A Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a specialized aviation technical qualification designed for students who want to build a career in aircraft maintenance, safety, inspection, and certification. Since aircraft maintenance directly impacts flight safety, the requirements for pursuing a Diploma in AME are defined as per aviation standards and regulatory guidelines in India.
Below is a complete explanation of all the academic, age, medical, and regulatory requirements for a Diploma in AME.
To be eligible for a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, a candidate must fulfill the following educational criteria:
The student must have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or 3-year Engineering Diploma
Mandatory subjects in 10+2:
Physics
Mathematics
Chemistry (recommended but not compulsory in some cases)
Minimum qualifying marks are generally 45% to 50%, depending on the institute and admission process
? Students from Science stream (PCM) are preferred, as AME is a highly technical and engineering-oriented field.
The minimum age to join a Diploma in AME is 16 years
There is no upper age limit, provided the candidate fulfills medical and academic requirements
This makes the Diploma in AME suitable for:
Fresh 12th-pass students
Diploma holders
Students seeking early entry into the aviation technical field
Aircraft maintenance engineers are responsible for aircraft safety; therefore, medical fitness is compulsory.
A candidate must:
Be physically and mentally fit
Have normal eyesight (correctable vision is allowed)
Be free from color blindness
Not suffer from any serious medical condition that can affect technical performance
Medical fitness is assessed as per aviation medical standards, usually during or after admission.
Since aviation documentation, manuals, and maintenance procedures are written in English:
The candidate must have basic proficiency in English
Ability to read, write, and understand technical English is essential
Spoken English skills are an added advantage for future employment
Although some institutes offer direct admission, appearing for an aviation entrance exam significantly improves admission chances.
Students can appear for AME CET (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test)
AME CET evaluates knowledge in:
Physics
Mathematics
General aptitude
Qualified candidates are eligible for:
Counselling
Scholarships
Admission to approved AME institutes across India
The Diploma in AME must be pursued from an institute that is:
Approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India
Conducting training under CAR-147 norms
Equipped with proper aircraft, hangars, laboratories, and licensed instructors
?? A diploma from a non-approved institute has no aviation validity, so students must verify approvals before admission.
A Diploma in AME generally includes:
Theoretical training (aviation subjects, systems, regulations)
Practical training on real aircraft and components
Live maintenance exposure in hangars and workshops
Industrial training at airlines or MROs (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul organizations)
The course duration usually ranges between 2 to 3 years, depending on the training pathway.
While not mandatory, the following skills are highly recommended:
Strong interest in aviation and aircraft technology
Attention to detail and safety consciousness
Ability to work in rotational shifts
Good problem-solving and analytical skills
Willingness to work in airports, hangars, and technical environments
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics or Engineering Diploma |
| Minimum Age | 16 years |
| Medical Fitness | Physically & mentally fit, no color blindness |
| English Language | Basic technical English required |
| Entrance Exam | AME CET (recommended) |
| Regulatory Approval | DGCA-approved institute |
| Training Type | Theory + Practical + Aircraft exposure |
A Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is an excellent choice for students who want a technical, hands-on career in aviation. Meeting the eligibility and training requirements is crucial, as aircraft maintenance is a licensed and safety-critical profession. Students are strongly advised to choose DGCA-approved institutes and appear for AME CET to ensure proper guidance, scholarship opportunities, and career security.