AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER?
All About Air Traffic Controllers
| Industry | Aviation Industry |
| Eligibility | UG or PG Degree in the relevant field |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4-6 lacs (approx.) |
| Employment Opportunity | Air Force, Aviation Industry, Domestic Airports, International Airports and Armed Forces |
Steps to Become an Air Traffic Controller
The various steps to be followed for becoming an Air Traffic Controller in India have been listed below for further reference:
- Step 1: Decision Making: The students shall decide well in time if they wish to take up their career in the field of Aviation. This job requires full attention and works in even-odd shifts, candidates must decide whether or not they are prepared for such a difficult and challenging job.
- Step 2: Subject Choices: According to the ATC eligibility criteria, the applicant must have an academic background in the field of Engineering. This could include a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering, among other things.
- Step 3: Entrance Exam: To become an Air Traffic Controller in India, candidates must take the Civil ATC Test, which is administered by the Civil Aviation Authority. The exam consists of four papers: Concerned Engineering Branch, etc.
- Step 4: After Qualifying Exam: Those candidates who manage to pass both the tiers of the examination are then sent for a year-long training at the Allahabad Civil Aviation Training College, Uttar Pradesh This training provides them with the necessary training in areas such as air legislation, air traffic services, meteorology, rescue, among other things.
Types of Air Traffic Controllers
As 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:
- Tower Controller: They guide vehicle movement on the runway and taxiways, review flight plans, and give clearance to pilots during takeoff and landing.
- Approach and Departure Controller: Their duty is to grant clearance to access controlled airspace and hand over aircraft control to en route controllers. They track flight paths with radar equipment and provide weather and other important warnings to pilots.
- EnRoute Controller: Their duty is to keep an eye on the plane as it leaves the airport’s confines. They operate at air route traffic control centres around the country; they are not normally found at airports.
Aviation Courses
To become an Air Traffic Controller in India, candidates need to have certain degrees in the field of aviation or related field. However, UG and PG degrees are given preference. Some of the courses are mentioned below.
Diploma Course in Aviation
Diploma in Aviation is designed for the candidates who are interested in the management and operations in the Aviation industry and related fields. It equips students with the skills like IT, team working, problem-solving, etc
Admission Process: The direct admission process is used for the bulk of admissions. This course’s implementation process is illustrated below
- The entire admissions process is done online.
- Students must have completed their 10+2 or 12th final year examinations in any stream from a recognised board.
- Some colleges only hold personal interview rounds based on a student’s performance in the 10+2 or 12th final year test.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet the following conditions to be eligible for admission to the Diploma in Aviation:
- An applicant must have graduated from a recognised board with 10+2 or equivalent.
- In class 10+2, candidates must achieve a minimum of 50% overall.
BSc Aviation
BSc Aviation is a 3 year UG course that mainly deals with flying airplanes, helicopters, etc. Some of the subjects studied during the course are Air Navigation, Air Regulation,Meteorology and Aircraft & Engines.
Admission Process: The admission process for admissions to B.Sc Aviation Courses are usually merit-based. This course’s admission process is illustrated below –
- Students must complete and submit the application form before the deadline. In certain cases, you may be required to submit additional documentation in addition to the application form.
- Since only a few colleges and universities perform interviews, the second phase is optional. If the college to which you are applying has this round, you should prepare thoroughly for it.
- The students will be shortlisted based on their academic achievements as well as their interview results.
- The list of shortlisted candidates will be published on the college/official university’s website.
BBA Aviation
BBA Aviation is a 3 year UG course that equips the students with a strong managerial background especially in the field of aviation and related industry. They learn airport planning, passenger forecasting, airport security, fire safety, etc. throughout the course.
Admission Process: The admission process for admissions to B.Sc Aviation Courses are usually merit-based. This course’s admission process is illustrated below.
- Fill out the application form if you meet the criteria. Any documentation and application fees may be requested by the institute.
- A merit list will be released by the college. You will be invited to the community discussion and interview if your name appears on the list.
- If there are any entrance exams, apply and be prepared to take them.
- If you are chosen, you will receive an offer letter from the institute. Accept the letter within the timeframe specified to reserve your seat. You would then be able to enrol.
Eligibility Criteria: To be considered for admission to the BBA Aviation programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must have completed a recognised board’s 10+2 test or equivalent.
- They should have earned at least a 50 percent aggregate in 10+2 (45 per cent in the reserved category).
MBA Aviation Management
MBA Aviation Management is a 2 year PG course that equips professionals with the skills of being a manager in the aviation industry. It studies Aviation Business, fundamentals of General Management and additional specialization in International Business, etc.
Admission Process: Admission in MBA Aviation Management is done either through an entrance exam or merit basis. Direct admission can also take place which is based on a merit basis or management quota basis.
- Candidates need to apply for the national level entrance exams for MBA like CAT, MAT, etc.
- They will have to appear for the exam and wait for their result.
- Post announcement of result, students need to qualify the merit list to be eligible for admission into MBA Aviation Management.
Entrance Exam
| Entrance Exams | Exam Date | Exam Mode |
|---|---|---|
| CAT | November 27, 2022 | Online |
| MAT | September 17, 2022 (IBT) September 4, 2022 (PBT) September 18, 2022 (CBT) | Online |
| CMAT | April 9, 2022 (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM) | Online |
| SNAP | December 2022 | Online |
Benefits of Career as an Air Traffic Controller
The job of an Air Traffic Controller surely has certain benefits which fascinate the applicants while applying for the post. These benefits have been mentioned below for reference.
- Salary: At the initial stage, the candidates who are selected as Air Traffic Controllers are given approximately INR 4-6 lacs per annum. This further increases with an increase in work experience and expertise.
- Job Security: The job of Air Traffic Controller is in the aviation department of the country i.e., The Airport Authority of India which is a government organisation. Being a government organisation, candidates can rest assured of their job security as long as they do their work with full sincerity and focus.
- Positive Impact: A career in the Aviation Department is surely full of positivity as you meet different people every day and the job of an ATC is full of interactions and even travelling at times. The job of an air traffic controller provides you with an interesting working environment that not many professions provide, and it is very enjoyable.
Skills Required to become an Air Traffic Controller in India
The various skills required for the post of Air Traffic Controller in India have been mentioned below:
| Spatial Orientation | Interest in Aviation Industry |
| Multi-tasking | Ability to work in shifts |
| Excellent Eyesight and Hearing Capacity | Service-Oriented |
Salary of Air Traffic Controller in India
An air traffic controller’s salary rises over time as they complete successive levels of training and experience in the field. The following salary ranges are provided for air traffic controllers and other related job roles:
Average Annual Salary
| Air Traffic Controller | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Government Organisation | INR 7-9 lacs (approx.) |
| Private Organisation | INR 7-10 lacs (approx.) |
Specialisation Wise
| Job Profile | Average Initial Salary |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | INR 4-6 lacs (approx.) |
| EnRoute Controller | INR 3-4 lacs (approx.) |
| Approach and Departure Controller | INR 3-4.5 lacs (approx.) |
Experience Wise
| Job Profile | Salary of a Fresher |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | INR 4-6 lacs (approx.) |
| EnRoute Controller | INR 3-4 lacs (approx.) |
| Approach and Departure Controller | INR 3-4.5 lacs (approx.) |
