The First Step: Making the Decision!

Before stepping into the world of aviation through the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation, you must be clear about your goals. Are you passionate about flying and aspire to make it a full-time career? This program is designed specifically for those who dream of flying for IndiGo Airlines as a professional pilot. It involves rigorous training, financial planning, and long-term dedication to aviation excellence.

Meeting the Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program under Insight Aviation, you must fulfill specific prerequisites aligned with DGCA and IndiGo standards:

Educational Qualification:

Minimum 10+2 with good marks in Physics, Mathematics, and English from a recognized board. Candidates holding higher degrees (B.Sc., B.Tech) are also eligible.

Age Requirements:

Minimum age: 18 years at the time of application.

There is no upper age limit, but candidates typically fall between 18–32 years.

Medical Requirements:

A Class 2 DGCA Medical Certificate is required to begin the selection process.

Before starting flight training, you must clear a Class 1 Medical Examination from a DGCA-approved medical examiner.

Normal eyesight (with or without correction), color vision, hearing, and overall health are essential.

Specific Requirements for Female Pilots

The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation welcomes aspiring female aviators and follows all DGCA regulations pertaining to women in aviation. It’s important to be aware of specific guidelines applicable to female pilots:

Pregnancy:

As per DGCA regulations, female cadets and pilots must be grounded during pregnancy and for a medically recommended period after childbirth. Resumption of flying duties is subject to fitness clearance by a DGCA-approved medical examiner.

Gynecological Health:

Regular gynecological evaluations are essential to ensure medical fitness for flying duties. Any conditions that may affect flight safety or personal health must be monitored and managed appropriately under DGCA guidelines.

Meeting these requirements, along with maintaining overall physical and mental fitness, is essential for a safe and successful aviation career under the IndiGo Cadet Program.

Choosing the Right Flight School

Selecting the right flight school is a critical step in your journey to becoming a professional pilot. The Insight Aviation – IndiGo Cadet Program partners with DGCA-approved training institutes that offer:

A structured and advanced curriculum
Highly experienced instructors with global exposure
Modern, well-maintained aircraft and simulators
Balanced student-aircraft and instructor-student ratio
A training environment that promotes discipline, safety, and learning excellence

Choosing a well-equipped and reputed flight school significantly enhances your skills, confidence, and overall progression in the aviation industry.

Ground School – Building Theoretical Knowledge

Before taking to the skies through the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation, it's essential to develop a solid understanding of core aviation principles. The Ground School phase lays the foundation for all future flight training by covering a wide range of theoretical subjects, including:

Meteorology – Understanding weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, and their impact on flight.
Air Regulations – Familiarity with national and international aviation laws, airspace structures, and DGCA guidelines.
Air Navigation – Learning how to read charts, plot routes, and use navigation systems accurately.
Technical General – Studying the basics of aircraft systems, engines, instruments, and aerodynamics.
Technical Specific – Detailed knowledge of the specific aircraft you'll be training on.
Radio Telephony – Mastery of standard aviation communication procedures, phraseology, and radio equipment.

A strong command over these subjects is crucial for clearing DGCA examinations and progressing confidently towards your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The Insight Aviation Ground School is designed to ensure that cadets are fully prepared—both academically and professionally—for the responsibilities of a pilot.

Flight Training – Logging Your Hours

After building a strong theoretical foundation in Ground School, the flight training phase is where your real aviation journey takes off. Under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation, practical flight training is conducted at DGCA-approved domestic or international training facilities, ensuring world-class standards and safety.

Depending on your licensing goals, here’s what you will require:

Private Pilot License (PPL):
Minimum 40 flight hours are mandated by DGCA. However, most cadets typically log 50–60 hours to build proficiency and confidence in solo and dual flights.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
Requires a minimum of 200 total flight hours, including:

185 hours on Single Engine Aircraft

25 hours on Multi-Engine Aircraft and/or Simulator
These hours include solo flying, cross-country navigation, night flying, and instrument flying.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):
For future captains, the ATPL demands 1,500 hours of flying experience, which is generally accumulated after earning the CPL, through roles like flight instructor, charter pilot, or co-pilot in scheduled operations.

The Insight Aviation flight training curriculum ensures that cadets receive structured, supervised, and log-compliant flying experience to meet DGCA and IndiGo standards, preparing them for smooth transition to airline operations.

DGCA Exams and Final Check

As a cadet in the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation, clearing DGCA examinations is a mandatory step at every stage of your training. These exams assess your theoretical knowledge and operational readiness, and are essential for progressing toward your Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

DGCA Exam Passing Criteria:
You must score at least 70 out of 100 in each subject to pass. Subjects include Meteorology, Air Regulations, Navigation, Technical General, and others covered during Ground School.

Radio Telephony License:
You are also required to clear both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR) exam to obtain this license, which is crucial for radio communication during flight.

Final Skill Check:
After completing the required flight hours on Single Engine and Multi-Engine aircraft, and successfully clearing all theoretical exams, you will undergo a Skill Test (Check Ride) conducted by a DGCA-authorized examiner.
Passing this assessment officially qualifies you for your Commercial Pilot License.

Type Rating – Specializing in a Commercial Aircraft

Once you obtain your CPL, the next critical phase is Type Rating – a highly specialized training program that allows you to operate a specific type of commercial aircraft.

For cadets of the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program, this typically involves aircraft like the Airbus A320, IndiGo’s primary fleet type.

Training is conducted in Level-D Full Flight Simulators, which replicate real aircraft operations with precision.

Type Rating includes system knowledge, normal and emergency procedures, multi-crew coordination (MCC), and line-oriented flight training (LOFT).

This phase is a significant financial and professional investment, but it is essential for transitioning from a licensed pilot to a First Officer in a commercial airline cockpit.

Applying for Airline Jobs and Clearing Assessments

After earning your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and successfully completing your Type Rating, the next crucial step in your aviation journey is securing a position with a commercial airline. The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation is designed to streamline this transition, but all candidates must undergo a rigorous assessment process to ensure they are ready for airline operations.

Here’s what the selection process typically includes:

Written Examinations:
These assess your aviation knowledge, including technical concepts, operational procedures, and regulatory understanding. Basic aptitude tests may also be included to evaluate numerical and logical reasoning.

COMPASS/ADAPT Testing:
These internationally recognized assessments are used to evaluate your:

Cognitive abilities

Spatial orientation

Multi-tasking capability

Hand-eye coordination
Performing well in these tests demonstrates your mental readiness for a high-pressure cockpit environment.

Group Discussions & Personal Interviews:
Airlines assess your communication skills, situational judgment, teamwork, and decision-making abilities through group exercises and interviews conducted by trained panels.

The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to clear these assessments and step into the role of a Junior First Officer with professionalism and competence.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot?

The duration of becoming a commercial airline pilot through the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation depends on various factors including training intensity, weather conditions, regulatory approvals, and individual progress. Below is a general timeline:

Private Pilot License (PPL):
Typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on scheduling, weather, and exam readiness.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
Usually completed within 12 to 18 months. This can vary based on the pace of flight training, DGCA exam attempts, and aircraft availability.

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL):
Achieved over a period of 2 to 5 years, post-CPL, through job experience such as flying as a First Officer in airlines, charter operations, or flight instruction.

The Insight Aviation Cadet Program is designed to be streamlined, helping cadets complete their training efficiently while maintaining the highest quality standards.

How Much Does Pilot Training Cost in India?

Aviation is a rewarding yet high-investment career path, and costs may vary depending on the training institute, aircraft type, and location. Here's an approximate cost breakdown under the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation:

Private Pilot License (PPL):
₹7 to 10 lakh – includes basic flying hours, ground school, and examination fees.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL):
₹50 to 70 lakh – this includes ground training, flight hours, DGCA exams, accommodation, visa (for international training), and medicals.

Type Rating (e.g., Airbus A320):
₹15 to 25 lakh, depending on aircraft type and simulator location (India or abroad).

While the investment is substantial, the career opportunities, stability, and long-term earning potential in commercial aviation make it a worthwhile pursuit. The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program also offers a clear career path into one of India’s leading airlines, ensuring excellent return on investment.

Challenges in Pilot Training

The journey to becoming a commercial pilot through the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation involves more than just logging required flight hours. It’s a rigorous and evolving process influenced by multiple factors that may accelerate or delay progress. Every aspiring aviator faces unique challenges that test their commitment, patience, and mental resilienc

Step	Description
Training Frequency	The pace of your training directly correlates with how consistently you fly. Cadets who pursue full-time, immersive training tend to progress more swiftly and retain skills more effectively. On the other hand, training intermittently or only on weekends may lead to longer gaps between flights, reduced muscle memory, and a slower learning curve. ➡ Consistency is key—staying actively engaged ensures better retention, quicker milestones, and greater overall confidence.
Weather Conditions	Aviation training is naturally dependent on weather stability. Conditions like poor visibility, crosswinds, or sudden storms often lead to flight cancellations or delays. These interruptions can temporarily stall your progress. However, dealing with such uncertainties develops a cadet’s patience, flexibility, and real-world decision-making skills—essential traits for every professional pilot.
Financial Considerations	Pilot training is a high-investment career, and budget constraints can become a barrier. Some students may need to pause between training phases to arrange additional funding, which can delay overall progress. To mitigate this, careful financial planning and selecting a cost-transparent, well-structured program like Insight Aviation’s Cadet Pathway can help ensure training continuity without unnecessary breaks.
Flight School Quality	Not every flight school provides the same level of instruction or infrastructure. The quality of training you receive is largely dependent on: Instructor experience Aircraft availability Simulator access Structured course planning A reputable, DGCA-approved institution like those affiliated with Insight Aviation focuses on minimizing downtime, ensuring a disciplined environment, and preparing cadets efficiently for each phase of training.

Building a Successful Aviation Career

Earning your Commercial Pilot License is not the end—it's the beginning of a lifelong journey in the skies. As a cadet of the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation, you’re stepping into a career filled with continuous learning, challenges, and growth opportunities. Every flight sharpens your skills, every challenge strengthens your resolve, and every moment in the cockpit reaffirms your decision to fly.

As Capt. Deval Soni aptly puts it:

“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.”

This mindset is at the core of our training philosophy.

Are You Ready to Take Off?

If your answer is Yes, then it’s time to take the next step toward a fulfilling and future-ready aviation career.

The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Insight Aviation is more than just flight training—it’s a career-building platform designed to prepare you for real-world airline operations. Our program includes:

Comprehensive skill development in communication, decision-making, and cockpit leadership

Resume-building workshops to present your qualifications professionally

Interview preparation & mock assessments to help you excel in airline recruitment processes

Ongoing career counseling to guide you at every stage—from cadet to captain

Whether your dream is to fly domestic sectors or command international skies, our goal is to make you an exceptional aviator and a valuable member of any airline team.