“You stare at the calendar. You just turned 25. A relative told you, 'Beta, air hostess job is only for 18-year-olds.' You panic.”
Wings Institute HQ Vadodara
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Wings Institute HQ Vadodara
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Confused about what to do after 12th in Colombo? Explore 5 high-paying careers in aviation and hospitality with starting salaries from ₹15,000-₹50,000/month. No entrance exam required — any stream welcome.
Every year, lakhs of students in Colombo and across Sri Lanka complete their 12th board exams and face the daunting question: “What next?” While traditional paths like engineering and medicine remain popular, they require expensive entrance exams, intense competition, and 4-5 years of study before you can start earning. Aviation and hospitality careers offer a smarter, faster alternative — with comparable or higher salaries, global travel opportunities, and a glamorous work environment.
India's aviation sector is the fastest-growing in the world, with domestic air passenger traffic crossing 15 crore annually. The hospitality industry is projected to reach $33 billion by 2028. This explosive growth translates directly into job opportunities — airlines, airports, hotels, and travel companies are constantly hiring trained professionals. For students from Colombo, Wings Institute provides a direct pathway into this booming industry.
The best part? You don't need a science background. Whether you studied Arts, Commerce, or Science in 12th, all five career paths below are open to you. No entrance exam, no donation, no years of waiting — just focused professional training and a career that starts in months, not years.
| Career Path | Starting Salary | Senior Salary | Eligibility | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Hostess / Cabin Crew | ₹25,000-₹40,000/mo | ₹60,000-₹1.2L/mo | 12th pass, 155cm+ height (female), good English communication | Full Guide → |
| Airport Ground Staff | ₹18,000-₹30,000/mo | ₹40,000-₹70,000/mo | 12th pass from any stream, no height restriction | Full Guide → |
| Hotel Manager | ₹20,000-₹35,000/mo | ₹50,000-₹80,000/mo | 12th pass, good communication skills, willingness to work in shifts | Full Guide → |
| Professional Chef | ₹15,000-₹25,000/mo | ₹35,000-₹60,000/mo | 12th pass, passion for cooking, no prior experience needed | Full Guide → |
| Travel Consultant | ₹15,000-₹25,000/mo | ₹30,000-₹50,000/mo | 12th pass, good communication, interest in travel | Full Guide → |
Become a cabin crew member at domestic and international airlines.
Eligibility: 12th pass, 155cm+ height (female), good English communication
Work at airport terminals handling check-in, boarding, and ramp operations.
Eligibility: 12th pass from any stream, no height restriction
Manage 5-star hotel operations from front office to F&B.
Eligibility: 12th pass, good communication skills, willingness to work in shifts
Master culinary arts and work at 5-star hotels, restaurants, or cruise ships.
Eligibility: 12th pass, passion for cooking, no prior experience needed
Help travelers plan trips, book flights, and process visas.
Eligibility: 12th pass, good communication, interest in travel
Here is how salaries compare across all five aviation and hospitality careers accessible after 12th, so you can make an informed choice:
| Career | Entry (0-1 yr) | Mid (3-5 yrs) | Senior (7+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Hostess / Cabin Crew | ₹25,000-₹40,000 | ₹60,000-₹1.2L | ₹1.5L-₹2.5L |
| Airport Ground Staff | ₹18,000-₹30,000 | ₹40,000-₹70,000 | ₹80,000-₹1.2L |
| Hotel Manager | ₹20,000-₹35,000 | ₹50,000-₹80,000 | ₹1L-₹2L |
| Professional Chef | ₹15,000-₹25,000 | ₹35,000-₹60,000 | ₹1L-₹3L |
| Travel Consultant | ₹15,000-₹25,000 | ₹30,000-₹50,000 | ₹60,000-₹1.2L |
Salaries are monthly and indicative. International positions (Gulf airlines, cruise ships, overseas hotels) pay 2-3x more.
Take our free AI Career Navigator quiz. Answer a few questions about your interests, strengths, and goals — and get a personalized career recommendation with salary projections and course suggestions.
Powered by AI. Takes only 3 minutes. Trusted by 10,000+ students from Sri Lanka.
Take AI Career Navigator Quiz →All courses are available 100% online with live interactive classes. Students from Colombo can enroll without relocating.
12 months • ₹75,000-₹1.5L
6 certifications • 4.8/5 rating
12 months • ₹60,000-₹1.2L
5 certifications • 4.8/5 rating
12 months • ₹60,000-₹1.2L
5 certifications • 4.8/5 rating
12 months • ₹60,000-₹1.2L
4 certifications • 4.8/5 rating
12 months • ₹50,000-₹1L
4 certifications • 4.8/5 rating
“Joining Wings Institute was the best decision I ever made! The environment is so positive and encouraging. The faculty gives individual attention to every student and helps polish our personality, grooming, and interview skills. Truly the best aviation and cabin crew institute in Gujarat.”
Wings programs are 6-12 months. While degree students are still in their 2nd year, you're already working and earning.
Course fees range from ₹66K to ₹1.3L compared to ₹3-6L for a 3-year degree. Better ROI, less financial burden.
No irrelevant theory subjects. Every hour is spent on skills that employers actually want — GDS, safety drills, service training.
Direct placement network with IndiGo, Emirates, Taj, Marriott, MakeMyTrip, and more. 100% placement assistance guaranteed.
Free access to AI Interview Coach, Resume Builder, and Career Navigator — cutting-edge tools that help you prepare and land jobs.
Study from Colombo with 100% online live classes. No need to relocate. Same quality, same certifications, same placements.
Score 4/5 and get ₹10,000 off your aviation & hospitality course fee
5 questions. 15 minutes. Your Wings journey starts here.
Start Scholarship Test →
Cabin Crew at Qatar Airways

Airport Ground Staff at Singapore Airlines / Air Arabia
“I was from a Gujarati medium background, but the Spoken English module here transformed my communication skills. After 3 years with Singapore Airlines, Wings gave me the foundation for my international career.”

Ground Staff at IndiGo Airlines
“I had wonderful time study with perfectional tutor and instructar so glad to be a part of this institution so Genenrally it was the best experience in my life Bcz it helped sharpen my skills thank you for tutor”

Full aircraft fuselage replica for in-flight simulation and safety drills

Dedicated space for mental wellness and flexibility training

Awards, affiliations, and alumni success showcase
“You stare at the calendar. You just turned 25. A relative told you, 'Beta, air hostess job is only for 18-year-olds.' You panic.”
“You have practiced your introduction a hundred times. Your makeup is flawless. You are ready to conquer the interview.”

Vidhi Patel hired by Qatar Airways (AIASL), Ahmedabad Airport
Stories from The Sky
Free career counselling + scholarship test for Colombo students. Join 5,000+ Wings alumni working at top airlines, hotels, and travel companies across India and abroad.