Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) are the unsung heroes of aviation — the people who ensure every aircraft is airworthy, safe, and compliant before every flight. If you dream of working close to aircraft, maintaining and inspecting them, and being part of the aviation backbone, AME is one of the most rewarding technical careers in India.
• Eligibility & Requirements
• Fee Structure & Course Duration
• Top DGCA-Approved Institutions
• DGCA Examinations & Licensing
• Placement Opportunities
• Career Growth & Salary in India
Eligibility Criteria
To become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in India, you must meet the following requirements:
- Completed 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) from a recognized board.
- Minimum aggregate marks: 50% in PCM (varies by institution).
- Age limit: Between 16 and 28 years (at the time of admission).
- Medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
Some institutions may also require you to clear entrance exams such as AME CET (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test).
Course Duration & Fee Structure
The AME program typically runs for 2 years of academic training followed by 1 year of practical training at DGCA-approved Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations or airlines.
Fee may vary depending on the city, institution, and whether the training includes OJT (On Job Training) with airlines.
Top DGCA-Approved AME Institutions in India
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA) – Chandigarh
- Hindustan Institute of Aeronautics – Bhopal
- Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy – Hyderabad
- School of Aeronautics – Neemrana, Rajasthan
- Academy of Aviation & Engineering – Bangalore
- Neotia College of Technology and Management – Kolkata
- Orient Flights Aviation Academy – Mysore
Before enrolling, always ensure that the institution is DGCA-approved (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) under CAR 147 (Basic).
DGCA Examinations & Licensing
After completing your course and required practical experience, you’ll need to clear DGCA exams to obtain your AME license. The license types are divided into categories:
- B1 (Mechanical): Covers aircraft structures, engines, and mechanical systems.
- B2 (Avionics): Covers electrical, electronic, and instrumentation systems.
DGCA conducts online module exams covering subjects like Airframe, Powerplant, Avionics, Regulations, and Human Factors. Once all modules and experience requirements are complete, the DGCA issues your AME License.
Placement & Internship Opportunities
Most top AME colleges in India offer placement assistance and internship tie-ups with airlines and MROs such as:
- Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL)
- IndiGo Airlines
- SpiceJet
- AirWorks India Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
- GMR Aero Technic
- Blue Dart Aviation
During OJT (On Job Training), students gain real-world experience inspecting, maintaining, and troubleshooting aircraft systems.
Career Opportunities & Salary
After licensing, AMEs can work with:
- Airlines (Domestic & International)
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) organizations
- Aircraft manufacturing companies (e.g., Airbus, Boeing)
- DGCA or aviation regulatory bodies
- Private charter operators & helicopter services
Experienced AMEs: ₹10 LPA – ₹25 LPA+ (depending on type rating and experience)
With India’s aviation sector growing rapidly, AMEs are in continuous demand — both domestically and abroad. As aircraft fleets expand, the need for certified maintenance engineers will only rise.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an AME requires patience, precision, and passion for aviation technology. It’s not just a career — it’s a responsibility to ensure every passenger takes off and lands safely. If the sound of engines excites you and you love working with your hands, this is your sky to build.
✈️ Explore, Learn, Maintain, Fly.
— AviorXT