Career as an Air Traffic Controller

What Air Traffic Controllers Do : Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that planes stay safe distances apart.

Work Environment : The basic educational qualifications (degrees) needed to apply for the civil ATC entrance exam : 

• Engineering Degree in Electronics 
• Tele Communication 
• Radio Engg. 
• Electrical with specialization in Electronics with Ist class (60%)

OR

• M.Sc Degree or its equivalent with Wireless Communication, Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engg. as a special Subject

OR

• Equivalent with 1st Class

The age limit required to apply for the civil ATC entrance exams : Lower age limit is 21 years, while the upper age limit is 27 years

The selection criteria :The selection shall be made on the basis of a

• Written test
  • 50% questions on subjects relating to educational qualifications prescribed
  • 50% on General Knowledge, General Intelligence, General Aptitude, English etc.
• Voice test
• Personal Interview
• Medical fitness as per ICAO Annex-1

Standard reservation policy applies for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen. Physically Handicapped candidates please excuse 

The duration of this training and the various modules studied and practicals undergone during the training : 

• Air Traffic Services
• Aerodromes and Ground Aids
• Air Legislation
• Meteorology
• Communication Procedures
• Technical
• Search and Rescue
• Air Navigation

Job Prospects: Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the sole employer of the civil ATCs, in India (Some small players do exist e.g. HAL and small private airports who also recruit ATCs mainly from the AAI employees)

Remuneration: The training is imparted only after recruitment. So if one clears the training successfully he/she is guaranteed of the job

During training, trainees are paid a stipend of INR 7500 pm with free lodging and boarding at CATC, Allahabad, UP

The pay scale for Junior Executive (ATC) is INR 16400-40500. Additionally, a JE (ATC) is entitled to various allowances depending on the ATC skills one acquires (Rating Allowances) and the city in which they are posted.

The various ranks that an ATC officer can climb through : 

• Junior Executive
• Assistant Manager
• Manager
• Senior Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Deputy General Manager
• Joint General Manager
• General Manager
• Executive Director (ATM)
• Member (ATM) in AAI Board