Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Pilot in India with IndiGo and CAE

Dreaming of flying for IndiGo? Here’s a clear roadmap to launch your career as a professional airline pilot through IndiGo and CAE’s world-class training pathways.

Why Choose the Indigo Cadet Pilot Programme?

1. Guaranteed Airline Placement

Unlike generic pilot courses, successful graduates of this cadet programme secure an offer to join Indigo as a First Officer, giving you a clear, dependable career trajectory from day one.

2.Comprehensive Training Pathway

From foundational ground school to sophisticated simulator sessions and real-world flight training, every stage is meticulously designed to ensure you meet Indigo’s operational standards and DGCA regulatory requirements.

3. Global Training Standards

Training partners like CAE bring decades of aviation expertise, operating world-class facilities across the globe. You receive exposure to international best practices and cutting-edge technology.

4.Structured Mentorship

Throughout the course, experienced instructors and Indigo pilots guide you, providing feedback, personal development advice, and preparation for airline assessments.

5-Phase Training

1. Selection

Aptitude, English, Psychomotor

Personality, Simulator, Interview

2. Ground School

India (6–8 months)

DGCA CPL subjects

3. Flight Training

India/Abroad (12 months)

200+ hours, CPL test

4. A320 Type Rating

2–3 months

Simulator & SOPs

5. Indigo Induction

Job offer

Orientation

First Officer role

Direct pathway to Indigo cockpit

1. Eligibility

Age: 18–32 yrs
Education: 10+2 (Physics, Maths, 51%)
Nationality: Indian
English: Fluent
Medical: DGCA Class 1
Passport: Valid

2. Training Locations

India: Gondia (NFTI)
Australia: Melbourne
Europe: CAE Academies

Modern aircraft, expert instructors, full ground school facilities

Programme Duration

On average, cadets complete training in 18–24 months, including:

Selection & assessments
Ground school
Flight training
Type Rating

Career Path After Graduation

First Officer (Airbus A320)
After induction, you begin line flying with Indigo.
Senior First Officer
Promotion after meeting flight hour requirements (~1500 hours).
Captain
Upgrade upon completing further assessments and experience.
Instructor/Examiner Roles
Additional growth opportunities within Indigo.

Fees and Financial Support

Estimated Cost: ₹80–₹100 lakh (subject to training location and batch)

Includes:

Ground school tuition
Flight training fees
Licensing and regulatory costs
Type Rating training
Accommodation during overseas training

Financing Options:

Education loans available through partner banks (up to 90% coverage)
Structured payment schedules
Loan facilitation assistance from CAE and Indigo

Application Process

Online Application Submission
Submit your application on the official CAE or Indigo website.
Assessment Scheduling
Receive invitation for assessments and interview.
Screening & Evaluation
Clear all aptitude, technical, and personality assessments.
Medical Certification
Obtain DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
Admission Offer
Receive admission confirmation and fee details.
Training Commencement
Begin your journey to becoming a professional pilot.

🔹 How to Prepare for Assessments

Refresh Class 12 Physics and Maths fundamentals
Improve English communication skills
Practice online aptitude tests (numerical reasoning, spatial awareness)
Use flight simulation software to build coordination
Read aviation regulations and industry updates

Challenges in Cadet Pilot Training

Training to become an airline pilot through the IndiGo Cadet Programme – CAE is intense and demanding. Beyond flying hours, cadets face various challenges that test their focus, discipline, and determination. Several factors can influence progress and success, including:

Step	Description
Factors That Impact Cadet Training Progress	Even in a structured programme like the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme – CAE, certain variables affect the pace of training. Cadets must navigate these with discipline and adaptability:
Training Frequency	Full-time commitment accelerates progress. Regular flying improves skill retention, while long gaps or part-time training can lead to setbacks and extended timelines.
Training Infrastructure	CAE offers world-class simulators, experienced instructors, and global standards. This minimizes idle time and ensures a seamless learning experience from start to finish.
Weather Conditions	Flight schedules depend on favorable weather. Poor visibility, winds, or storms can cause unavoidable delays. Learning to stay patient and adaptive is part of the pilot mindset.
Financial Planning	Though the cadet programme offers transparent costs, timely fee payments are essential. Delays due to financial issues can pause your training cycle, so budgeting wisely is crucial.