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Written by Mumtaj Khan
Feb 01, 2026

Air Traffic Controller:Directing the Skies

Air Traffic Controller is the individual in charge of the movement of Air machines in the air whether it be Fighter, Commercial or Airbus aircraft or any other aircrafts. The world is becoming globalized, and more people are using the airways, which has led to an increment in the responsibilities of ATC. This is even deemed as an adventureous job since they may have an opportunity of flying one of the planes. Not just gives a buzz, but also this profession gives the chance to encounter challenges in day-to-day basis. He needs special training and skills in more than just one field such as air navigation, understanding of meteorological reports, work of complex electronic and mechanical controls, and commanding the aircraft in unfavorable conditions to release his duties efficiently and effectively.

Air Traffic Controller Eligibility

Educational Qualification : In order to be eligible to join as Air Traffic Controller in India, an individual must have an engineering Degree in Electronics /Telecommunication/radio engineering/electrical or Master Degree in Electronics or any other subject containing electronics, telecommunication, radio physics or computer science as specialization subjects or Master Degree in physics, maths or computer science.

Remark: CPL holders who have minimal computer knowledge are at times given preference.

Age Limits : The age limit used is 21 years, and the maximum age limit is 27 years.

Physical Standards : One, however, does not have to be of perfect health or perfect eyesight to become an ATC as many might believe. Nonetheless, overall physical fitness is obligatory. A person should not have a disease that will inhibit normal operation. You have to have a perfect vision on one eye. Using general medical terms, it is referred to as 6/6 eyesight. In the other eye there might be an imperfection of 6/9, and this has to be remedied to 6/6. The one or more condition specified above however is somewhat state/Country specific.

Air Traffic Controller Required Skills

  • The good memory, ability to think fast and ability to make quick decisions should be in the interests of Air Traffic Controllers who must be good at spatial orientation.
  • They also have multi-tasking skill, number comfortable, team-players, can work shifts and can be assertive and confident.
  • They must be resistant to stress and remain calm during bad times; they must be capable and desire to adjust and service oriented.
  • The Air Traffic Controllers must be of excellent hearing and sight, as well as, possessing good health as a whole.
  • The profession of an Air Traffic Controller is a tough one that requires heavy training and a great deal of added responsibility as concerns to the safety of hundreds of lives. This requires one to be very disciplined, patient, responsible, punctual, committed and self-confident.
  • The working conditions are very demanding and involve a lot of energy, focus of mind and flexibility to work in tough time schedules and also good team spirit. Though there are a few subordinate staff personnel, to share this responsibility, an ATC is amongst the most significant individuals on an aerodrome as he never has an opportunity to correct his error in discharging his responsibilities unlike other staff members who can afford a few mistakes.

 How to become an Air Traffic Controller?

To be an Air Traffic Controller, he or she must comply with the steps listed below:

Step 1 : In order to be an ATC, one must undergo the civil ATC examination administered by the Civil Aviation Authority on a regular basis according to their requirement. The question-test is written and consists of 4 papers i.e:

Concerned Engineering Branch paper:

  • General English
  • General Knowledge and
  • Numerical/Logical Ability

Step 2 : Once one has cleared this initial test then there are other subsequent tests that he/she has to pass-

  • Voice Test
  • Personal Interview
  • Medical Fitness as per ICA

Step 3 : On passing the test, which is administered in Step 2, the shortlisted candidates are put on a one-year intensive training programme at Civil Aviation Training College, Allahabad, UP. The chosen candidates have taught the training modules such as Air Traffic Services, Aerodromes and Ground Aids, Air Legislation, Meteorology, Communication Procedure, Technical, Search and Rescue and Air Navigation etc. in this one year training.

Step 4 : On successful completion of the training the candidates are hired as the Junior Executive (ATC) and two years later become the Assistant Manager (ATC).

Some of the Significant Institutes Providing ATC course:

  • Allahabad: Civil Aviation Training College.
  • Development Area Control Training Centre, Hyderabad. 

Air Traffic Controller Job Description

  • Air Traffic controller instructions on safe take-off, landing and route. They not only help in flights departing and landing at the Indian Airports, but also in planes passing through the India airspace.
  • The Air Traffic controllers plan the sequencing of air traffic in the airspace and on pre-programmed routes of arrival and departure to and out of the airports all over the world.
  • The ATCs also control any ground movements of aircrafts, the takeoffs and landings, the approach control monitors of the approaching and departing air traffic and the en route control by the visual observation of the ATC towers as well as radar.
  • They are also used to support Pilots in the air and the ground till the final parts of the plane journey. 

Air Traffic Controller Career Prospects

In the context of the scope of a successful ATC candidate, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the only employer of the civil ATCs, in India and training is provided only upon the recruitment. Therefore, in case of a successful clearing of the training it is ensured that the job is guaranteed.

  • Hierarchy of ATC
  • Junior Executive
  • Assistant Manager
  • Manager
  • Senior Manager
  • Assistant General Manager
  • Deputy General Manager
  • Joint General Manager
  • General Manager
  • Executive Director
  • Other than in India, Hindustan Aeronautical Limited and some small private airports have the few jobs. India Air Force also hires ATC Officers who are in charge of offering control and advisory services to Pilots of Indian Air Force.

Air Traffic Controller Salary

When people are training they get a stipend of Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000 every month. They also get to stay for free and have their meals taken care of at CATC, Allahabad, UP. After they finish their training and become an Air Traffic Controller, the Air Traffic Controller pay is around Rs.8600-250-14600, as a Junior Executive. The Junior Executive pay scale is what they get when they are working as an Air Traffic Controller.They also get attractive remuneration and incentives including contributory provident fund, gratuity, medical facilities and free/concessional air passage etc. They are also provided with a range of benefits and allowances in addition to housing facilities, medical expenses and outstation allowances, as well as free/concessional air passages for their immediate family members and dependants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates with strong concentration, quick decision-making ability, and interest in aviation safety can become Air Traffic Controllers.
A bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or aviation-related fields is usually required, depending on the recruiting authority.
Recruitment is done through written exams, aptitude tests, interviews, and medical examinations conducted by aviation authorities.
Situational awareness, multitasking, communication skills, stress management, and analytical thinking.
Monitoring aircraft movement, maintaining safe distances, providing flight instructions, and managing air traffic flow.