An air traffic controller is a person in charge of managing the flow of air machines in the sky, whether they are fighters, commercial planes, Airbus planes, or other planes. With the globalization of the world and the increased use of airways, the responsibility of ATCs has grown significantly. This job is considered adventurous because they may have the opportunity to fly one of the planes themselves.
This profession not only provides a thrill, but it also allows you to face challenges on a daily basis. To perform his duties efficiently and effectively, he must have special training and knowledge in several areas, including air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operation of sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls, and piloting the aircraft in adverse conditions.
On this page, let us learn everything about how to become an air traffic controller in India, eligibility, salary, and many other things. Read further to find more.
Eligibility for becoming Air Traffic Controller in India
In order to become an air traffic controller in India, one will have to qualify through the following parameters:
Air Traffic Controller Education Qualification
To become an Air Traffic Controller in India, one must have an Engineering Degree in Electronics / Telecommunication / Radio Engineering / Electrical or a Master’s Degree in Electronics or any discipline with electronics, telecom, radio physics, as specialization subjects, or a Master’s with physics, math, or computer science with First Class Distinction (60 percent or above).
Air Traffic Controller Age Limit
The lower age limit is 21 years old, and the upper age limit is 27 years old.
Physical Fitness
Contrary to popular belief, becoming an ATC does not necessitate perfect health or perfect vision. General physical fitness, on the other hand, is required. Any disease that could impair normal function must be avoided. One of your eyes must have perfect vision. It is referred to as 6/6 eyesight in general medical terminology. On the other eye, you could have a 6/9 imperfection that must be corrected to 6/6. However, the above-mentioned one or more conditions may vary to some extent depending on state/country.
Do Refer:
- How to become an Air Force Pilot in India
- How to become a Commercial Pilot in India
- Air Hostess Courses
Skills to become Air traffic Controller in India
- Air Traffic Controllers must be interested in the aviation industry, have good spatial orientation, have a good memory, be able to think quickly and make quick decisions.
- They are also capable of multitasking, are comfortable with numbers, enjoy working in a team, can work shifts, and are assertive and confident.
- They must be stress-resistant and able to remain calm under pressure, as well as adaptable and service-oriented.
- Air Traffic Controllers should have good eyesight and hearing, as well as overall good health.
- The job of an Air Traffic Controller necessitates extensive training as well as a great deal of responsibility for the safety of hundreds of people’s lives. This requires a high level of discipline, patience, responsibility, punctuality, commitment, and self-assurance.
- The job necessarily requires a lot of hard work, stamina, mental alertness, adaptability to difficult time schedules, and a good team spirit. Although there are a number of subordinate staff personnel to share this responsibility, an ATC is one of the most important people on an aerodrome because he never gets a chance to correct his mistakes if they are made while carrying out his duties, whereas others can get away with a few.
How to become Air Traffic Controller in India?
To become an Air Traffic Controller, follow the steps outlined below:
Step-1: To become an ATC, one must apply for the civil ATC test administered by the Civil Aviation Authority on a regular basis based on their needs. The written exam consists of four papers, namely,
- Paper of concerned Engineering Branch
- General English
- General Knowledge
- Numerical/Logical Ability
Step-2:After passing the above preliminary test, the candidate must go through the following tests,
- Voice Test
- Personal Interview
- ICA Medical Fitness
Step-3: After passing the Step 2 test, the selected candidates are sent to the Civil Aviation Training College in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, for a one-year training programme. The selected candidates have imparted training on modules such as
- Air Traffic Services
- Aerodromes and Ground Aids
- Air Legislation
- Meteorology
- Communication Procedure
- Technical
- Search, Rescue, and Air Navigation
Step-4: After successfully completing the training, candidates are hired as Junior Executives (ATCs) and promoted to Assistant Managers after two years (ATC).
Learn whether a particular course gives you better job opportunities or not by referring to the Course Details page of ours.
Types of Job Roles in Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controller job profiles are limited to the aviation sector, it is a constrained career option. Some of the most common air traffic controller job profiles are as follows,
- Air Traffic Controller:
They are in charge of monitoring and directing the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air using radar, computers, and visual references. They are also in charge of all ground traffic at airports. - Approach and Departure Controller:
Their job is to grant clearance to enter controlled airspace and to hand off control of the aircraft to en route controllers. They use radar equipment to monitor flight paths and provide information to pilots about weather and other critical notices. - Tower Controller:
They direct vehicle movement on the runway and taxiways, check flight plans and provide clearance to pilots during takeoff and landing. - En Route Controller:
Their job is to keep an eye on the plane once it leaves the airport. They work at air route traffic control hubs located throughout the country, rather than at airports.
Employment Opportunities for Air Traffic Controllers
Below are some of the popular employment opportunities for Air Traffic Controllers,
- Aviation Industry
- Air Force Industry
- Armed Forces
- Domestic Airports
- International Airports
Top Recruiting Companies for Air Traffic Controllers
Below are some of the top recruiting companies for Air Traffic Controllers,
- Bengaluru International Airport
- Octamec Group
- Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited
- Chatrapathi Shivaji International Airport
- Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Air Works
Career as an Air Traffic Controller
In terms of the scope of a successful ATC candidate, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the sole employer of civil ATCs in India, and training is only provided after hiring. So, if a person successfully completes the training, he or she is guaranteed a job.
Below is the Hierarchy of Air Traffic Controller,
- Junior Executive
- Assistant Manager
- Manager
- Senior Manager
- Assistant General Manager
- Deputy General Manager
- Joint General Manager
- General Manager
- Executive Director
However, apart from India, there are some opportunities with companies such as Hindustan Aeronautical Limited and small private airports. The Indian Air Force also recruits ATC Officers, who are responsible for providing control and advisory services to the Indian Air Force’s pilots.
Salary for Air Traffic Controllers in India
An air traffic controller’s salary rises over time as they complete successive levels of training and experience in the field. The salary of an air traffic controller is determined by a number of factors, including on-the-job training and location. The following salary ranges are provided for air traffic controllers and other related job roles,
| Profile | Joining Salary per annum (in INR) |
Experienced Salary – Mid-Level per annum (in INR) |
Experienced Salary -Senior-Level per annum (in INR) |
| Air Traffic Controller | 400000 – 600000 | 600000 – 900000 | 900000 – Above |
| Approach and Departure Controller | 300000 – 450000 | 500000 – 700000 | 700000 – Above |
| En Route Controller | 300000 – 400000 | 400000 – 600000 | NA |
Please keep in mind that the figures above are estimates and may differ from person to person and company to company.
Advantages of becoming Air Traffic Controller
Below are some of the advantages of becoming Air traffic Controller,
- A career as an air traffic controller is extremely rewarding, and a certified controller receives numerous benefits.
- It provides a lot of job satisfaction because it puts you in situations where you have to use your problem-solving skills.
- The job of an air traffic controller provides you with an interesting working environment that not many professions provide, and it is very enjoyable.
FAQs on How to become an Air Traffic Controller in India
1.What are the works constituted for an Air Traffic Controller?
Air Traffic Controllers coordinate aircraft movements in order to maintain safe distances between them. Their job entails managing the movement of planes into and out of the airport’s airspace, directing pilots during takeoff and landing, and keeping an eye on planes flying through the sky for surveillance.
2. What knowledge should an Air Traffic Controller surely have before they start to work?
In order to perform the assigned duties efficiently and effectively, the Air Traffic Controller must have special training and knowledge in several areas, including air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operation of sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls, and piloting the aircraft in adverse conditions.
3. Which entrance exam is conducted for Air Traffic Controller jobs in India?
In order to work as an air traffic controller in India, you must take the Civil ATC Test, which is administered by the Civil Aviation Authority.
4. What is the average initial salary for Air Traffic Controller?
The average initial salary for Air Traffic Controller ranges between INR 4-6 lacs (approx.).
5. What are the best places for these professionals to look for work?
They may find lucrative employment opportunities in organizations such as Aviation Industry, Air Force Industry, Armed Forces, Domestic Airports, International Airports, and so on.
6. What are the main skills required for Air Traffic Controller jobs?
The most specific skills required for Air Traffic Controller jobs in India include Spatial Orientation, Interest in Aviation Industry, Excellent Eyesight and Hearing Capacity, Multi-tasking, and so on.