AME full form is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, a specialized license course spanning 2-3 years in duration, which focuses on the repair, maintenance, and safety of the aircraft. The course is usually opted for by those wanting to seek job opportunities in the aviation industry.
Students eligible to pursue an AME course must have completed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or possess a three-year engineering diploma or a B.Sc. degree in relevant science fields. The student must be 17 years of age and must appear for entrance exams like AME CET and AME CEE. For an AME course, the students also need to appear for a personal interview and a medical examination round.
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is offered by various institutes in the country, like the School of Aeronautics, Indian Institute of Aeronautics Group, Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering, Hindustan Aviation Academy, Falcon Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, HAE Pune, and the Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology, where the total course fee ranges from INR 2,62,000 – 10,00,000.
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is associated with various top and repeated job profiles and careers, like Trainee AME, Junior AME / Line Maintenance Technician, AME, Specialized AME, Quality Assurance Inspector, and Maintenance Manager. Students are employed in Airlines, MRO small firms, Airport authorities, Commercial airlines (IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet), and the defence sector, where the annual salary package ranges from INR 3-20 LPA.
Table of Contents
AME Key Highlights
Given below are some of the AME key highlights:
What is an AME?
An AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) is a specialized program spanning two to three years in duration, which is pursued by students who wish to get an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License in different categories, which is issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation- DGCA. To get this license, the student has to compulsorily pass the module examination, which is conducted by the DGCA.
In this course, the students generally help in examining and certifying aircraft before each flight and post repair. The general focus of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is the repair, maintenance, and safety of the aircraft.
Why Study an AME?
The AME is a highly preferred program among students interested in aircraft systems and maintenance procedures; hence, it is offered in different colleges and universities in India. The reasons to opt for an AME are given below:
- High demand- Due to the rapid growth of the aviation industry, there is a high demand for skilled and certified professionals who have expertise in the repair, maintenance, and procedures of the aircraft industry, hence creating a strong demand for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course.
- Lucrative career- An Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is associated with high-paying jobs and opportunities in the world. AMEs are among the highest-paid professionals in the world, and often engage with top airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and defense organizations.
- Global recognition- The course of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is recognized globally and is licensed under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA in India. The license is also recognized by international bodies like EASA, which allows global mobility.
- Job security- The course of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is known for its long-term career stability. The AMEs play an essential role in aviation safety, and thus are widely known as a lucrative career with excellent job security.
Who should study for the AME course?
Reasons, which include individuals who might be a good choice for pursuing an AME in different colleges in India, are mentioned below:
- Students with a passion for aircraft- Students with a passion for aircraft and working with different airlines should choose to study the course of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. The course is ideal for those who want to know how aircraft work and function.
- Students with a background in science- Students with a background in science and those with an interest in Physics, Chemistry, and Math should choose to pursue an AME course. The course is ideal for those who want to explore the technical aspects of the aviation sector.
- Students looking for global opportunities- Students who want to work with global companies and organizations, and those who are aiming to work abroad, should choose to pursue an AME course. Since the course is recognised and licensed globally, it is suitable for students who want to engage with airlines globally.
- Those looking for a technical career- Those individuals who are looking for a technical career, and those who prefer certifications over academic degrees and courses, should choose to study an AME course. Since the course is highly job-oriented, it leads to technical employment careers.
AME Eligibility Criteria
To secure a seat in the top colleges and institutes in India for an AME course, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria to be selected for further application and the admission process. The detailed eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
- The student must have completed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or possess a three-year engineering diploma. Many universities may also accept students with a BSc degree in relevant science fields.
- The students must also appear for entrance exams like AME CET and AME CEE.
- Many colleges and universities may also conduct a personal interview and a medical examination round as part of the selection process.
- Students belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories are often given relaxation during the admission process.
AME Entrance Exams 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges in the country for an AME, the student has to appear for various entrance examinations. The details about the entrance examination for pursuing an AME have been listed in the table below:
AME Colleges in India
An AME is a two to three-year course opted for by students interested in Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering. Hence, it is offered by a few colleges and universities across India. Colleges offering this course are listed in the table below:
AME Admission Process 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges for the AME in India, the student must follow a few steps first. Initially, the student must meet the eligibility criteria of the course and then fill out the application form. The detailed procedure for securing a seat at the Falcon Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers is given below:
Step 1- The students must appear for the required entrance exam for an AME course, which includes the AME CET entrance exam.
Step 2- Interested students have to apply online on the official website, and then proceed with the filling of their personal and academic details.
Step 3- The students then need to upload all the relevant documents and proceed with the payment of the application fee.
Step 4- The students have to check the dates of the entrance exam and appear for the exam on the specified date.
Step 5- Once the students have appeared for their exams, they must check the website again for their results. Once the results are announced, they have to keep the scorecard and save it for future reference.
Step 6- The selected students will be informed by the college through mail and have to appear for the personal interview round.
Step 7- The final selected students, who have passed the selection through the interview round, have to compulsorily appear for the medical examination.
Step 8- Upon having successfully passed the medical examination process, the selected students will be required to confirm their admission by paying the admission fee.
Documents Required:
- 10th and 12th Grade Original Mark-sheets
- Diploma or its Equivalent - Original Mark-sheets
- Medical Certificate (DGCA format)
- Transfer Certificate
- Identity proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN Card
- An entrance exam scorecard
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Bank details
AME Syllabus
An AME is a 2-3 year full-time course offered across different colleges and universities in India. The modules taught during the entire course at the School of Aeronautics are mentioned below:
AME Job Opportunities in India
Multiple job opportunities and careers are associated with an AME in India, which are mentioned below in the table:
AME Vs BTech in Aeronautical Engineering Comparison
Below is a detailed comparison between an AME and BTech in Aeronautical Engineering. Students who are unsure about which program to pursue can refer to the table to make an informed decision.
AME FAQs
Is an AME course a degree program or a licensed course?
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is a two to three-year licensed course, not a degree program. The course focuses on the repair, maintenance, and safety of the aircraft to ensure that the aircraft is safe for use by the pilots. In such a course, the students have to obtain a DGCA-approved license to become a skilled professional for the certification of aircraft worthiness.
Can an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer work globally after completing an AME course?
Yes. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers work globally. Indian DGCA licenses are usually valid in India, hence offering excellent job opportunities to AME graduates. However, to work globally, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer must convert their license to meet the aviation requirements, like an EASA or FAA license, or other countries like the USA and Europe.
Do AME professionals engage in flying or the operation of aircraft?
No. It is not said that Aircraft Maintenance Engineers fly aircraft. AME graduates generally work on the repair, safety, and maintenance to ensure that the aircraft are safe and worthy for the pilots to use. Hence, an AME does not engage with flying or operate the aircraft.
Is it possible for someone to pursue an AME course after completing a diploma or a BSc?
Yes. To pursue an AME course, the students can be from a diploma holder in engineering or a BSc field. The students can become eligible for joining the AME training and can complete the AME course in a short period if they have a good background in any similar or related field.
What is the procedure someone has to follow if they fail the DGCA module exam during the AME course?
If a student fails in the DGCA module exam during the AME course, then he/she doesn’t have to follow any rigorous procedure for the same. The student can reappear for the module exam as there is no limit on the number of attempts one can take. However, it is necessary to clear all modules to obtain an AME license.
