Introduction to ATC

WHAT IS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
Air traffic control is a career like no other. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be part of a community of highly-trained professionals, who are essential to the smooth and safe running of the aviation industry. 24 hours a day, they help to keep some of the busiest airspace in the world moving. The work is challenging and demanding, but it’s immensely rewarding too.

ROLE OF AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
Air traffic controllers do more than tell Captain  what vector he's been assigned. They tell pilots which runways to taxi and take off from, track the position of aircraft in the air and relay reports from the Meteorological department .Air traffic controllers work for the Airports Authority Of India.The work of an air traffic controller is often tense and stressful, but if you want to become one, here's what you need to know.

What are the basic educational qualifications (degrees) needed to apply for the civil ATC entrance exam?
Positive: Challenging environment, split second decision making, independent decisions, Work is not to be carried home.Once off channel, Off duty.
Engineering Degree in Electronics / Tele Communication / Radio Engg. / Electrical with specialization in Electronics with Ist class (60%)
OR
M.Sc Degree or its equivalent with Wireless Communication, Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engg. as a special Subject
OR
Equivalent with 1st Class

What is the age limit required to apply for the civil ATC entrance exams?
Lower age limit is 21 years, while the upper age limit is 27 years
What is the selection criteria?
The selection shall be made on the basis of a
Written test
50% questions on subjects relating to educational qualifications prescribed
50% on General Knowledge, General Intelligence, General Aptitude, English etc.
Voice test
Personal Interview
Medical fitness as per ICAO Annex-1
Standard reservation policy applies for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen.

Once a final batch of candidates are selected, where are they sent for their further training?
Civil Aviation Training Colleges at Allahabad, UP or at Hyderabad, AP

What is the duration of this training and what are the various modules studied and practicals undergone during the training?

At present it has two phases of training. One On-Job-Training at any major Airport in India and other half at CATC Allahabad/Hyderabad/Gondia.

Modules:
Air Traffic Services
Aerodromes and Ground Aids
Air Legislation
Meteorology
Communication Procedures
Technical
Search and Rescue
Air Navigation

What is the cost of this training?
Costs are borne by the Airports Authority of India - the recruiter

Is there a possibility of a candidate getting disqualified midway through his training? If so, then on what grounds?
Yes, if a candidate is unable to secure 70% passing marks in two attempts in any of the modules, he/she gets disqualified

Once the training is complete, what posts are open to these students?
Junior Executive (ATC)

Do they apply for jobs individually? What is the employment-scene like these days? Do qualified students get jobs easily or unemployment still prevails?
Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the sole employer of the civil ATCs, in India (Some small players do exist e.g. HAL and small private airports who also recruit ATCs mainly from the AAI employees)
The training is imparted only after recruitment. So if one clears the training successfully he/she is guaranteed of the job

What is the starting pay scale for ATC officers?
During training, trainees are paid full salary (around Rs 40000 pm) with free lodging and boarding at CATC, Allahabad, UP
The pay scale for Junior Executive (ATC) is INR 16400-40500. Additionally, a JE (ATC) is entitled to various allowances depending on the ATC skills one acquires (Rating Allowances) and the city in which they are posted.

Is the job transferable? If so, which authority decides the transfer of an ATC officer?
All India transferable by the employer (Airports Authority of India)

What are the negative and positive aspects of this profession?
Negative: High stress, Shift duties, Lack of Social life due strange shift pattern and no standard festivals' leaves, very high professional risk

What are the various ranks that an ATC officer can climb through?
Junior Executive
Assistant Manager
Manager
Senior Manager
Assistant General Manager
Deputy General Manager
Joint General Manager
General Manager
Executive Director (ATM)
Member (ATM) in AAI Board