AME Course Fees 2026: Fee Structure in Govt and Private Colleges
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Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a 2 to 4-year DGCA-approved licensing program requiring 2,400 hours of training, where candidates can expect starting salaries between INR 5 LPA and INR 7 LPA upon completion. Prospective students evaluating aircraft engineer course fees must navigate varied fee structures across public and private institutes in India.
Understanding AME course fee variations, government and private college costs, eligibility criteria, licensing categories, top hiring airlines, and the step-by-step admission procedure enables aspirants to make well-informed academic decisions.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Type | Professional Licensing Program |
| AME Course Duration | 2 to 4 years (2,400 hours total training) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Class 12 PCM with minimum 50% marks or 3-year Engineering Diploma with 50% marks |
| Regulating Authority | Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Govt of India |
| Starting Salary Range | INR 5 LPA – INR 7 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go Air, Vistara, Air Asia |
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Colleges and Fee Overview
- Government Colleges: At least 1
- Maharashtra: 12 colleges
- Delhi NCR: 5 colleges
- Uttar Pradesh: 4 colleges
- Kerala: 4 colleges
- Madhya Pradesh: 4 colleges
- Haryana: 3 colleges
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pune Institute of Aviation Technology | Pune | Private | ₹6.20 lakh |
| Hindustan Aerospace & Engineering | Pune | Private | ₹6.25 lakh |
| The Bombay Flying Club | Mumbai | Private | ₹1.80 lakh |
| Indira Institute of Aircraft Engineering | Pune | Private | ₹3.40 lakh |
| Nehru Group of Institutions | Coimbatore | Private | ₹5.40 lakh |
| Alpine Institute of Management & Technology | Dehradun | Private | ₹1.90 lakh |
| HAL Pravara Aviation Institute | Nashik | Private | ₹5.10 lakh |
| Little Angel Institute of Professional Studies | Mhow | Private | ₹4.62 lakh |
| Wingssss College of Aviation Technology | Pune | Private | ₹3.60 lakh |
| City | Colleges | Fee range | Well-known options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pune | 7 | ₹2.80 lakh – ₹44.20 lakh | Pune Institute of Aviation Technology, Hindustan Aerospace & Engineering |
| Delhi | 5 | ₹3.41 lakh – ₹5.20 lakh | JRN Institute of Aviation Technology, School of Aeronautics |
| Gurgaon | 3 | ₹4.45 lakh – ₹7.65 lakh | ShaShib Aerospace Engineering, Indraprasth Institute of Aeronautics |
| Bangalore | 3 | ₹1.82 lakh – ₹6.00 lakh | Hindustan Aviation Academy, Academy of Aviation and Engineering |
| Lucknow | 2 | ₹3.81 lakh – ₹5.21 lakh | Falcon Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Azad Institute of Aeronautics and Engineering |
| Mumbai | 2 | ₹1.80 lakh – ₹1.80 lakh | The Bombay Flying Club, Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology |
| Ahmedabad | 2 | ₹4.20 lakh – ₹5.45 lakh | Western India Institute of Aeronautics, Silver Oak Group of Institutions |
| Bhopal | 2 | ₹5.30 lakh – ₹5.65 lakh | Sky College of Aeronautical Engineering, Institute of Aeronautics and Engineering |
At least 51 colleges offer Aircraft Maintenance Engineering across India, including 1 government institute. Admission to these programs is conducted on the basis of merit or entrance exams.
Breakdown of AME Course Streams and Licensing Categories
| Category | Role Title |
|---|---|
| Category-A | Maintenance Certifying Mechanic |
| Category-B | Maintenance Certifying Technician |
| Category-C | Base Maintenance Certifying Engineer |
Candidates must clear DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) module exams to obtain a valid AME license. The course duration ranges between 2 to 4 years, comprising 2,400 hours of classroom theory and practical training.
Eligibility Criteria and DGCA Medical Fitness Standards for AME Admissions
- Class 12 Qualifications: Candidates must pass Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with at least 50% marks.
- Diploma Qualification: Holders of a 3-year Engineering Diploma in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or related fields with 50% marks are also eligible for AME courses.
- Higher Education: Candidates with a BTech degree, particularly in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, can also pursue AME to acquire specialized licensing.
- DGCA Medical Standard: DGCA medical fitness standards mandate that candidates must have no color blindness or any physical disability.
Candidates meeting these academic requirements and medical fitness standards are eligible to pursue AME courses.
Return on Investment: AME Course Fees vs Starting Salary Breakdown
- Median Private College Fee: ₹4.62 lakh (middle half between ₹2.65 lakh and ₹5.80 lakh)
- Expected Starting Salary: INR 5 LPA – INR 7 LPA
- Top Aviation Recruiters: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go Air, Vistara, Air Asia
Evaluating return on investment involves comparing overall course expenditure against initial compensation packages. Freshly licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers can expect starting salaries between INR 5 LPA and INR 7 LPA across major airlines.
How to Apply for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Academic Eligibility: Verify minimum 50% marks in Class 12 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or a 50% aggregate score in a 3-year Engineering Diploma.
- Verify DGCA Medical Fitness Standard: Ensure compliance with DGCA medical fitness standards mandating no color blindness or physical disability.
- Appear for Entrance Exams (If Applicable): Take entrance exams, interviews, or practical tests conducted by target institutions.
- Attend Registration Counselling: Participate in college registration counselling sessions and application procedures.
- Submit Required Verification Documents: Submit necessary paperwork, including academic mark sheets, ID proof, and portfolio documents.
- Pay Course Fees to Confirm Admission: Confirm the allocated seat by paying the prescribed course fees upon selection.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
The AME admission process involves checking eligibility, clearing entrance exams if applicable, submitting required paperwork, and paying course fees. Final seat allotment generally takes up to a few months across merit and entrance shortlisting stages.
FAQs
What does AME course stand for and what does it cover?
AME stands for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. It is a specialized licensing course focused on the inspection, testing, repair, and overall airworthiness maintenance of aircraft and aviation components under DGCA regulations.
How to become an AME after 12th?
To become an AME after 12th, pass Class 12 PCM with 50% aggregate marks, clear DGCA medical fitness requirements, enroll in an approved AME institute, complete 2,400 hours of training, and clear DGCA licensing modules.
What is the duration of an AME course?
The AME course duration is generally 2 to 4 years, which includes classroom theoretical study and hands-on practical training totaling 2,400 training hours.
How much do aircraft engineers get paid in India?
Freshly licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in India receive starting salary packages typically ranging between INR 5 LPA and INR 7 LPA across major airlines.
Can BTech graduates pursue an AME course?
Yes, BTech graduates—especially from Mechanical, Aerospace, or Aeronautical backgrounds—can pursue an AME course to acquire specialized hands-on maintenance training and a DGCA license.
