GMR Aero Technic’s aviation course produces professionals airlines can deploy from day one: President

Ashok Gopinath, president of GMR Aero Technic, spoke with Careers360 and discussed the evolving aviation industry, skill development, and career opportunities. He also shares insights on GMR School of Aviation’s training approach, admissions, certifications, AME career prospects, industry demand, and the growing role of MROs in aviation.

Why should one join GMR School of Aviation?

GMR School of Aviation was established with a clear vision to address the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals in India and globally.

The aviation sector in India is witnessing rapid and sustained growth of around 20% and is expected to continue expanding over the next decade. With new airports being developed and major infrastructure advancements taking place, the industry requires a large pool of skilled human resources. However, there is currently a significant skill gap in the workforce. While there is no shortage of population, many graduates are not industry-ready. This creates a challenge for aviation companies that often need to invest additional time and resources to train new employees before they can contribute effectively.

Our school aims to bridge this gap by providing industry-focused, globally benchmarked training programmes. The institution is designed to produce employable professionals who are ready to meet real-world aviation demands from day one. We also offer internationally recognised training opportunities, including EASA-related programmes, enabling students to pursue careers not only in India but also in the global aviation market.

A strong emphasis is placed on practical training. Students are trained using modern aircraft systems and equipment similar to those used in real-industry environments. This hands-on approach helps build confidence, technical competence, and job readiness. Overall, the school is committed to becoming a center of excellence in aviation training.

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Do you have an entrance exam for students after Class 12? What’s the selection process?

Yes. The basic eligibility is similar to that of an engineering programme – students must have completed Class 12 with physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with a minimum of 50% marks as per regulatory requirements. We conduct our own entrance assessment that covers physics, chemistry, mathematics, and English. English proficiency is particularly important, as aviation training, technical documentation, and industry communication are conducted in English. Students must be able to read, understand, analyse, and interpret technical information effectively. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in this assessment.

Can you share the course structure and programme overview?

The programme is a certification course, similar to pilot training, and is regulated by aviation authorities rather than being a traditional degree programme. At present, we offer two certification pathways – Indian certification and European (EASA) certification, which provides international career opportunities. The first is the DGCA curriculum, which has a duration of four years and provides specialisation in B1.1-Aeroplane Turbine and B2-Avionics. The second is the EASA curriculum, which is of four or more years and offers a combined B1.1 and B2 certification.

The curriculum is structured over five years. The first two years focus on classroom learning, supported by practical sessions, workshops, and hands-on training using industry-standard tools and aircraft systems. The next two years are spent at our MRO facility through structured on-the-job training, giving students direct industry exposure.

This is where our model stands out. While many of the 47 approved aviation schools in India primarily provide theoretical training, students are often left to independently secure the practical experience required for licensing. At GMR School of Aviation, both the academic and industry training components are integrated into the program.

After completing the training and gaining the required experience, students can progress from technician-level roles to becoming Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). We also provide aircraft type-rating training on platforms such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, enabling graduates to qualify as certifying engineers.

A certifying engineer plays a critical role in aviation safety, as an aircraft can only be released for flight after receiving their approval. By combining theory, practical training, industry exposure, and type certification under one ecosystem, we offer a comprehensive pathway from Class 12 to a professional aviation engineering career.

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Do students receive a stipend during their training period?

Yes. After completing the initial two years of academic training, students move into the practical training phase at our MRO facility, which is located adjacent to the school. During this period, they receive hands-on industry exposure while also being paid a stipend. Since the school is integrated with our MRO operations, students benefit from a structured training pathway that combines classroom learning with real-world experience. Upon successfully completing the two years of on-the-job training, many students are offered employment opportunities within our MRO.

In the fifth year, students who have cleared the required examinations can undergo aircraft type-rating training. By the end of the programme, they can obtain their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence, subject to regulatory requirements.

This integrated model-two years of academics, two years of practical industry training, followed by type-rating and licensing support-provides a seamless pathway from education to employment. It is one of the key differentiators of our school and offers students a clear route to becoming licensed aviation professionals.

Many students prefer degree programs in aeronautical or aircraft maintenance engineering. Since you offer a certification program, how does it compare to a degree, and which is more valuable for students?

It is important for students to understand that our programme is a professional qualification, not a conventional degree course. We make this distinction clear during the counselling process. For anyone aspiring to build a career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME), this professional certification is essential. Even students who hold engineering degrees such as a BTech or MTech must undergo the required aviation training, obtain the necessary licence, and meet regulatory standards before they can work as certifying aircraft maintenance professionals.

The eligibility criteria are similar to engineering programs. The key difference lies in the training approach. While degree programs are often more academic and theory-oriented, our certification program places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and real-world industry exposure. Aircraft maintenance is a highly specialised profession that demands technical expertise, precision, and the ability to work in operational airport environments.

Ultimately, the choice depends on a student's career goals. A degree provides broader academic qualifications, whereas this certification offers a direct pathway to becoming a licensed aircraft maintenance professional and entering the aviation industry.

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When do applications open for admission to this course?

Admissions are typically conducted twice a year. The primary intake takes place at the beginning of the academic session, usually around July-August, while a second intake is offered in January. This provides students with multiple opportunities during the year to apply and begin their training.

What is the current job market situation for AMEs, and how is the industry addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals?

The job market for AMEs is highly promising, driven by the sustained growth of India's aviation sector. As airlines expand their fleets, airports increase capacity, and maintenance operations grow, the demand for skilled aviation professionals continues to rise.

Aircraft maintenance is a safety-critical field where precision and expertise are essential. There are no rooms for error, which is why the industry requires highly trained and competent professionals. However, the supply of industry-ready talent has not kept pace with the sector's growth, creating significant opportunities for qualified AMEs. To fill this gap, our training model focuses heavily on practical, industry-aligned learning. Students are trained on advanced aircraft systems and simulators that replicate real-world maintenance scenarios, including fault diagnosis and troubleshooting. Our curriculum, training standards, assessment methods, and learning outcomes are benchmarked against global best practices.

We are also supported by international knowledge partners who help ensure that our graduates are trained to meet globally recognized standards. This combination of industry exposure, practical training, and international alignment makes our students highly employable, both in India and overseas.

What kind of salary package can students expect after completing this certification?

Salary levels in the aviation maintenance sector depend on qualifications, experience, and licensing status. Once a student completes the required training, gains the necessary experience, and obtains an AME licence issued by the DGCA, they become eligible for licensed engineering roles. In our MRO and across the industry, licensed AMEs typically earn between Rs1.5 lakh and Rs1.75 lakh per month at the entry stage of their professional careers. As they gain experience, additional aircraft type ratings, and greater responsibilities, their earning potential can increase significantly.

The AME licence is a critical qualification in this profession, as it authorises engineers to certify that an aircraft is fit for flight, making it one of the most specialised and rewarding careers in the aviation industry.

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GMR has recently received deemed university status. Will your institution also award degrees or any unique feature you would like to highlight about this program?

As GMR's deemed university status is a recent development, we are currently evaluating how degree programs may be integrated into our aviation training framework in the future.

One of the key differentiators of our program is the integration of professional training with academic recognition. We have partnered MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, a central government institution, to offer students an additional academic pathway alongside their aviation training. Under this model, students complete two years of classroom learning followed by two years of structured on-the-job training. In addition, they undertake a supplementary ‘delta’ academic module as part of the university’s requirements.

Upon successful completion of both the training and academic components, students become eligible to receive a formal degree from Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, in addition to their professional aviation qualifications. This integrated approach ensures that students gain both industry-ready skills and recognized academic credentials, strengthening their career opportunities in the aviation sector.

What are MROs, training, certification and regulatory details for aspirants better understanding?

MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul. It refers to organisations or facilities that carry out the maintenance and servicing of aircraft to ensure they are safe and airworthy.

At our institution, training is designed to be competency-based. Along with academic learning, students must develop strong practical skills, which is why the two-year on-the-job training at our MRO facility is a critical part of the program. It provides real-world, hands-on experience essential for the profession.

Our campus includes academic and administrative blocks, classrooms, workshops, and a fully equipped hangar where aircraft maintenance activities are demonstrated and practiced. We also have an avionics lab and advanced system trainers, including Airbus-based simulation equipment, developed in collaboration with global knowledge partners. The training is aligned with major aviation regulatory frameworks such as DGCA and EASA.

In aviation maintenance, the two primary streams are Mechanical (B1) and Avionics (B2). Mechanical covers structures and aircraft systems, while avionics focuses on electrical systems, instrumentation, and communication.

Under DGCA regulations, students typically specialize in either B1 or B2. However, under EASA standards, students can pursue a combined B1+B2 pathway, offering a more comprehensive understanding of modern aircraft systems. We are among the few institutions in India offering this integrated training approach. This is particularly important because modern aircraft are highly integrated, with avionics embedded across nearly all systems. As a result, industry expectations increasingly favour engineers with broader cross-disciplinary knowledge.

In addition to core training, we also provide supplementary programs such as human factors, safety management systems, and refresher training, along with customized modules for OEM partners when required. We believe aviation training is evolving, and regulatory bodies are gradually moving toward more integrated standards. We are actively engaged in discussions with regulators to align training frameworks with global best practices, ensuring students are better prepared for modern aviation careers.