IndiGo now operates about 430 aircraft, Air India and Air India Express are modernising and growing their fleets, and Akasa Air is adding Boeing jets. Every new aircraft that enters service needs engineers who hold a DGCA licence to certify it as fit to fly. For students weighing a career in aircraft maintenance engineering (AME), the two licence categories that matter most are B1 and B2.
Quick Answer
Why is demand for B1 and B2 licensed engineers rising in India? Indian airlines are adding aircraft at a fast pace, with a combined fleet of about 800 aircraft at IndiGo, Air India and Akasa expected to grow by roughly 30% in two years, and a large order backlog beyond that. Each aircraft needs B1 (mechanical) and B2 (avionics) licensed engineers for line and hangar maintenance, so fleet growth directly increases hiring.
Fleet Expansion at a Glance
| Indicator | Figure | Source / note |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo fleet | About 432 aircraft | IndiGo investor presentation, quarter ended 30 June 2026, as reported |
| IndiGo new types | First A321XLR received in January 2026; 60 A350-900 firm orders with deliveries from 2027 | Public fleet listings |
| Combined fleet growth | IndiGo, Air India and Akasa: about 804 aircraft, adding about 240 in two years (around 30%) | Trade report, early 2026 |
| Airbus backlog for India | About 1,250 aircraft over 10 years, with deliveries peaking near 150 a year around 2032 | Trade report, early 2026 |
| Akasa Air | About 44 aircraft, with an outstanding order for 194 Boeing jets | Public fleet listings |
| Order book | More than 1,500 aircraft on order for delivery through 2031 | Industry report, 2026 |
| Government outlook | Fleet of 1,500 to 2,000 aircraft by 2030 | Civil Aviation Minister, January 2024 |
Fleet numbers change with each delivery and come from company disclosures and trade reports. Please re-verify before publishing.
Why More Aircraft Means More B1 and B2 Engineers
- Certification for every flight cycle: Aircraft cannot be released to service after maintenance without a licensed engineer’s certification. More aircraft and more daily flights mean more line checks and more certifying staff.
- New hangars: Air India broke ground on a nine-acre MRO hangar in Delhi in October 2026, and IndiGo and Air India are building facilities in Bengaluru. Read the full story on the MRO boom in India.
- Newer, more digital aircraft: The A321XLR, A350 and Boeing 737 MAX rely heavily on digital avionics, raising the need for B2 engineers alongside B1.
- In-house maintenance: Airlines building their own maintenance capability hire licensed engineers directly.
- A training gap: India trains roughly 3,500 maintenance graduates a year, and many lack type-specific experience. See why India needs 10,000+ new AMEs by 2030.
B1 vs B2 Licence: What Is the Difference?
| B1 (Mechanical) | B2 (Avionics) | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Airframe, engines, landing gear, mechanical and electrical systems | Electrical, radio, navigation, instrument and autoflight systems |
| Sub-categories | B1.1 turbine aeroplanes, B1.2 piston aeroplanes, B1.3 turbine helicopters, B1.4 piston helicopters | B2 (and the newer B2L category in the latest CAR-66) |
| Typical work | Inspections, repairs, engine and structure maintenance, component changes | Troubleshooting flight instruments, communication and navigation equipment, wiring and avionics |
| Demand driver | Fleet size and flying hours | Growing digital and connected systems |
Under CAR-66, licence holders certify work within the privileges of their licence and type ratings. Please confirm exact privileges in the current CAR-66.
A licence is the starting point. Airlines usually want type training on the aircraft they operate, such as the Airbus A320 family or the Boeing 737 MAX, so students should plan for type ratings after the DGCA licence. Explore the scope of AME, career opportunities and the AME syllabus to see how B1 and B2 knowledge is built.
Which Path Should You Choose?
- Choose B1 if you enjoy engines, structures and hands-on mechanical work.
- Choose B2 if you enjoy electronics, wiring, instruments and troubleshooting.
- Aim for both over time. Engineers who understand mechanical and avionics systems are valuable to airlines and MROs.
- Consider global routes: The EASA licence course supports careers overseas, and the B.Tech in AME and B.Sc in AME add a degree.
See AME salary and placement details for what to expect.
AME Course Details at a Glance
The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (DGCA) course is a licence-based programme approved by DGCA. Here is a summary of AME engineering:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course | Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), DGCA licence programme |
| Duration | About 3 years, in 6 semesters with practical training (other sources list 2 to 4 years by institute and category) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or a 3-year engineering diploma. See full AME eligibility |
| Age limit | 16 to 28 years at the time of admission |
| Medical | No colour blindness |
| Entrance exam | AME CEE 2027 |
| Licence streams | B1 (mechanical, B1.1 to B1.4) and B2 (avionics) |
| Syllabus | 17 DGCA modules (Modules 1 and 2 are not required for the DGCA course in India) |
| Tuition fees | Roughly INR 3 to 6 lakh for the full course, plus hostel of about INR 25,000 to 40,000 per semester. See AME fees |
| Starting salary | Around INR 7 to 8 lakh per year as cited on AME CEE |
How to Get Admission: AME CEE 2027
AME CEE is the national-level common entrance exam for admission to AME and other aviation programmes. Registration for 2027 is open.
- Visit amecee.in and click Apply Now.
- Complete the registration with personal and additional details.
- Pay the registration fee: INR 1,200 for male candidates in the General and OBC categories, INR 1,000 for female candidates, SC/ST candidates and defence, navy or freedom-fighter categories.
- Receive the payment receipt by email, then check important dates and the AME admission process.
Scholarships of up to 100% on first-semester tuition are available based on All India Rank. See the scholarship page and practise with previous year papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a B1 licence in aircraft maintenance engineering?
A B1 licence covers the mechanical side of an aircraft, including airframe, engines, landing gear and mechanical and electrical systems. It is divided into B1.1 (turbine aeroplanes), B1.2 (piston aeroplanes), B1.3 (turbine helicopters) and B1.4 (piston helicopters).
What is a B2 licence?
A B2 licence covers avionics: electrical, radio, navigation, instrument and autoflight systems. As aircraft rely more on digital systems, B2 engineers are increasingly important.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 licences?
B1 focuses on mechanical systems and powerplants, while B2 focuses on avionics and electrical systems. Many careers need both skill sets, and the right choice depends on your interest in mechanical or electronic work.
Why are Indian airlines hiring more B1 and B2 engineers?
Indian carriers are adding aircraft quickly and building their own maintenance capacity. Every aircraft must be certified for service by licensed engineers, so a larger fleet needs more B1 and B2 licence holders at line stations and hangars.
Is a licence alone enough to work on an airline’s aircraft?
Usually not. Airlines typically look for type training on the aircraft they operate, such as the Airbus A320 family or the Boeing 737 MAX, in addition to the licence. Trade reports also note that many newly certified engineers lack type-specific hands-on experience.
What is the AME course duration and eligibility?
The DGCA-approved AME course typically runs about 3 years in 6 semesters. Candidates need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (or a 3-year engineering diploma), must be 16 to 28 years old at admission, must not be colour blind, and must qualify the AME CEE entrance exam.
What is the starting salary for AME graduates?
AME CEE cites a starting salary of around INR 7 to 8 lakh per year. Actual pay depends on the employer, licence category, type ratings and experience.
How do I get admission through AME CEE 2027?
Visit amecee.in, click Apply Now, complete the registration and pay the fee. Scholarships of up to 100% on first-semester tuition are available based on All India Rank.
Ready to start your AME career? Apply for AME CEE 2027 and compete for scholarships of up to 100%. Questions? Call 8377006001 or 8377006002, or email info@amecee.in.