How to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer After 12th: Complete Guide 2026

How to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer After 12th: Complete Guide 2026

• AME
• February 25, 2026

If you are confused about what to do after 12th, you should consider a career in the aviation industry. The aviation industry is really big. It has a lot of job opportunities. One of the most stable career options in this industry is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a stable and well-paying job. India is becoming the 3rd largest in the aviation industry, and it needs a lot of skilled Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. So It is clear that there are huge aviation career opportunities in India.

For a successful future, AME should have technical and theoretical knowledge, practical exposure, and industry-approved certification to ensure aircraft safety. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer after 12th. 

 In this article, you will learn:

1.     About Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

2.     Eligibility

3.     DGCA regulations and approvals

4.     Course details and its duration

5.     Admission process

6.     Fees and salary expectations

7.     Job Opportunities in India and abroad

8.     How to choose the right AME college

What Do You Mean By Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is an aviation course to get full information about the working of airplanes. The AME course trains you how to check if an airplane is working properly, fix it when it is broken and make sure it is safe to fly.

No airplane can take off without the okay from an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

The people in charge at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation make sure that Aircraft Maintenance Engineers get the training and licenses. Only licensed aircraft engineers issue the CRS (Certificates Of Release To Service), confirming that the aircraft is airworthy.

After you finish the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course and get your license, you can work for companies that fly airplanes, make airplanes or fix airplanes.

Why Should You Choose Aircraft Maintenance Engineering after 12th in 2026?

As the aviation industry is growing fast, it needs a lot of skilled aircraft maintenance engineers in both India and international markets. With one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, India offers students a stable career in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering after 12th.

There are several reasons why AME is a good career option after 12th:

1. The growing aviation industry offers high job opportunities

2. Huge career scope worldwide

3. High salary packages

4. Respected profession, as it is regulated by DGCA

Difference Between AME & Other Aviation Courses 2026

Latest Eligibility Updates For Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) in India

To enrol in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria set by DGCA. 

Academic Qualification

1. 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)

2. A diploma in engineering is also eligible.

Age Limit

1. A minimum age of 16 is required at the time of admission

Minimum Marks Requirement

Most of the colleges now recommend

1. Students should have at least 45-50% aggregate in PCM.

2. Some colleges provide relaxation for reserved categories after the entrance exam.

Medical Fitness (2026 Standards)

1. A medical certificate with good eyesight

2. No color blindness

DGCA Norms

1. Admission should be taken in a college approved under CAR 147 (Basic) regulations by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) to get proper training and licensing.

Course Details To Become An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

This course is a 2-year program with an academic session and Practical exposure (OJT). 

B1 Category: Mechanical Stream

B1.1: Turbine engine airplanes

B1.2: Piston engine airplanes

B1.3: Helicopters with turbine engines

B2 Category: Avionics Stream

B2.1: Instrument systems

B2.2: Radio & Navigation systems

B2.3: Electrical systems

AME Course Fees 2026

The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course fees vary by college. This is because each college has things like buildings, equipment and planes to learn on and places to practice and help to get a job.

Here is the general overview of the AME fees structure:

1. The whole Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course costs between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 7 lakh. However, it may vary by college.

2. The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering fees can be different depending on the college, where it is, what the college offers and what kind of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course you want to do.

Scholarships Support:

Most of the colleges offer scholarships to deserving candidates. The scholarships provided may include:

1. Merit-based scholarships

2. Special scholarships for reserved categories

Education Loan Facilities

Students can apply for student loans, which will cover hostel charges, tuition fees, and other academic expenses. Most of the colleges have tied up with the banks to make it easy for students and their parents.

Admission Process In Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in India 2026

After planning for AME after 12th, the next important question is: What is the admission process? Here we have explained the AME admission process 2026 easily, step by step:

Step 1: Fill Online/Offline Application

The first step is to fill out the application form on the website or the college you have selected. On that form the students need to submit their academic details, required documents, and personal details.

Step 2: Direct Admission

Students can take direct admission in AME colleges in India without the AME CET exam.

Step 3: Counselling

After all the procedure the shortlisted students are invited for counselling to choose their preferred specialisation. After the documentation verification and fees submission, your seat is confirmed.

For counselling about DGCA-approved colleges, Contact Us Now.

Jobs In Different Fields After Becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in India and Abroad In 2026

1. Aircraft manufacturing companies

2. Airports

3. Airlines

4. Government aviation departments

5. Aviation training centres

6. MRO

7. Aircraft maintenance

Salary When You Become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

The salary of an AME depends on different factors and is:

1. Total experience, 

2. Type of licence you have

3. Type of aircraft you work with

4. The organisation you work for, and 

5. In the country where you are working. 

Since AMEs are responsible for aircraft certification and safety, this profession offers financial growth in India and abroad. 

At the beginning, the candidates have to work in entry-level technical roles in MRO organizations, airlines or aviation companies. As they will gain experience and obtain aircraft type ratings, their salary will increase significantly. Licensed AMEs have better career growth worldwide. In India, the salary of an aircraft maintenance engineer is as follows:

1. Rs 2-4 lakh/year for freshers, which will increase as you gain experience.  

2. Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineering person's salary range from Rs 12 to 20 lakhs/year.

Future Demand Of An AME 2026

As the aviation industry is growing day by day, the demand for a qualified & licensed AME is also increasing. The reasons that make this sector grow are:

1. Expansion of airports

2. Increase in air travel

3. New aircraft and airlines

4. International aviation industry projects

Steps To Become A Successful Aircraft Maintenance Engineer After 12th

1. Complete your 12th with a non-medical stream (PCM).

2. Choose a DGCA-approved AME college. Only a DGCA-approved AME college in India 2026 provides aircraft exposure, practical training, internship opportunities, job placements, and many more.

3. Screening/Entrance Test: Some colleges & universities conduct an entrance test, which is not required. So if you want, you can take direct admission in DGCA approved AME colleges.

4. Documentation: After the entrance test, submit your complete documents, including the medical fitness certificate required by the college.

5. Registration: Then, they register themselves in the respective course chosen by them.

6. DGCA Approved Licence: Once you have passed your AME course, the qualified candidates will receive their DGCA-approved license to start their career as an aircraft maintenance engineer after 12th in 2026. 

7. Start your career with an approved DCGA license.

Stream-wise Guidance After 12th

• After 10+2 PCM
  10+2 passed students with Physics, Chemistry, & Mathematics are eligible for the AME course in all the universities worldwide.

• After Diploma
  Students with a diploma can also apply.

Timeline For AME Career After 12th

Year 1: Admission in the best AME college in India & basic training

Year 2: Technical & practical training

Year 3: Internships for aircraft maintenance & exams

Year 4: Get DGCA-approved license & job

Common Mistakes Made by Students After 12th

Many students make mistakes when choosing the AME college. This also affects their careers. Some of the common mistakes are:

1. Choosing the non-DGCA-approved colleges, from which they can’t get many advantages, such as practical training, aircraft exposure, and many more.

2. Not checking the complete information about the college, like job placements, internship options, and practical training.

3. Ignoring the practical training.

What To Check Before Choosing The Best Aircraft Maintenance Engineering College In 2026?

Choosing the right AME college is one of the most important steps for building your future in the aviation industry. Students and parents should carefully choose the college based on the following factors:

DGCA Approval

Always check whether the college is DGCA-approved or not. 

Practical Exposure

Practical training is also one of the most important parts of the AME course. So the students must check whether the college is providing real aircraft exposure or not.

On-Job Training Partnerships

Most of the colleges have strong tie-ups with the industry thus offer students on-job training with aviation companies, airlines, and even MRO organizations.

Placement

Before taking admission, the students must ask for their placement services and records.

Infrastructure

A good AME college in India should have experienced aviation faculty, updated aviation technology, and industry training.

To help students in making the right decisions, platforms like AME College provide proper guidance on DGCA-approved colleges, personalised online and offline counselling sessions, career counselling services in India, Bhutan, and Nepal, scholarships, IASAT exams, end-to-end complete academic assistance, education loans, MEET THE TEAM sessions, and aviation mentors.

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Conclusion

With the increasing demand for the aviation sector and its global opportunities, AME courses provide career success and stability. Choose AME college to get admission in one of the best aircraft maintenance engineering colleges in India. We help students with proper career guidance so that they can easily build a respected & successful career in aviation. Whether you are planning to work in India or abroad, the AME course 2026 opens huge opportunities worldwide. Start your journey today by choosing the right college to become a successful Aircraft Maintenance Engineer 2026. 

Feel free to contact us for your queries regarding how to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer after 12th.

Apply now to start your aviation journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About AME After 12th

Q1. Can only students after 12th apply for an AME course in India?

No, the students with a diploma in engineering can also apply.

Q2. Who is eligible to become an AME in India?

10+2 students with PCM or a 3-year diploma in engineering.

Q3. Is the AMECET exam required to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in India?

AMECET exam is not required for the AME course in India.

Q4. Duration of the AME course in India?

2 years.

Q5. Is AME a degree or a license?

AME  is a license-based course regulated by DGCA.

Q6. Can a student without PCM apply for an AME course?

No, students without PCM can not apply for an AME course.

Q7. Is AME good for girls?

Yes, girls can apply for AME, and it's safe.

Q8. Total subjects in the AME course?

There are a total of 17 modules in this course.

Q9. Is AME a stable job?

Yes, this field has great job stability.

Q10. Who issued the AME license?

The AME licence is issued by DGCA.