Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) — Step-by-Step Roadmap
Your journey, phase by phase
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Phase 1 · School years Class 12 PCM Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are the standard entry requirement.
- CAR-147 basic training courses ask for Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (or a relevant engineering diploma/degree).
- Commerce alone is not enough — training organisations and airlines ask for PCM.
- AME is a licence, not a degree; some institutes pair training with a degree, but the licence comes from DGCA exams and experience.
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Phase 2 · After Class 12 DGCA-approved CAR-147 training Join only an organisation on DGCA's approved CAR-147 list.
- Many institutes advertise "AME courses" — only DGCA-approved CAR-147 organisations count.
- Check the approval on dgca.gov.in before paying any fee.
- Choose your category early: B1 covers mechanical systems, structures and engines; B2 covers avionics and electrical systems.
- Tip: Look up the institute on DGCA's list of approved CAR-147 training organisations before you pay.
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Phase 3 · During and after training CAR-66 module exams DGCA subject modules for your category, booked on eGCA.
- Modules cover maths, physics, electrical, aerodynamics, systems, regulations and more, as set by DGCA.
- Exams are applied for and results tracked on the eGCA / Pariksha portals.
- The modules you take depend on whether you go for B1 or B2.
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Phase 4 · Before the licence Practical experience Hands-on maintenance at an airline or approved maintenance organisation (MRO).
- DGCA requires practical maintenance experience for your category before you apply for the licence.
- Experience is gained at an airline or an approved MRO.
- Pay before the licence is modest — the licence is the big step.
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Phase 5 · 18+ onward AME licence, type ratings and growth Apply to DGCA once modules and experience are complete; then add aircraft types.
- You must be at least 18 to be issued an AME licence.
- A type rating (training on a specific aircraft) lets you certify that type; experience on wide-body or popular types is valued in India and abroad.
- Growth path: trainee → licensed AME → certifying engineer → shift/quality manager; work abroad may need licence conversion.
- Employers
- Airlines, MROs, helicopter & charter operators
- Licence age
- 18+
Verify on the official source
Exam dates, fees, paper patterns and eligibility rules are revised by the regulator from time to time. Treat this roadmap as your map, and confirm the current rules on the official site before you register or pay any fee.