An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence allows you to certify aircraft maintenance within defined limits. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues this licence. Your category, aircraft ratings and authorisation determine what you can certify. Completing AME course does not provide you AME licence automatically. You have to qualify required DGCA examinations and also need to qualify required maintenance experience and other DGCA requirements.[1]
The AME licensing process is not limited to classroom learning only. You have to understand the relationship between chosen licence category and AME basic training, technical examinations, practical maintenance experience. Every stage plays an important role in the overall licensing pathway and its requirements.
Before starting your AME training it is necessary to understand that what your licence permits. Your training affects your technical knowledge and practical skills, while applicable aircraft ratings determine other requirements and scope covered under your certification privileges. Understanding these differences can help students to make informed decisions for further AME training and future career paths.
This guide explains the route to get an AME licence through DGCA-approved basic training programme . It helps you choose a category, understand each stage and plan your next steps. [1]
Why Is an AME Licence Needed?
You need the appropriate licence privileges to certify aircraft maintenance. Certifying means confirming that the work covered by your certification meets the applicable requirements. [1]
This confirmation is recorded in a Certificate of Release to Service (CRS). It is the formal maintenance release signed by appropriately authorised certifying staff. You can work in a maintenance team before getting your licence. For example, you may perform assigned tasks as a trainee or technician. You follow the organisation's procedures and work under the required supervision. Permission to carry out a task is different from permission to certify its release to service.
Your certification role depends on several factors given below:
- Licence category: The kinds of maintenance work you may certify.
- Aircraft rating: The aircraft type or group covered, where a rating is required.
- Organisation authorisation: The work you may certify on the organisation's behalf.
- Competence and recent experience: Your ability and current experience to perform the certification role. [1][6]
What Is the Role of a DGCA-Approved AME Course?
In this route, approved basic training is your first training phase. You will study subjects of your chosen category and practical maintenance skills. Your training will include aircraft systems, tools, maintenance methods and safety standards. You will learn about how to follow maintenance manuals and complete practical tasks. You have to complete examination and assessment requirements of the AME program.
After completing approved requirements students will get Certificate of Recognition (CofR). Keep this document safe because it confirms your approved training from DGCA institute and supports your licensing preparation. [2]
After completing the approved requirements, you receive a Certificate of Recognition (CofR). Keep this document safe. It confirms your approved training and supports your licence application. [2]
| Requirement | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Approved basic training and CofR | Complete the training and assessments. Obtain your completion evidence. |
| CAR-66 module examinations | Pass the examinations required for your category. |
| Qualifying maintenance experience | Gain required practical experience under the applicable CAR-66 requirements |
| Applicable aircraft-rating requirements | Complete the required type training, examinations, assessments or OJT. |
| DGCA application | Submit your records for DGCA to assess your eligibility. |
General on-the-job experience can fulfill the experience requirement if it meets the applicable rules. Aircraft-type OJT has a specific purpose. Where required, it helps you develop and demonstrate the practical competence needed for a particular aircraft rating.
Successful approved basic training can give you access to a reduced experience route. For example, B1.1 and B2 applicants using this route need two years of qualifying maintenance experience.
CAR-147 Basic sets the requirements for approved basic training. CAR-66 sets the knowledge, experience and other requirements for your licence.
In simple terms, You will not get licence just after course completion.you have to complete your approved basic training complete and required CAR-66 examinations pass, required maintenance experience and applicable aircraft-rating requirements. When you meet all these applicable requirements then you can apply for you AME licence to DGCA. The table below helps you to understand the process at every stage to get an AME licence. [1]
How to Obtain an AME Licence in India
Use these seven steps to plan your route. Your category and training arrangements will determine the detailed requirements.
Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the AME training, aspiring candidates should check their basic eligibility requirements to avoid any further delay during the training period. Below is a table of AME eligibility requirements that covers the age, education and language proficiency requirements for students:
- Age: Students must be at least 16 years old to start AME licence training. [5]
- Educational Qualification: Students must qualify 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM).
- Engineering Diploma: Or an equivalent 3-year engineering polytechnic diploma may also be accepted.
- Non-PCM Students: Students from a non-PCM background can complete the required PCM subjects through NIOS.
- Language Proficiency: Students should have basic English proficiency for communication and examinations.
- Physical Fitness: Students should check the applicable medical and physical requirements under the current DGCA requirements. [1][3]
Check your programme's separate admission and medical conditions. Ask which medical certificate and vision checks it requires. Read the detailed AME eligibility requirements before applying.
Step 2 — Choose Your Licence Category
An AME licence category shows what type of aircraft maintenance work an AME is allowed to perform, based on their aircraft ratings, limitations and DGCA requirements. Each category holds maintenance focus on different aircrafts, engine and system. Before starting AME training, aspiring students should understand all the categories and then select one as per their personal goal. Students can understand the categories from below given information:
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| A | Limited certification of specified minor line-maintenance tasks and simple defect repairs. You must personally perform the work and hold the required authorisation. |
| B1 | Aircraft structures, engines, mechanical and electrical systems. It also covers specified avionics work using simple tests without troubleshooting. |
| B2 | Electrical and avionics maintenance. Examples include aircraft instruments, communication and navigation systems. |
Category B1 – Mechanical Maintenance
AME Category B1 has four subcategories mentioned below. Category B1 focuses on mechanical maintenance of the aircraft. It covers areas such as the engine, airframe, mechanical systems and related components.
- B1.1: Turbine-engine aeroplanes.
- B1.2: Piston-engine aeroplanes.
- B1.3: Turbine-engine helicopters.
- B1.4: Piston-engine helicopters
Read the AME licence category guide for more detail.
Step 3 — Join an Approved Basic Training Programme
After selecting the desired category students need to choose an AME institute to start training. Aspiring students should check the institute’s current DGCA approval status, applicable CAR-147 approval, approved training scope, facilities, practical training arrangements and fees. As given below:
- Current DGCA approval under CAR-147 Basic.
- Proof that the approval covers your campus and category.
- The training timetable and assessment plan.
- Details of aircraft, workshops, tools and training facilities.
- The full fee schedule and refund conditions.
- Written details of support for gaining qualifying experience.
Ask where you will gain maintenance experience. Find out what work you can do and who will verify your records. Confirm these arrangements separately from the institute's training approval. Keep your CofR and other completion records. You will need the relevant evidence for your licensing application. [1][2]
Step 4 — Register for and Pass Your Module Examinations
Apply for a DGCA computer number through the Pariksha portal. This number identifies your DGCA examination record. It is a unique identification number provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and used in the DGCA examination system. Usually institutes help students to generate the computer number at the time of admission but if somehow students did not get assistance from their institute, they can apply for the Computer Number by themselves. Students can apply for their DGCA Computer Number through the official DGCA Pariksha Portal. Your modules depend on your licence category. A shared module can have different knowledge levels for different categories.
Follow the current registration instructions. Submit the required qualification, identity and verification documents. You can apply for examinations after your computer number is issued. [3]
This table follows CAR-66 Issue III, Revision 2, dated 29 September 2025. It covers Categories A, B1 and B2. “All” means all subcategories within that category. [1]
| Module | Subject | Applicable categories |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Electrical Fundamentals | All A, all B1, B2 |
| 4 | Electronics Fundamentals | All B1, B2 |
| 5 | Digital Techniques/Electronic Instrument Systems | All A, all B1, B2 |
| 6 | Materials and Hardware | All A, all B1, B2 |
| 7 | Maintenance Practices | All A, all B1, B2 |
| 8 | Basic Aerodynamics | All A, all B1, B2 |
| 9 | Human Factors | All A, all B1, B2 |
| 10 | Aviation Legislation | All A, all B1, B2 |
| 11 | Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems | A1, A2, B1.1, B1.2 |
| 12 | Helicopter Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems | A3, A4, B1.3, B1.4 |
| 13 | Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures and Systems | B2 |
| 14 | Propulsion | B2 |
| 15 | Gas Turbine Engines | A1, A3, B1.1, B1.3 |
| 16 | Piston Engine | A2, A4, B1.2, B1.4 |
| 17 | Propeller | A1, A2, B1.1, B1.2 |
Modules 1 and 2 are marked not applicable in this revision. You must still meet the PCM eligibility requirement. [1]
The pass standard is 75% for each module or submodule multiple-choice examination. Institute tests and DGCA licensing examinations serve different purposes. You must meet the DGCA examination requirements and complete your programme's practical assessments. [1][2]
Before each session, check the latest Pariksha notice. Confirm the syllabus, paper codes, dates and examination instructions. DGCA's notice dated 26 February 2026 confirmed the September 2025 syllabus for the specified 2026 session. [4]
Step 5 — Gain and Record Qualifying Maintenance Experience
After taking admission and getting a Computer Number, students can start their basic AME training. AME training combines the theory and practical learning to build the important skills needed for aircraft maintenance. AME courses typically include 50–60% theoretical training and 40–50% dedicated practical training. The total duration of the course may vary depending on the AME license category chosen by the candidates.
| Category | Experience under the approved basic training route |
|---|---|
| B1.1 | Two years of qualifying experience on operating aircraft, with successful completion of the applicable approved basic training. |
| B2 | Two years of qualifying experience on operating aircraft, with successful completion of the applicable approved basic training. |
Other categories and training routes have different requirements. Your experience must also meet the applicable relevance and recency conditions. Classroom practical hours and a general internship certificate do not automatically meet this requirement. The actual work, supervision and verified records matter. [1]
Keeping accurate records of your maintenance experience is important because DGCA may need evidence that your experience meets the applicable requirements. Record each maintenance task clearly and make sure the details can be verified by the responsible person or organisation. The following information should be recorded for each task:
- The date of each task.
- The aircraft type and registration or other required identification.
- The task and the work you personally carried out.
- The maintenance organisation.
- The required signatures or verification.
Some approved arrangements combine training with qualifying experience. Ask which activities count and how they are recorded. Use your programme's actual schedule to plan your timeline. [1]
Step 6 — Understand Aircraft Ratings and Skill Requirements
An aircraft type rating tells which type of specific aircraft is covered under licence privileges.In simple terms, your AME licence category tells you what type of maintenance you can certify, while the aircraft rating tells you which aircraft you can apply those privileges to.
According to your licence category and maintenance work on aircraft you have to complete type training, examinations, practical assessments, skill test or on-the-job training (OJT). These requirements help you to ensure that you have necessary skills to work safely on a particular aircraft type with required knowledge and practical skills.
Depending on your category and aircraft, you may need type training, examinations, practical assessment, a skill test or on-the-job training (OJT). [1]
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Basic maintenance experience | Builds the practical experience required for your licence category. |
| Aircraft-type OJT | Develops and demonstrates practical competence on a particular aircraft type for the applicable rating. |
For B1 and B2, the first Group 1 aircraft type rating in the applicable category or subcategory requires OJT. Other aircraft groups may have different permitted routes and requirements.
For example, completing your B1.1 training does not automatically mean that you can certify maintenance on every turbine aeroplane. You may still need the applicable aircraft rating and must meet the requirements for that rating.
Therefore it is important to plan your aircraft rating requirements along with your training. Discuss these requirements with your training provider and, where applicable, your maintenance organisation. Type training and OJT may be part of the process for obtaining your first aircraft rating or adding another rating later.
Category A is different. It uses task-specific training and authorisation rather than following the same aircraft type-rating route used for B1 and B2. This means you should understand the requirements of your chosen category before planning your training.[1]
Step 7 — Apply to DGCA
After finishing all the required DGCA module exams, completing mandatory practical training and collecting all the important documents, students can finally apply for an AME license application. Students can proceed with the application through the Official DGCA portal. Students can follow below given steps for application process:
-
Apply Through DGCA Portal: For AME license registration and exam related process use official DGCA Portal.
-
Required Documents : Keep all the required documents ready before applying such as identity proof, educational qualification related documents and other mandatory documents required by the DGCA.
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Submit Experience Record: Students have to submit their AME practical maintenance experience record as per chosen AME category.
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Verification By DGCA: After submitting the application, DGCA verifies all the information and documents provided by the students to ensure that they are fulfilling applicable licensing requirements.
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Respond to Queries: If DGCA finds any missing documents or any kind of deficiency then students have to be ready to submit the required clarification or corrected documents.
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Licence Issuance: After the application passes all the applicable norms, DGCA issues the AME license to students.
The exact list depends on your application. An initial licence, added category and aircraft rating can require different records. DGCA checks your documents. Respond to any request for corrections or further evidence. DGCA issues the licence or rating once it is satisfied that you meet the requirements. [1]
Can You Certify Aircraft Maintenance Immediately After Getting the Licence?
Yes, provided you also meet the conditions for the aircraft and work you will certify. Check these four requirements. [1][6]
| Requirement | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Valid AME licence | You hold the category and certification privileges needed for the work. |
| Relevant aircraft rating | Your licence covers the aircraft type or group, where required. |
| Competence and recent experience | You have the required ability and current relevant experience. |
| Organisation authorisation | The approved maintenance organisation permits you to certify the stated work on its behalf. |
The organisation checks your qualifications, experience and competence. It also checks your understanding of its procedures. You can then sign a CRS within the limits of your licence, applicable rating and authorisation. [6]
For Category A, you need the required task training and authorisation. You can certify the permitted tasks that you personally perform. [1]
How Long Does the AME Licensing Journey Take?
Your timeline depends on your category, programme, examination progress and experience arrangements. Plan each stage with your institute.
| Stage | Duration / Years | What you should plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic training | Programme-specific; published examples range from 2–3 years. | Check the approved timetable. B1.1 and B2 require at least 2,400 basic training hours. Calendar duration depends on the schedule. [2][7] |
| Module examinations | Alongside training; extra time if needed. | Plan for examination sessions and any repeat attempts. Follow current DGCA instructions. [3] |
| Qualifying experience | 2 years for B1.1 and B2 under the approved basic training route. | Complete the required range of maintenance tasks on operating aircraft. Keep verified records. [1] |
| Applicable type training and OJT | Varies by aircraft and arrangement. | Confirm the training, assessment and OJT schedule where required. [1] |
| Licence application | Variable processing period. | Prepare your documents and respond to any DGCA requests. [1] |
The training figures are programme examples. Air India publishes a two-year foundational course. IGRUA publishes a three-year B1.2 programme. Check the duration for your own category and institute. [7]
Some stages can overlap where the rules allow. Ask for a written schedule showing your training, examinations and qualifying experience. Use that schedule to plan your overall journey. [1]
How Do You Keep an AME Licence and Its Privileges Valid?
Getting an AME licence is not the end of the process. You also need to keep your licence, experience, competence and certification authorisation up to date. These requirements help ensure that you remain eligible to perform and certify maintenance within your permitted scope. The following three areas are important to keep your AME licence and its privileges valid.
Keep these three requirements up to date:
- Licence renewal: Check your expiry date. Apply through the applicable eGCA service and follow current DGCA instructions. [1]
- Recent experience and competence: Keep records of relevant maintenance work. Continue to meet the experience and competence conditions for your certification duties. These are separate from licence renewal. [1]
- Continuation training and authorisation: Complete your organisation's required refresher training. Keep your certification authorisation valid and work within its limits. Training covers areas such as aircraft technology, company procedures and human factors. [6]
How Can AME CET Help You Start?
AME CET helps you explore training options and seek admission to participating institutes. Its services include:
- AME CET Entrance examination: Students need to qualify AME CET to enter its admission and counselling process.
- Admission guidance: AME CET Counsellors helps students and provide guidance to understand the AME Categories and their scope.
- Institute selection: Students need compare participating institutes based on your eligibility, rank, preferences and available seats. After comparing they can chose one of them to take admission.
- AME CET Counselling Process: Students must attend AME CET counselling and take admission in one of the offered institutes of AME CET
- Scholarships: Check your eligibility under the applicable scheme. Confirm the award amount, fees covered and conditions. [8]
AME CET supports admission. DGCA issues the AME licence. AME CET does not replace DGCA's licensing requirements. Your selected institute provides the training. You must complete the applicable licensing requirements before DGCA issues your licence. [1][8]
Read the AME admission process through AME CET to plan your next steps.
References and Official Sources
[1] DGCA — CAR-66: Licensing of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Issue III, Revision 2, dated 29 September 2025. Relevant provisions: 66.A.10, 66.A.15, 66.A.20, 66.A.25, 66.A.30, 66.A.35, 66.A.40 and 66.A.45; Appendices I–IV and associated AMC. Access regulations through the DGCA official portal.
[2] DGCA — CAR-147 Basic. Approved basic training, examinations, practical assessments, minimum training hours and completion certificates. See 147.A.200, 147.A.205 and the relevant appendices. Official DGCA document.
[3] DGCA Pariksha — AME FAQs, User Manual and examination notices. Registration age, computer numbers and examination applications. AME FAQs · AME User Manual. Follow the latest notices for your examination session.
[4] DGCA — Public Notice dated 26 February 2026. Syllabus applicable to AME Regular Examination Session 01 of 2026. Official notice.
[5] AME CET — AME Course Eligibility. AME CET admission age and programme conditions. Eligibility page.
[6] DGCA — CAR-145. Personnel and certification-authorisation requirements, especially 145.A.30 and 145.A.35. See also the Airworthiness Procedures Manual, Part II, Chapter 9, for related inspection guidance. Access regulations through the DGCA official portal.
[7] Published programme-duration examples. Air India Cadet AME Programme — two-year foundational course. IGRUA AME Approved Courses — three-year B1.2 programme. These are the named programmes' published durations, not a universal licensing timeline.
[8] AME CET — Published services and admission information. About Us and AME Admission Process. Relevant topics: entrance examination, counselling, participating institutes, admission support and scholarship conditions.
