Ground staff members are stationed at various locations within an airport to attend to the diverse needs of passengers before and after their flights. They are responsible for addressing passenger inquiries related to flights, assisting with reservations, and facilitating baggage check-in, among other tasks.

Pursuing a career as ground staff can offer promising prospects in the future. According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian aviation market is anticipated to become the third largest worldwide by 2024. Additionally, the plan to commission new airports in India, increasing the current count from 153 to 190-200 airports by 2040, will further enhance employment opportunities for ground staff personnel.

To embark on a career as ground staff, candidates must undertake various aviation management courses at the diploma, undergraduate (UG), and postgraduate (PG) levels. Candidates must have completed their 12th grade or equivalent to gain admission into the top aviation colleges in India. Admission procedures are typically based on entrance examinations or merit lists, depending on the college's requirements.

Multiple institutes across India offer ground staff training courses for aspiring candidates. Popular colleges such as Kasturi Institute of Management, Panache Academy, Skybird Aviation, and GMR Aviation Academy are among the notable options available. The course fees vary from one institute to another, with an average range of INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 in these institutes.

Steps to Follow to Become Ground Staff

Candidates aspiring to become Ground Staff should follow these steps:

• Decision Making: Candidates must make an informed decision before pursuing a career as Ground Staff. Before deciding, they should analyse their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities that a career in Ground Staff offers.
• Subject Choices: A specific stream in the 12th grade or equivalent level is optional for a career as Ground Staff. However, candidates who pursue aviation management courses after the 12th grade have better chances of getting selected as Ground Staff.
• Entrance Exam Preparation: For UG and PG level courses, candidates may need to appear for entrance examinations such as SET, IPU CET, CAT, MAT, etc. It is recommended that candidates enrol in tuition classes to score well in these entrance exams. Additionally, top institutes may conduct Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), and Written Ability Tests (WAT) as part of their admission process.
• Selecting a Good College: After clearing the entrance examination, candidates should look for top colleges in India that offer relevant courses for Ground Staff training. They can refer to rankings provided by agencies like NIRF and IndiaToday. Candidates can also explore various online platforms to understand the placement scenario of different colleges before making an informed choice.

Types of Ground Staff:

Ground Staff are categorised based on their job responsibilities. Some of the best Ground Staff jobs include:

• Airline Ticket Agent: Airline ticket agents are responsible for booking seats and reserving passenger seats. They interact with passengers to book flight tickets and reserve seats.
• Crew Schedule Coordinator: Crew Schedule Coordinators monitor airport flight operations and manage flight takeoff and landing schedules.
• Reservation Sales Agent: Reservation Sales Agents handle flight ticket reservations and provide information about flight schedules.
• Avionics Technician: Avionics Technicians test and repair aircraft equipment and components. They diagnose the cause of damage to aircraft components and carry out necessary repairs.

How to Become Ground Staff in India?

To become Ground Staff in India, candidates must obtain a UG, PG, or Diploma in aviation or management. The following is a step-by-step preparation guide starting from the school level:

School Level Preparation:

After completing the school-level exams, candidates must choose a specific stream for their 10+2 level. Candidates may choose arts, science, or commerce but must excel in English, Hindi, or other foreign languages.

How to Become Ground Staff in India after the 12th?

To become Ground Staff after the 12th grade, candidates should pursue a degree or diploma from a recognised institute. Here are some undergraduate and postgraduate preparation options at different levels:

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UG Level Preparation: After completing the 12th-grade exams, candidates can enrol in various aviation management courses. Maintaining a minimum score of 65% or higher is advisable for better placement opportunities. Candidates must have graduated in science or engineering courses for the AME CET exam. Candidates can also start preparing for entrance exams for PG courses such as CAT, MAT, XAT, etc.

Colleges for Diploma in Ground Staff Training:

Colleges for Diploma in Cabin Crew Training:

Skills Required for Ground Staff & Cabin Crew:

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To excel as ground staff and cabin crew, it is essential to possess the following skills:

• Good communication skills
• Proficiency in English, Hindi, or other foreign languages
• Strong teamwork abilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills
• Management skills
• Well-groomed appearance
• Computer literacy

Diploma in Ground Staff & Cabin Crew Training Career Scope:

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Candidates can explore various career opportunities after completing a Ground Staff & Cabin Crew Training diploma. They can apply for jobs in sectors such as:

• Airlines
• Travel agencies
• Airports
• Tour agencies
• Aviation firms

Some of the major recruiters in this sector include:

• Air India
• SpiceJet
• Vistara
• IndiGo
• Lufthansa
• Jet Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Qatar Airways
• Emirates Airlines
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific

Benefits of Working as Ground Staff and Cabin Crew:

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Working as ground staff and cabin crew offers several advantages, including:

• Salary: While the initial salary may be relatively low, this career provides opportunities for skill enhancement and growth.
• Job Safety: Completing a course at a reputable aviation institute can lead to placement in top airlines, ensuring job security.
• Challenging and Rewarding Career: Ground staff members play a vital role in various airport operations, making their work challenging and fulfilling.
• Higher Education Opportunities: Pursuing higher education in ground staff courses opens up further opportunities for career advancement.
• Unique Experience: Ground staff members interact with a diverse range of individuals and handle various airport-related tasks, providing a unique work experience.

FAQs

1. What are the popular aviation courses available after the 12th?

Several popular aviation courses are available for students after completing their 12th grade. Some of the commonly pursued courses include:

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Aviation
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Aviation
• Diploma in Aviation Hospitality
• Diploma in Airport Management
• Diploma in Cabin Crew Training
• Commercial Pilot Training (CPL)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)

These courses provide students with specialised knowledge and skills in various aspects of the aviation industry.

2. What is the duration of aviation courses available after the 12th?

The duration of aviation courses after the 12th can vary depending on the specific course and institute. Here are the general durations for some common aviation courses:

• Bachelor's Degree Programs: 3 to 4 years
• Diploma Programs: 1 to 2 years
• Commercial Pilot Training: Varies, typically around 1 to 2 years
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineering: Varies, typically around 2 to 3 years

3. What major subjects are covered in the syllabus of aviation courses available after the 12th?

The syllabus of aviation courses after the 12th typically includes a combination of theoretical and practical subjects relevant to the aviation industry. The major subjects covered may include:

• Aviation Operations and Management
• Aircraft Systems and Maintenance
• Airline and Airport Management
• Navigation and Meteorology
• Aviation Safety and Security
• Cabin Crew and Passenger Services
• Aviation Law and Regulations
• Aviation Economics and Marketing

4. What job profiles are available after completing aviation courses available after the 12th?

After completing aviation courses after the 12th, graduates can explore a range of job profiles in the aviation industry. Some of the job profiles available include:

• Airline Pilot
• Aircraft Maintenance Technician
• Airport Manager
• Cabin Crew Member
• Air Traffic Controller
• Aviation Operations Specialist
• Ground Staff Member
• Aviation Safety Officer
• Flight Dispatcher
• Aviation Instructor

5. What colleges offer aviation courses after the 12th?

Several colleges and institutes offer aviation courses after the 12th. Here are some well-known institutes in India that provide aviation education:

• Indian Aviation Academy (IAA)
• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
• Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy
• National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
• Wingsss College of Aviation Technology
• Hindustan Aviation Academy
• University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)
• Punjab Aviation College (PAC)
• Academy of Carver Aviation