India’s aviation industry is soaring, and with it, the demand for well-trained, competent pilots. If you’re passionate about flying and dream of joining the cockpit of one of India’s leading airlines, the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme could be your ideal gateway. Designed to provide structured, high-quality training, this programme not only equips cadets with technical skills but also aligns them with IndiGo’s operational standards and values.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme — including training fees, eligibility criteria, course duration, and more.
What is the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme?
The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme is a specialized training pathway designed for aspiring pilots with little to no flying experience. Conducted in collaboration with leading flight training organizations (FTOs) both in India and abroad, the programme ensures that cadets are fully prepared to operate IndiGo’s Airbus A320 fleet upon successful completion.
The programme includes:
Ground school for theoretical knowledge
Flying training (domestic or international)
Advanced simulator training
Type rating on the Airbus A320
Upon successful completion, cadets are eligible to join IndiGo as Junior First Officers.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Educational Qualifications
Minimum 10+2 (Class 12) with Physics and Mathematics
Minimum aggregate of 55% in Physics and Mathematics
2. Age Limit
Typically, candidates must be between 18 and 32 years of age at the time of joining
3. Nationality
Must be an Indian citizen (or eligible to work in India)
4. Medical Requirements
Must obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate from DGCA-approved medical examiners
5. Language Proficiency
Must be fluent in English (both written and spoken)
Note: Specific partner FTOs may have slightly varying criteria regarding entrance assessments and interviews.
Training Duration
The total duration of the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on:
The selected training partner
Visa processing (if training abroad)
Weather and other logistical factors
The training is typically divided into these phases:
Ground School (4-6 months) – Covers aviation theory, air regulations, meteorology, and navigation.
Flight Training (8-12 months) – Involves basic and advanced flying lessons in single- and multi-engine aircraft.
Simulator Training (1-2 months) – High-fidelity Airbus A320 simulator training.
Type Rating (1-2 months) – Prepares cadets specifically for the Airbus A320, aligning them with IndiGo’s fleet.
Training Fees
The training fees for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme typically range between ₹85 lakhs to ₹1.10 crore, depending on the training partner and whether the flight training is conducted in India or abroad.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Ground School: ₹5–₹8 lakhs
Flight Training: ₹40–₹50 lakhs (domestic) / ₹50–₹60 lakhs (international)
Simulator & Type Rating: ₹20–₹25 lakhs
Other Costs: Visa, accommodation, insurance, licensing fees, etc.
Many training organizations offer financial planning assistance, loan support through banks/NBFCs, and EMI options to help cadets manage the cost.
Training Partners
IndiGo has partnered with reputed flight training organizations, including:
CAE (Gondia, India and abroad)
L3Harris (U.K.)
FSTC (India)
Capt. Gopi Aviation Academy
Others as announced by IndiGo
Each partner may offer a slightly different training structure or timeline, so it’s advisable to review each programme carefully before applying.
Career Path After Completion
After successfully completing the programme and type rating, cadets are inducted into IndiGo as Junior First Officers (JFOs). The career path typically looks like this:
Junior First Officer
First Officer
Senior First Officer
Captain
Training Captain / Examiner (Optional progression)
With IndiGo’s expanding domestic and international network, career growth and long-term stability are strong incentives for aspiring pilots.
FAQs
Q1. Is the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme guaranteed to result in a job?
A: While successful cadets are eligible for induction as Junior First Officers, final selection is subject to meeting all IndiGo operational and safety standards at the time of hiring.
Q2. Can I apply without having studied Physics or Maths in Class 12?
A: No. DGCA requires candidates to have completed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Q3. Are loans available for training fees?
A: Yes. Most training partners have tie-ups with banks and financial institutions to offer education loans and flexible EMI options.
Q4. Can I choose the training partner or location?
A: Yes, you can choose from IndiGo’s list of approved partners. However, acceptance is subject to passing their selection process.
Q5. What happens if I fail in any stage of training?
A: Training partners often offer remedial sessions, but repeated failure may lead to withdrawal from the programme. Refunds are typically limited, depending on the stage at which a candidate exits.
Final Thoughts
The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme offers a structured, high-quality entry point into the aviation industry for aspiring commercial pilots. While the financial commitment is significant, the return in terms of a stable, rewarding career is equally promising. With the right preparation, dedication, and mindset, your dream of flying for IndiGo can become a reality.