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To become an Air Traffic Controller:
While pilots operate planes in the skies, it is the air traffic controllers stationed on the ground who determine their speed and altitude. At bustling airports, air traffic controllers manage numerous daily flights, and they also provide guidance to ensure aircraft at the same altitude are safely separated to prevent collisions.

Know more about Air Traffic Controller:
A career in air traffic control involves the crucial task of ensuring the safe and efficient movement of numerous aircraft in the skies. Air traffic controllers, often stationed in Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCs) at airports or control centers on the ground, diligently monitor the positions, speeds, and altitudes of aircraft, providing essential instructions to pilots. This role carries significant responsibility, as every flight is continuously guided by an air traffic control center. Aircraft seamlessly transition from one control center to another during their journeys, and it falls upon air traffic controllers to maintain safe separation distances, manage airspace utilization, and oversee specified regions within their jurisdiction.

Personality qualities required for an ATC are:
Air traffic controllers need specific personality traits such as strong short-term and long-term memory, heightened situational awareness, exceptional communication skills, proficient mathematical abilities, the capacity to make rapid and resolute decisions, and the capability to function effectively under high-stress conditions.
Eligibility Criteria: Air Traffic Controllers in India operate within the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The initial position is the junior executive post of Air Traffic Control. To qualify for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a three-year full-time regular Bachelor's Degree in Science with Physics and Mathematics as subjects, or a full-time regular Bachelor's degree in engineering in any discipline (with Physics and Mathematics as subjects in any semester). Final year undergraduate engineering students are also eligible to apply, provided they have obtained the required qualification at the time of application verification.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in speaking and writing in English at the 10+2 standard level (English must have been a subject in class 10 or 12).
3. The upper age limit is 27 years. For candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, there is a relaxation of five years, and for those in the OBC category, it's three years.
Selection Process:
The initial stage of the selection procedure comprises an online test, which is further divided into two sections: technical and non-technical. The technical segment features questions related to Physics and Mathematics, while the non-technical segment covers General Knowledge, English, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability. In total, there are 120 questions, and there are no negative marks for incorrect answers.
Candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in the online exam and subsequently invited for application verification, voice test, psychoactive substance test, psychological assessment test, and medical examination. The voice test evaluates their ability to comprehend English, especially the terminology used by pilots. The final selection for the job will be determined through a panel interview.
Candidates who secure the job must be prepared to work in any location within India.

Training:
Upon selection for the position of Air Traffic Controller with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), candidates undergo a comprehensive training program. Successful completion of this training leads to permanent appointments.

Following the probationary period in the entry cadre, candidates have the opportunity for career advancement through various departmental examinations and interviews. Promotions can lead to positions such as Assistant Manager, Manager, Senior Manager, Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Joint General Manager, General Manager, and Executive Director.
For this year's Air Traffic Junior Executive post, applications can be submitted until November 30. To apply and access additional information, please visit the official AAI website at www.aai.aero.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team