The First Step: Choosing the Air India Cadet Path

Before taking off on your aviation journey, it's important to ask yourself:
Are you ready to make flying your profession with India’s national carrier?

The Air India Cadet Pilot Programme is not just a flight training course — it’s a commitment to a professional career in commercial aviation. It demands focus, discipline, financial planning, and a passion for continuous learning.

Meeting the Eligibility Criteria for Air India’s Cadet Pilot Programme

To apply for the Air India Cadet Pilot Programme, you must fulfill the following requirements:

Educational Qualification

• Minimum 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics, and English from a recognized board or university.
• A strong academic foundation, especially in Math and Physics, helps during ground school and flight training.

Age Requirement

• Minimum 17 years of age at the time of application.
• Maximum age may vary depending on the training partner, usually up to 32 years

Medical Fitness

• A valid DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate is required for initial application.
• Before flying solo or progressing to advanced stages, you must obtain a DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate.

You must meet the medical standards defined by the DGCA — including:

• Good eyesight (correctable to 6/6)
• Normal hearing
• Overall physical and mental fitness

Specific Considerations for Female Cadets

The Air India Cadet Pilot Programme is open to all eligible candidates regardless of gender. However, there are certain health-related considerations that female cadets should be aware of, in line with DGCA regulations:

Pregnancy:Female cadets who become pregnant during training or while holding a valid license are required to be temporarily grounded.

Gynecological Health:Regular health check-ups are recommended to ensure continued medical fitness.

The Air India Cadet Programme expects all candidates — male or female — to demonstrate long-term commitment and physical readiness for a professional flying career.

Choosing the Right Training Partner (Flight School)

Under the Air India Cadet Pilot Programme, you don’t need to search for a flight school independently. Once selected, cadets are assigned to DGCA-approved Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) through Air India’s official training partners.

That said, the quality of the training institute matters greatly. Here’s what you can expect from the selected FTOs:

✅ DGCA Approval & Global Accreditation

✅ Structured Curriculum tailored to airline operations

✅ Experienced Instructors with real-world flying backgrounds

✅ Modern Fleet of training aircraft and advanced simulators

✅ Balanced student-aircraft and instructor-student ratio

✈️ Your learning environment plays a vital role in shaping your skills, discipline, and confidence as a future airline pilot.

Ground School – Building a Strong Theoretical Foundation

Before you take to the skies, you must first master the theory that keeps aircraft safely in the air. As part of the Air India Cadet Pilot Programme, cadets undergo a comprehensive Ground School training phase designed to build in-depth knowledge of aviation fundamentals.

Subjects Covered:

• Meteorology – Understanding weather patterns and their impact on flight operations
• Air Regulations – Learning the rules and laws that govern Indian and international aviation
• Air Navigation – Mastering the art of planning and executing a flight route
• Technical General – Gaining knowledge about aircraft systems, aerodynamics, and engines
• Technical Specific – Studying the technical aspects of the aircraft you will eventually operate (e.g. Airbus A320)
• Radio Telephony – Learning aviation communication procedures and phraseolo

Cadets are trained by certified ground instructors and often have access to digital tools, mock tests, and instructor-led sessions to reinforce their learning.

Flight Training – Logging Your Hours in the Sky

Once you've built a strong foundation through Ground School, the real journey begins in the cockpit. Under the Air India Cadet Pilot Programme, selected cadets undergo structured flight training at DGCA-approved Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) in India or abroad, depending on the training partner.

Private Pilot License (PPL): Minimum 40 flight hours (most students complete 50-60 for proficiency).
 

Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Minimum 200 flight hours, including 185 hours on Single engine aircraft and 25 hours on Multi Engine Aircraft/Simulator.
 

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): Requires 1,500 hours, usually accumulated through working as an instructor or in charter operations.

DGCA Exams and Final Check

Clearing DGCA exams is mandatory throughout the programme. You must score at least 70/100 in all subjects and clear both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Radio Telephony exam. After logging required hours on single and multi-engine aircraft, you will appear for a final skill check with a DGCA examiner. Passing this earns you your CPL.

Type Rating – Specializing in the Airbus A320

To fly with Air India, you must complete a Type Rating on the Airbus A320. This specialized training is conducted in full-flight simulators and prepares you to operate complex commercial jets. It’s a critical step toward becoming a First Officer with the airline.

Final Airline Assessments and Induction

With your CPL and A320 Type Rating complete, the next step is joining Air India. The airline follows a rigorous selection process, including:

• Written exams to assess aviation knowledge and general aptitude
• Compass/ADAPT tests to evaluate multitasking, spatial skills, and cognitive ability
• Personal Interviews and Group Discussions to assess decision-making and team dynamics

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

The timeline under the Air India Cadet Pilot Programme depends on training structure and individual pace:

• Ground School + Flight Training (CPL): 18–24 months
• Type Rating (A320): 2–3 months
• Induction as First Officer: Follows successful completion and assessments

How Much Does Cadet Pilot Training Cost?

Becoming a cadet pilot is a significant investment. Costs vary by training partner and location. Approximate range:

• Cadet Programme (CPL + Ground School): ₹45–65 lakh
• Type Rating (Airbus A320): ₹15–25 lakh
• Additional Costs (medical, DGCA fees, etc.): Extra ₹2–5 lakh