conditions. [5]
- Colour vision: The form records the assessment as normal, defective safe or defective unsafe. The doctor records the test used and signs the relevant section. These classifications do not themselves confirm admission eligibility. [5]
Can I Apply With My Qualification?
This table summarises academic eligibility. The admission-age and medical conditions explained above also apply.
| Your Qualification | Eligibility | Required Conditions/Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Class 10 only | Not yet eligible | Complete 10+2 with PCM or a recognised equivalent qualification. [1] |
| Class 12 with PCM | Academically eligible after passing | Provide the marksheet and pass certificate from a recognised board. [1] |
| Class 12 with PCB, without Mathematics | Not eligible with PCB alone | Meet the PCM or recognised equivalent requirement. Biology does not replace Mathematics. [1] |
| Recognised engineering diploma | Eligible if equivalence conditions are met | Provide diploma records showing PCM and the required equivalence certificate. [3] |
| NIOS or another open-school qualification | Eligible if recognition and PCM requirements are met | NIOS Senior Secondary certificates are recognised. Provide a pass certificate and marksheet showing PCM. Other open-school boards must also have valid recognition. [1][6] |
| Foreign-board qualification | Subject to accepted equivalence | Provide qualification and subject records establishing equivalence to 10+2 PCM. DGCA Pariksha specifies AIU equivalence documentation for the international qualifications covered by its requirements. [1] |
Documents Required for AME Admission
Keep original documents and clear copies ready for verification. Depending on your qualification and admission route, you will need:
- Academic records: Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and passing certificates, plus diploma or degree records where applicable. [7]
- Age and identity proof: A date-of-birth document and Aadhaar or another accepted photo ID. [4][7]
- Photographs: Recent photographs in the specified number and format. [7]
- AME CET records: Admit card, result card, counselling letter and, once issued, the seat allotment letter and seat acceptance fee receipt. [7]
- Equivalence documents: The relevant certificates for a diploma, foreign-board or other accepted equivalent qualification. [1][3]
- Medical certificate: The programme’s prescribed fitness certificate and required vision assessment. [4]
- Leaving certificates: Transfer, migration or character certificates, where required. [4]
- Category or scholarship documents: Supporting certificates for any applicable benefit you claim.
Later DGCA examination registration is a separate process. New Pariksha applicants need Board Verification Certificates, the prescribed photograph and signature, and applicable qualification or equivalence documents. Institute admission does not complete DGCA registration. [1]
AME Course Admission and DGCA Licence Eligibility
Admission allows you to begin training. Completing the course does not automatically give you a DGCA AME licence. You must also:
- Pass the applicable CAR-66 knowledge module examinations, subject to any credits formally granted by DGCA.
- Complete and document the required maintenance experience on operating aircraft, relevant to your licence category.
- Meet the licence-application conditions and submit the required supporting records. [3]
For B1.1, B1.3 and B2, successful completion of the applicable approved basic training allows candidates to qualify under the two-year maintenance experience requirement. Course practical training should not automatically be counted as this experience. [3]
Read our AME Licence Categories Guide to understand the categories and their certification responsibilities.
Skills That Help You Study AME
An interest in aircraft and a willingness to learn are useful starting points. During training, you will develop skills such as:
- Observation: Notice wear, damage, loose connections and unusual readings.
- Problem-solving: Investigate faults through a logical process.
- Communication: Ask clear questions, explain findings and record work accurately.
- Teamwork: Share information and work responsibly with instructors and fellow students.
- Careful practical work: Use tools correctly and follow maintenance instructions.
- Safety awareness: Recognise hazards, use protective equipment and report unsafe conditions.
You do not need to have mastered these skills before admission. Lessons, supervised workshop tasks and practical assessments help you improve step by step.
AME Admission Process Through AME CET
Eligible students can seek admission to participating institutes through these steps:
- Meet the eligibility conditions: Fulfil the applicable academic, age and programme requirements.
- Apply for AME CET: Complete the online application form, upload the required photograph and pay the examination fee.
- Take the examination: Follow the date, mode and instructions on your admit card.
- Receive your result and rank: Note your All India Rank (AIR) for counselling. [2]
- Attend counselling: Compare participating institutes and available AME categories. Select your preferences according to eligibility, rank and seat availability.
- Complete document verification: Submit your academic records, identity proof, allotment letter and other required documents.
- Confirm admission: Pay the applicable fees and complete enrolment. Keep your admission confirmation, receipts and scholarship details. [7]
AME CET counsellors can help you understand your admission options, available course categories and required documents.
References and Official Sources
[1] DGCA — Pariksha AME FAQs. Relevant questions cover academic qualifications, Board Verification Certificates, foreign qualifications, registration age and equivalence. Read the FAQs.
[2] AME CET — Official Examination and Eligibility Information. Relevant sections: eligibility, age, application, results and counselling. Read the examination page.
[3] DGCA — CAR-66: Licensing of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Issue III, Revision 2, dated 29 September 2025. Relevant sections: 66.A.15 and associated AMC, 66.A.25 and 66.A.30. DGCA portal · Reproduced copy of the DGCA document.
[4] Published programme admission requirements. Air India Cadet AME Programme — academic cutoffs and medical documentation. IGRUA AME Admission — admission documents and medical certification. These requirements apply to the named programmes.
[5] CA Form 19-06 — Medical Certificate. DGCA form link · Form reproduction published by IIA Gurgaon. Relevant sections: medical fitness and colour-vision assessment.
[6] NIOS — Official Frequently Asked Questions. Relevant sections: recognition of certificates and eligibility for further or professional education. Read the NIOS FAQs.
[7] AME CET — Counselling and Admission Documents. Relevant sections: counselling, institute reporting and document verification. Read the counselling information.
