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17 May

Why Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is the Smartest Career Choice After 12th PCM

For students who have completed their 12th grade with PCM, choosing the right path can be a daunting task. If you're someone who dreams of working with aircraft and being a key player in aviation safety and operations, then this blog is for you.

As the aviation industry in India continues to expand rapidly, career opportunities in this high-tech, high-responsibility sector are more promising than ever before. For students who have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), choosing the right path can be a daunting task. If you're someone who dreams of working with aircraft and being a key player in aviation safety and operations, then opting for an AME course after 12th PCM could be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life.

In this blog, we’ll explore why choose AME course after 12th, the eligibility criteria, scope, and why it ranks among the best career after 12th PCM in aviation.

 

What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)?

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a specialised branch of engineering that focuses on the maintenance, repair, inspection, and troubleshooting of aircraft to ensure their airworthiness and safety. AMEs are licensed professionals responsible for signing off an aircraft before takeoff. Without an AME’s approval, no aircraft is allowed to fly.

Unlike traditional engineering fields, AME is governed and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory authority in India. A DGCA approved AME course in India equips students with both academic knowledge and practical training to maintain civil aircraft to the highest safety standards.

 

Why Choose AME Course After 12th?

There are numerous compelling reasons to choose the AME course as a career option:

1. High Demand in the Aviation Sector

With the Indian aviation industry expected to become the third-largest in the world, the demand for skilled Aircraft Maintenance Engineers is on a steady rise. India is seeing the induction of new aircraft, growing regional air connectivity, and a surge in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

2. High Salary Potential

AME is among the high salary courses after 12th, offering a financially rewarding career. Licensed AMEs often earn competitive packages starting from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, depending on their skills, license type, and employer. With experience, this can rise significantly, especially with international placements.

3. Respected and Responsible Role

As an AME, you bear a critical responsibility, which is the safety of an aircraft and its passengers. This makes the role not only technically challenging but also highly respected in the aviation ecosystem.

4. Practical & Skill-Based Learning

Unlike purely theoretical engineering streams, AME courses involve significant hands-on training on aircraft, engines, avionics, and systems. You’re not just studying engineering; you're doing it in real-world aviation environments.

 

Eligibility for AME Course

Understanding the eligibility for AME course is essential before applying. Here's what you need:

  • Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
  • Minimum aggregate of 45-50 in PCM (varies by institute)
  • Medical fitness as per DGCA standards
  • Age between 16 to 28 years at the time of admission

Some institutes may conduct entrance tests or interviews as part of the selection process.

 

AME Course After 12th PCM: Program Details

A DGCA approved AME course in India typically spans two parts:

  1. Academic Training (2 Years): Classroom instruction and lab training covering aircraft systems, aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion systems, and aviation regulations.
  2. Practical Training (1-2 Years): On-the-job training at approved Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organisations or airlines under DGCA guidelines.

After successful training and passing DGCA’s licensing exams (CAR 66), students become eligible for an AME license.

 

Aviation Courses for 12th Science Students; Why AME Stands Out

For students with a science background, there are several aviation courses for 12th science students, pilot training, aeronautical engineering, cabin crew training, etc. However, AME offers a unique combination of:

  • Strong career stability and demand
  • Technical challenges and responsibilities
  • Global job opportunities
  • Licensing that adds professional value

Unlike pilot training, which involves recurring costs and medical clearances, or aeronautical engineering, which may require additional qualifications, AME is a direct, skill-based path to a high-impact aviation career.

 

Top AME Colleges in India: Why Sha-Shib Aviation Academy Stands Out

When selecting from the top AME colleges in India, it’s essential to choose a reputed institute that not only offers quality education but also aligns with DGCA standards. Sha-Shib Aviation Academy is widely recognised as the best college for AME course due to:

  • DGCA Approval: Fully compliant with CAR-147(Basic) standards.
  • Modern Infrastructure: On-campus aircraft, advanced labs, simulation tools, and workshop facilities.
  • Experienced Faculty: DGCA-certified trainers with years of field experience.
  • Practical Exposure: Regular practical sessions at partnered MROs and airlines.
  • Placement Support: Sha-Shib Group’s pan-India presence and industry linkages ensure strong placement assistance.

If you're searching for a top-tier AME Institute in India, Sha-Shib Aviation Academy offers unmatched training, industry exposure, and career guidance.

 

Career Opportunities After AME

Once licensed, AMEs can find employment in various sectors:

  • Airlines (Domestic & International): Indigo, Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, etc.

  • Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Organisations
  • Aircraft Manufacturing Companies (e.g., Boeing, Airbus)
  • Charter & Cargo Airlines
  • Aviation Training Academies
  • Civil and Military Aviation Services

The role of AMEs is not just confined to India. AMEs with DGCA licenses and experience can apply for EASA (Europe), FAA (USA), and other global certifications to work abroad.

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions in a student’s life, especially after 12th PCM. With the aviation industry set to soar in the coming decades, pursuing an AME course after 12th PCM could be your launchpad to a high-paying, globally recognised, and highly respected career.

As one of the top AME colleges in India, Sha-Shib Aviation Academy empowers students with not just the skills and knowledge but also the confidence to succeed in one of the most demanding industries. With strong industry partnerships, excellent placement support, and a student-first approach, we make sure you graduate job-ready and future-focused.

If you’re serious about making your mark in aviation, there’s never been a better time, or a better place, to start than with an AME course at Sha-Shib Aviation Academy.

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