Who Is Eligible for the AAI ATC Exam? Complete Eligibility Explained (PSU Job, Not Government)

Who Is Eligible for the AAI ATC Exam?

Whenever students hear about AAI ATC, the next question is almost immediate:

“Am I eligible for the ATC exam?”
“Can a science student apply?”
“Is ATC a government job or a PSU job?”

Before starting preparation, eligibility clarity is more important than books.
This blog explains who can apply for AAI ATC, who cannot, and why ATC eligibility is designed the way it is.

This content is prepared by Career Wave, where students are guided with career clarity first, preparation later.

1)    ⚠️ Important Clarification (Must Read First)

AAI ATC is NOT a Government Job

✔ AAI ATC is a PSU job
✔ Conducted by Airports Authority of India (AAI)
✔ AAI is a PSU under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)

❌ AAI ATC is not a government department job like SSC, UPSC, or State Services.

However:

·       Salary

·        Job security

·        Respect

·        Facilities

2)    ✈️ What Is the ATC Post in AAI?

The official post name is:

👉 Junior Executive – Air Traffic Control

An ATC officer is responsible for:

·        Safe take-off and landing of aircraft

·        Managing airspace and flight movement

·        Communicating with pilots

·        Ensuring passenger safety

Because aviation safety allows zero error, eligibility rules are strict and specific.

3)    🎓 Who Is Eligible for the AAI ATC Exam? (Complete Breakdown)

✅ Educational Qualification (Most Important)

You are eligible for AAI ATC if you have ANY ONE of the following:

Option 1: Science Graduate

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Science

·        Physics and Mathematics must be studied
o   At 12th standard level

Option 2: Engineering Graduate

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

·        Any engineering branch is allowed
o   Civil
o   Mechanical
o   Electrical
o   Electronics
o   Computer Science
o   IT
o   Biotechnology, etc.

👉 Engineering branch does NOT matter for ATC.

4)    ❌ Who Is NOT Eligible?

You are NOT eligible if:

·        You did not study Physics and Mathematics in Class 12

·        You have only Arts or Commerce background

·        You are a diploma holder without a degree

·        You have a degree but no Physics/Maths at 12th level

👉 ATC eligibility is academic + safety-driven, not flexible.

click here for more information

5)    🎂 Age Limit Criteria

·        Maximum Age (UR): 27 years

·        Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms:

o   OBC

o   SC/ST

o   PwBD

Age is calculated as per the notification cut-off date.

6)    🩺 Medical Eligibility (Very Important for ATC)

Even if you clear the written exam, you must qualify ATC medical standards, which include:

·        Good vision (with permitted correction)

·        Normal hearing

·        No major physical or mental health issues

·        Overall fitness as per aviation norms

👉 Medical fitness is non-negotiable in ATC.

7)    📌 Why Is ATC Eligibility So Strict?

Because:

·        ATC officers handle real-time aircraft safety

·        One mistake can risk hundreds of lives

·        International aviation standards (ICAO) apply

So, eligibility ensures:

Only those with the right academic base and mindset enter this profession.

🤔 Common Eligibility Confusions (Cleared)

❓ Can a Mechanical / Civil Engineer apply for ATC?

✅ Yes. Any engineering branch is allowed.

❓ Can a final-year student apply?

✅ Yes, if degree is completed before document verification.

❓ Is Maths at graduation level required?

❌ No. Maths at 12th level is sufficient.

❓ Is ATC eligibility same as Common Cadre?

❌ No. Common Cadre needs branch-specific engineering.
ATC does not.

8)    🎯 Career Wave’s Honest Guidance on Eligibility

At Career Wave, students are told clearly:

“If you are eligible on paper but not mentally ready for responsibility, ATC is not for you.”

Eligibility is not just about degree.
It is about:

·        Pressure handling

·        Discipline

·        Responsibility mindset

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is AAI ATC a government job?

No. It is a PSU job, not a government department job.

Q2. Can science students apply for ATC?

Yes, if they studied Physics and Mathematics.

Q3. Can engineering students from any branch apply?

Yes. All branches are eligible.

Q4. Is medical fitness compulsory?

Yes. ATC medical standards are mandatory.

Q5. Should beginners start preparing if eligible?

Yes, but only with the right guidance and clarity.

9)    🔑 Final Takeaway for Aspirants

If you:

·        Have Physics & Maths background

·        Can handle pressure

·        Want a premium aviation career

👉 You are eligible—and AAI ATC can be a great career choice.

And if you are confused about eligibility or suitability,
Career Wave is there to guide you honestly.