How to Become a Pilot – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Become a Pilot with Capt. Deval Soni
ndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

The First Step: Making the Decision! – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Before stepping into the world of aviation, you must be clear about your goals. Do you want to fly as a hobby or make it your career? Becoming a commercial pilot requires extensive training, financial investment, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Meeting the Eligibility Criteria

To become a pilot in India under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), you must meet specific criteria:

Educational Qualification:
Minimum 10+2 with decent marks in Physics, Maths and English.

Age Requirements:

Student Pilot License (SPL): 16 years

Private Pilot License (PPL): 17 years

Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 18 years

Medical Requirements:
A Class 2 medical certificate from a DGCA-certified examiner is required for initial training. Before obtaining a CPL, you must pass a Class 1 medical examination, also conducted by a DGCA-certified examiner. Good vision, normal hearing, and overall physical fitness are essential.

At Garuda Aviation, under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, we guide each aspiring cadet through these early decisions—helping you evaluate your goals, meet eligibility criteria, and prepare mentally and physically for a professional aviation career.

 

Specific Requirements for Female Pilots – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Pregnancy:
Female pilots must be grounded during pregnancy and for a period after childbirth, according to DGCA regulations.

Gynecological Health:
Regular check-ups are required to ensure overall fitness for flying duties.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is your first step towards becoming a pilot in India. It's essential to stay in good health and maintain the required physical fitness to ensure a long and successful career in aviation. At Garuda Aviation, we support our female cadets with a safe, respectful, and inclusive training environment throughout their journey.

Choosing the Right Flight School – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Selecting the right flight school is crucial. Look for DGCA-approved institutes with a strong training curriculum, experienced instructors, modern aircrafts and—most importantly—the student-aircraft as well as the instructor-student ratio in the flight school. The right training environment significantly impacts your skills and career progression.

Garuda Aviation, as a trusted training partner under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, offers cutting-edge infrastructure, highly experienced flight instructors, and personalized training paths to ensure your progress remains steady, efficient, and future-ready.

IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Ground School – Building Theoretical Knowledge – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Before you fly, you must be well aware of the aviation fundamentals. Ground knowledge includes:

Meteorology

Air Regulations

Air Navigation

Technical General

Technical Specific

Radio Telephony

A strong grasp of these subjects is essential for clearing DGCA exams and becoming a competent commercial pilot in India. At Garuda Aviation, our ground school training is designed to build a solid theoretical foundation, delivered by experienced instructors using modern tools, mock tests, and personalized learning support to help you succeed.

Flight Training – Logging Your Hours – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Practical training is where the real journey begins. Depending on your career path, here’s what you’ll need:

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.

At Garuda Aviation, your flight training under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program is delivered through structured modules with professional instructors, modern aircraft, and simulator-based multi-engine experience. We ensure every cadet logs their hours with precision, safety, and confidence.

 

IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

DGCA Exams and Final Check – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Clearing DGCA exams is mandatory at each stage which would require you to score at least 70/100 for the DGCA exams and clearing Part 1 and Part 2 to obtain the Radio Telephony license. Once you’ve logged the required hours on Single engine as well as Multi engine aircraft and passed your exams, you’ll undergo a skill test (check) with a DGCA examiner. Passing this test earns you your license.

Type Rating – Specializing in a Commercial Aircraft – Garuda Aviation

To fly for an airline, you must complete a Type Rating for a specific aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. This specialized training is conducted in full-flight simulators and is a significant investment in your aviation career.

At Garuda Aviation, we help cadets prepare for DGCA exams with structured mock tests, oral prep, and one-on-one guidance. Once licensed, we also assist in choosing the right Type Rating partner to help you transition smoothly into airline operations.

Applying for Airline Jobs and Clearing Assessments – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

With your CPL and Type Rating, the next step is securing a job with an airline. Airlines conduct rigorous selection processes, including:

Written exams on aviation knowledge and basic aptitude

Compass/Adapt to assess the cognitive abilities, spatial awareness and multi-tasking skills

Personal interviews and Group Discussions to evaluate decision-making and situational awareness

At Garuda Aviation, we provide in-depth training and preparation modules tailored to airline assessments. From aptitude test simulations to mock interviews and group discussion strategies, we prepare every cadet to face airline selections with confidence and competence.

IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot? – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

The timeline depends on training intensity and individual progress:

Private Pilot License (PPL): 3–6 months

Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 12–18 months (can extend based on training frequency)

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): 2–5 years (gained through job experience)

At Garuda Aviation, our structured scheduling and focused mentorship allow cadets to move efficiently through each phase of training while maintaining high safety and proficiency standards.

How Much Does Pilot Training Cost in India? – Garuda Aviation

Aviation is a high-investment career, and training costs vary based on the institute and aircraft used. Approximate costs:

Private Pilot License (PPL): ₹7–10 lakh

Commercial Pilot License (CPL): ₹50–70 lakh (including flight training, DGCA exams, and additional costs)

Type Rating: ₹15–25 lakh (varies by aircraft type)

Garuda Aviation ensures value at every step—offering transparent pricing, financing assistance, and payment flexibility to make your aviation journey smoother and more accessible.

Challenges in Pilot Training – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

The path to becoming a pilot goes beyond simply meeting the required flight hours. It’s shaped by different factors that can either fast-track or extend the process. Every aspiring aviator encounters obstacles that challenge their dedication, patience, and persistence at some point or the other. Some of these challenges being: 
StepDescription
Training Frequency – Garuda AviationThe pace at which a pilot progresses is directly tied to how often they train. Those who dedicate themselves to full-time training move ahead swiftly, while those training only on weekends or intermittently may experience longer gaps between lessons, leading to a slower progression. Consistency is key — staying actively engaged ensures better skill retention and a smoother learning curve.
Weather Conditions – Garuda AviationAviation is at the mercy of nature. Flight training is heavily dependent on weather conditions, and poor visibility, strong winds, or unexpected storms can result in cancellations, causing delays in flight schedules. While these challenges are inevitable, they also build patience and adaptability — qualities every great pilot must possess.
Financial Considerations – Garuda AviationThe reality of pilot training is that it requires a significant financial investment. Some students may find themselves needing to take breaks between phases due to budget constraints, which can extend their overall training timeline. Proper financial planning and selecting the right training institute can help mitigate these interruptions and keep the dream alive without unnecessary delays.
Flight School Quality – Garuda AviationNot all flight schools are created equal. A well-structured institution with experienced instructors and a disciplined training environment can make a world of difference. Renowned academies ensure students receive structured, efficient training that minimizes downtime and maximizes skill development. Choosing the right training program can be the defining factor between prolonged delays and a streamlined path to becoming a pilot.
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

Building a Successful Aviation Career – IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Garuda Aviation

A pilot’s journey doesn’t stop after getting a license—in fact, it’s just the beginning of a lifelong adventure. Every flight brings new lessons, every challenge tests your patience, and every moment in the sky reminds you why you chose this path.

Capt. Deval Soni always says,

“A good pilot isn’t just someone who flies well but someone who stays calm in a storm, adapts to the unknown, and never stops learning.”

So, are you ready to take your career to the next level? If yes, let’s get started on your journey to becoming a professional pilot with Garuda Aviation.

Our comprehensive program is designed to help you become a top-notch pilot. We’ll equip you with essential communication, decision-making, and leadership skills that will make you an asset to any aviation team. We also offer career counseling, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation to ensure you land your dream job in the aviation industry.

Have a question ?
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Contact Number

+91-7428897782

Email ID

info@devalsoni.com

Aviation

Informative Blogs

The blog section offers insightful articles, tips, and expert guidance from Capt. Soni. It focuses on aviation training, career growth, and pilot success, reflecting his dedication to nurturing the next generation of pilots.
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How to Move from PPL to CPL in India

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The Role of Empathy in Leadership: Building Trust and Connection in Aviation

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How Sports Made Me a Better Pilot: A Story of Passion, Struggles & Growth

Discover how sports played a crucial role in shaping my journey as a pilot. From tennis and squash to endurance and teamwork, learn how athletic skills translate to the aviation world.

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How to Motivate Others on Their Journey

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Exploring Aviation Industry Trends: The Future of Flight

Discover the latest trends shaping the aviation industry—from sustainable fuels and AI-driven automation to evolving passenger expectations. Insights from Capt. Deval Soni, Commander on A-320 Airbus.

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Student testimonial

Capt. Deval Soni is renowned for his exceptional mentorship, expertise, and dedication to empowering aspiring pilots. With extensive experience as a commercial pilot and trainer, he simplifies complex aviation concepts, making learning engaging and accessible for students.
Capt. Soni’s DGCA ground classes are highly sought after, as he covers critical topics like air navigation, meteorology, and aviation regulations with clarity and precision, ensuring students are fully prepared for their exams. His expertise extends to cadet pilot programs, where he provides invaluable support in airline-specific assessments, interview preparation, and skill development.

Incredible Mentor and Trainer!

Deval Soni is one of the best mentors I’ve had during my DGCA ground classes. He simplifies even the most complex topics like navigation and meteorology, making them easy to understand. His passion for aviation is truly inspiring, and he’s always ready to guide us, no matter the question."
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Arjun Patel
2022 Batch

Perfect Guide for Aspiring Pilots

Deval Soni Sir has been a phenomenal trainer throughout my cadet pilot program. His practical insights and step-by-step guidance on how to become a pilot have given me the confidence to pursue my dream career in aviation. Highly recommended!
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Riya Sharma
2023 Batch

Knowledgeable and Supportive

Deval Sir DGCA ground classes are top-notch! His ability to teach with real-world examples and his patient approach have helped me excel in my exams. He is not just a great trainer but also a fantastic pilot who inspires us to aim higher.
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Anamika Mehta
2022 Batch

A Mentor Who Truly Cares

Deval Soni is more than just a trainer—he’s a mentor who genuinely cares about his students’ success. He has been instrumental in helping me understand the path to becoming a pilot, from clearing cadet pilot exams to excelling in ground school. His dedication is unmatched.
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Neha Gupta
2023 Batch