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Ground staff are individuals, stationed at the various points in the airport who attend to the various needs of the passengers before and after flights. They are responsible for answering different queries of the passengers related to flights, making reservations, checking baggage,etc.
Career as ground staff can be a lucrative opportunity in the future because according to the IBEF, the Indian aviation market is expected to be the third largest in the world by 2024. Alao the plan to commision new airports in India, up from 153 airports to 190-200 airports by 2040 will also increase the employment opportunity for ground staff.
In order to pursue a career as a Ground staff the candidates are required to take up various aviation management courses at the Diploma, UG and PG level. The candidates are required to pass their 12th or equivalent to get admission to the top aviation colleges in India. Admissions are based on the basis of entrance examination or merit list depending upon the college.
Several institutes in India provide ground staff training courses to the candidates in India. Some of the popular colleges are Kasturi Institute of Management, Panache Academy, Skybird Aviation , GMR Aviation Academy and so on. The course fee varies from institute to institute. The average course fee in these institutes ranges between INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000.
4.1 How to Become a Ground Staff After 12th
5.3 Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management
6.1 Australia
6.2 US
6.3 UK
6.4 Canada
How to Become a Ground Staff: Quick Facts
| Industry | Airlines, Aviation Industry |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in any stream, Diploma, PG or UG Degree in ground staff course |
| Average starting salary | INR 1,20,000 to INR 2,00,000 per year |
| Job opportunity | Air India, Air Asia India, Go Air, Etihad Airways, etc. |
Steps to Follow to Become Ground Staff
Some steps to be followed by candidates to become Ground Staff.
Decision Making
The candidates are required to make a decision before they try to take up any career. The candidates are required to conduct an analysis of their strengths , weaknesses and the opportunities that the career as a ground staff would offer and then take a decision.
Subject Choices
Career as a ground staff does not require the candidates pursue a particular stream in their 12th or equivalent level. However, after the 12th the candidates pursuing aviation management courses will have a better chance of getting selected as a ground staff.
Entrance Exam Preparation
There are several courses at the UG and PG level where the candidates are required to appear for the entrance examination such as SET, IPU CET, CAT, MAT, etc. The candidates are required to take up tuition so that they are able to score well in the entrance examination. Apart from the entrance examinations, top institutes hold GD, PI and WATs as part of their admission process. Check: GD / PI Preparation Tips
Selecting of Good College
After the entrance examination, the candidates have to look for the top colleges in India that offer relevant courses related to ground staff training. The candidates can look at the ranking provided by the agencies such as NIRF, IndiaToady and many more. The candidates also can go through the various online platforms and understand the placement scenario of the various colleges and then make an informed choice.
Types of Ground Staffs
Ground staff are divided on the basis of their different job responsibilities. Best ground staff jobs are briefly mentioned below.
Airline Ticket Agent
Airline ticket agents are completely related with booking seats for the passengers and reserve passengers seats. They have to interact with the passengers to book flight tickets and reserve the seats.
Crew Schedule Coordinator
Crew Schedule Coordinators are responsible for monitoring the flight operations in the airport and managing the schedules for takeoff of flights and flight landing.
Reservation Sales Agent
Reservation Sales Agents have to do reservation of flight tickets when customers book tickets. They also provide the information about takeoff of the flights and landing of flights.
Avionics Technician
Their duty is to do testing and repairing of the aircraft equipment and other parts of an aircraft. They have to understand the reason behind the damage of aircraft components and repair those parts.
How to Become Ground Staff in India?
To become Ground Staff in India, candidates need to have UG, PG or Diploma Degree in the field of aviation or management. Below given is a stepwise preparation that they need to do from school level.
School Level Preparation
After passing the school level exam, candidtaes are required to choose a particular stream at their 10+2 level. Candidates may choose any of the following mentioned streams, i.e., arts or science or commerce. But the candidates must be excellent in English, Hindi or other foreign languages.
How to Become Ground Staff in India after 12th?
To become ground staff after 12th, candidates have to pursue a degree or diploma from a recognized institute. The following are some of the undergraduate and post graduate preparation that that they can pursue at the various level..
How to Become a Ground Staff After 12th
UG Level Preparation: After passing the 12th exam, candidates can appear for various aviation management courses. Candidates are required to maintain a minimum score of 65% or more in their examination for better placement. For the AME CET exam, one must have to be graduated in science or engineering courses.The candidates can start preparing for the entrance examination for the PG courses such as CAT, MAT, XAT, etc.
PG Level Preparation: In the PG level the candidates are required to take preparation for the various entrances so that they get admission to the research level courses. The candidates can also take up internships from top airlines so that they have adequate experience before starting jobs.
Ground Staff Courses
Candidates aspiring to become a Ground Staff in India need to have a certain degree in the field of aviation and management. Below given are some of the courses that the students can pursue.
BBA Airport Management
BBA Airport Management is a 3 year UG course, teaching the details of the management roles and work done in airports. Students learn to deal with technical problems like Ground Staff, Air Traffic and Control, Cargo Department, Finance , Coordination, etc.
BBA Airport Management: Admission Process
- Candidates will have to apply online for admission according to their interest.
- They need to fill the application form before the last day with all the required documents.
- The cut-off list will be released by the college and candidates should check it accordingly.
- After selection, proceed with the colleges or universities procedure for tuition fees submission.
Diploma in Aviation
Diploma in Aviation is a 6 month to 1 year course that deals with the management of airports and aviation. Students are taught 16 different subjects through the program, such as Mathematics, Cognitive Process and Problem Solving, etc.
Diploma in Aviation: Admission Process
- Candidates need to complete 10+2 or 12th final year examinations in any stream from a recognized board.
- Admission process is done one the basis of previous qualifying exam ,i.e., 12th in any stream
- In some institutes there might be entrance exams and group discussion sessions. It depends on different institutes.
Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management
Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management is a 1 year duration diploma course that studies maintenance, passenger forecasting, airport security, fire safety and other areas related to ground service in an airline company.
Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management: Admission Process
- Admission to this course is done through either merit-based or entrance exam.
- Students need to look for the best government or private college as per their preference.
- They need to register themselves for the admission by submitting all the documents online.
- Students must fall under the eligibility criteria of the College/Institute to be eligible for the course.
MBA Airport Management
MBA Airport Management is a 2 year PG course providing a broad overview of the airline industry and creates awareness regarding marketing, financial, operational and other factors influencing airport management.
MBA Airport Management: Admission Process
- Admission to MBA Airport Management is totally based on their performance in the relevant entrance exam followed by Personal Interview and Group Discussion.
- Some of the top entrance exams that the candidate needs to clear for MBA Airport Management are CAT, XAT, MAT, etc.
- Candidates seeking admission in MBA Airport Management need to apply online with all the required documents.
- Post result announcement, they need to submit their fees.
How to Become Ground Staff Abroad?
Educational requirement to become ground staff in abroad countries, you have to pass 12th grade from a recognized university or institute. And after that you can also study Diploma or PG diploma in ground staff after the 12th.
Ground Staff in Australia
To become ground staff in Australia you need to clear your 12th exam from a recognized institute or university. You must have good communication skills and also must have fluency in Speaking English or other foreign languages.
Top Colleges in Australia
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| University of New South Wales, Australia | INR 24,87,927 |
| University of South Australia | INR 18,25,579 |
| Central Queensland University Australia | INR 18,12,502 |
| RMIT University | INR 20,05,806 |
| TAFE NSW | INR 7,71,507 |
| Edith Cowan University | INR 18,79,021 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | INR 17,97,720 |
| Griffith University | INR 18,08,523 |
| William Angliss Institute | INR 10,11,999 |
| University of Southern Queensland | INR 17,19,830 |
Ground Staff in US
After passing 12th from a recognized university or institute one can study the ground staff course in the US. You must know the US English to communicate with the passengers and other staff in airlines and also must Speak in other foreign language
Top Colleges in US
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Iowa Lakes Community College | INR 528,227 |
| Middle Georgia State College | INR 1,762,195 |
| University of Central Missouri | INR 995,350 |
| Middle Tennessee state university | INR 674,803 |
| Dowling College | INR 2,169,378 |
| Palomar College (flight training ground school) | INR 99,542 |
| Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology | INR 1,882,230 |
| US Aviation Academy, Denton US | INR 6,248,931 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Philadelphia US | INR 1,246,490 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Casselberry US | INR 1,246,490 |
Ground Staff in UK
To become ground staff in the UK, you have to pass the 12th exam from any recognized university or institute. One must have good communication skills to engage in this career.
Top Colleges in UK
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Sheffield Hallam University | INR 14,44,896 |
| Buckinghamshire New University | INR 12,90,546 |
| University of West London | INR 12,90,546 |
| London Metropolitan University | INR 13,11,195 |
| Teesside University, Middleborough | INR 13,42,168 |
| Cranfield University | INR 22,19,740 |
| University of Bedfordshire | INR 13,31,844 |
| Newcastle College University Centre | INR 1,024,394 |
| Heathrow Aviation Academy | INR 2,98,170 |
Ground Staff in Canada
To become a Ground Staff in Canada, candidates must study for a Diploma or PG diploma in ground staff after the 12th.. They should also possess great communication skills to communicate with the passengers.
Top Colleges in Canada
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Mohawk college | INR 12,92,748 |
| Mount royal university | INR 34,84,246 |
| Saskatchewan polytechnic | INR 3,74,303 |
| University of Fraser valley | INR 9,13,552 |
| Fanshawe college | INR 8, 42,000 |
| Georgian college | INR 10,72,517 |
| Centennial college | INR 9,98,865 |
| Okanagan college | INR 29,84,088 |
| Mount Allison university | INR 11,17,168 |
| University of waterloo | INR 21,63,040 |
Benefits of Career as Ground Staff
Ground Staff is a career oriented job for the job seeker in the field of aviation management. Some of the benefits for the career as a ground staff manager is mentioned below.
Salary
Salary in this job is quite low in the starting or for freshers. However, it is a good career opportunity for those who are interested in serving and helping others. The job can help in improving one’s skills.
Job Security
The candidates who have pursued the course from a reputed aviation institute can get placement in one of top airlines. Job security is there in this career. One has to be more active in their job place and also have to be ready to do night shifts in the airport.
Positive Impact of the Career
Career in the airport as a ground staff is challenging but also rewarding. They have to check the baggage of passengers, booking of flight tickets, reservation of seats, handling of ground works at the airport, etc.
Higher Studies
You can do higher studies in ground staff courses, but with a diploma or bachelor degree or PG diploma course you will get opportunities in this field.
Unique Experience
Activities of the ground staff are unique, they have to deal with many things in the airport. If someone wants to book tickets through telephonic call or online mode, they have to deal with the clients over the phone.
Skills Required for Ground Staff
| Good communication skills | Proficiency in speaking English, Hindi or other Foreign language |
| Good teamwork | Interpersonal abilities |
| Organizing ability | Management skill |
| Well-groomed | Computer skills |
Salary of Ground Staff in India
Salary of the ground staff is less at starting but it increases after having experience of 4-9 years. They earn INR 1,80,000 – 4,00,000 per annum. The job responsibility is different for different job posts.
Average Annual Salary
| Name of Organization | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Govt. | INR 2,20,000 |
| Private | INR 5,40,000 |
Salary Trend Graph
Specialization Wise Salary
| Specializations | Salary |
|---|---|
| Airline Ticket Agent | INR 200,000 |
| Reservation Agent | INR 200,000 |
| Airport Ramp Service Agent | INR 171,600 |
| Crew Schedule Coordinator | INR 251,732 |
| Avionics Technicians | INR 275,484 |
Salary Trend Graph
Experience Wise Salary
| Experience | Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | INR 1,80,000 |
| Experienced | INR 4,20,000 |
Salary Trend Graph
How to Become a Ground Staff: FAQs
Ques. Is this a good career as Ground Staff?
Ans. Yes, Career as ground staff is a great opportunity for those who are interested in engaging themselves in serving and helping the working environment.
Ques. What is the required educational qualification for the ground staff?
Ans. After passing 12th grade in any stream, you can apply for the course and if you want to do further higher study you can opt for diploma and under-graduate degree in any course or in ground staff course.
Ques. What is the required educational qualification for the AME CET exam?
Ans. One must have to pass 12th in Science with PCM or Diploma or Under-graduate in any science subject or Diploma in engineering course to appear for the AME CET exam.
Ques. What is the salary in ground staff in India?
Ans. Ground Staffs salary is starts from INR 1,80,000 to INR 5,85,000 in India
Ques. What are the skills required to be a ground staff?
Ans. You need to have these following skills to become a ground staff
- Good communication skill
- Fluency in English/ Hindi/ Other Foreign Language
- Team working skill
- Ramp service skill
- Understanding skill
- Interpersonal skill
Ques. Can I become a ground staff abroad?
Ans. You can become. The eligibility criterion to become a ground staff abroad is also Bachelor degree in ground staff or 12th from any good institute or university.
Ques. What is the course duration in ground staff?
Ans. Minimum duration for the course is 6 months and maximum is 12 months. It depends on the institutes.
Ques. What is the course average cost to become ground staff in India?
Ans. Course cost for the ground staff is INR 1,00,000 to 1,50,000.
Ques. Which airline company recruits ground staff in India?
Ans. Top aviation companies where you can apply for the posts are- Air India, Go Air, Vistara, SpiceJet Ltd., Aviation Ltd.
Ques. Is there any physical requirement to become ground staff in India?
Ans. Yes, To become ground staff in India, the female candidates need 157 cm and the male candidates should be of 170 cm height.
Ques. How much can one earn as ground staff in the USA?
Ans. Average salary for ground staff in the US is $84,790 (INR 62,13,334.89) per annum.
Ques. What are the top most level Jobs of Ground Staff at airport?
Ans. The top level jobs as ground staff are- Cabin crew, Airport manager, Secure parking manager, Guest relations manager, Facility manager.
Ques. Which company offers the highest salary to the ground staff in India?
Ans. In India, Indigo Airlines, Airport Authority of India, Go Air etc. company pays their staff a good salary.
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