How to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in India – Complete Guide 2026

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious, technically demanding, and rewarding careers in India's rapidly growing civil aviation sector. Every commercial aircraft that carries passengers must be certified as airworthy before each flight — and that certification rests on the shoulders of a licensed AME.

If you are a student with a passion for aircraft, engineering, and aviation safety, becoming a DGCA-licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer could be your ideal career path. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through every step of the journey — from eligibility and entrance examinations to training, licensing, and eventual placement with major airlines.

What Does an AME Do?

An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer is a licensed professional authorised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, to inspect, certify, maintain, and sign off on the airworthiness of aircraft. In simple terms, no aircraft can fly without an AME's approval after maintenance or inspection work.

The role involves inspecting aircraft structures, engines, avionics systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and fuel systems, identifying defects, carrying out or supervising repairs, and ultimately certifying that the aircraft is safe to fly. AMEs are literally the guardians of aviation safety.

Eligibility to Become an AME in India

• Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognised board
• Minimum aggregate of 50% marks in 10+2 (45% for reserved categories)
• Alternatively, a 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Avionics engineering
• Age between 16 and 28 years at the time of admission to an approved AME institute
• Medically fit as per DGCA standards (including vision, hearing, and physical fitness)

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming an AME

Step 1: Appear for Aviation JEE 2026

The first step is to register and appear for the Aviation JEE (Aviation Joint Entrance Examination) 2026. This national-level entrance exam assesses your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Your All India Rank (AIR) in Aviation JEE determines your merit-based admission to top DGCA-approved AME institutes and your scholarship percentage.

Step 2: Get Admitted to a DGCA-Approved AME Institute

Based on your Aviation JEE AIR, you will be allotted a seat at one of the 50+ DGCA-approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineering institutes associated with Aviation JEE across India. These institutes have been vetted for infrastructure, faculty quality, aircraft fleet for training, and DGCA compliance.

Step 3: Complete the 3-Year AME Training Program

The AME training program is a rigorous 3-year course divided into theoretical groundwork and hands-on practical training:

• Year 1–1.5: Theoretical training in Aviation Legislation, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Engines, Avionics, Electrical Systems, Human Factors in Aviation, and more
• Year 1.5–3: Practical on-the-job training (OJT) at DGCA-approved airlines, MRO facilities, or hangars on actual commercial aircraft like Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and ATR series

Step 4: Clear DGCA Module Examinations

To obtain the AME license, candidates must clear the DGCA Module Examinations — a series of written tests covering all aspects of the AME curriculum. DGCA conducts these exams twice a year (April and October). The number of modules depends on the aircraft category (Cat A, Cat B1.1, Cat B1.2, or Cat B2) chosen by the candidate.

Step 5: Build Certifying Experience

After clearing all DGCA modules, candidates are required to log a minimum number of certifying experience hours on approved aircraft types at a licensed AME organisation. This can typically be completed during OJT at airline maintenance bases or MRO facilities.

Step 6: Apply for DGCA AME License

Once training is complete, all DGCA modules are cleared, and certifying experience is logged, the candidate applies for the DGCA AME License. Upon successful verification by DGCA, the license is issued — making the candidate a fully certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.

Career Opportunities After AME License

• Licensed AME at IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, GoAir
• AME at MRO companies: Air India Engineering, GMR Aero Technic, Indamer, Bird Aerospace
• Quality Control Inspector at DGCA-approved organisations
• Technical roles at Defence aviation: IAF, Indian Navy, Indian Army Aviation Corps
• International roles with EASA Part-66 qualification at global airlines
• Starting salary: ₹4–7 LPA; Experienced AMEs can earn ₹15–30 LPA

Why Aviation JEE is the Best Route to AME Admission

Aviation JEE provides a transparent, merit-based, single-window admission system that connects students directly with India's top DGCA-approved AME institutes. By securing a high AIR in Aviation JEE, students can earn up to 100% scholarship on tuition fees — making this prestigious career path financially accessible to deserving candidates from all backgrounds.