IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
Guiding Future Pilots with World-Class IndiGo Cadet Training
PHASE 1
Ground School (GATI/43 Air School)
- 480 hours of Ground School
- 5 hours of Flight Simulator (Complimentary)
- DGCA Exams
- SPL/FRTOL Issue
- Education and Police Verification
- South African Visa
On arrival in South Africa, you will start a 4-week ground school for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program after which you will appear for your SACAA examinations. These exams are split into the following and are valid for 18 months after passing.
- Flight Performance & Planning
- Meteorology
- Human Performance & Limitations
- Aircraft Technical & General
- Navigation
- Radio Aids & Communication
- Air Law
- Instruments
- General Radio
- IROP
The SACAA Radio License validity is tied to the validity of the SACAA CPL.

PHASE 2
Flight Training (43 Air School/GATI)
The key features of your flight training are the following:
- Integrated SACAA CPL with Instrument Rating
- Total 204 Hours of training
(168 flying hours and 36 Simulator hours) - Aircrafts flown are Piper PA28 and Cessna 172
Based on your SACAA CPL, the License Conversion and MEIR stage will comprise of the following:
- Total 15 Hours of training and checking on DA42 aircraft
- Total 17 hours of training and checking on a Cessna 172 aircraft
- Issue of DGCA CPL MEIR
At the end of the training, your documents will be submitted for issue of DGCA CPL MEIR License, which normally takes up to one month.
PHASE 3
MCC/A320 Type Rating
The MCC location is to be finalized in coordination with IndiGo. This training will comprise of the following:
- 16 Hours Ground School for JOC/MCC
- 20 Hours in a MCC Simulator
The MCC location is to be finalized in coordination with IndiGo. This training will comprise of the following:
- 72 Hours Ground School with an Exam
- 5 Hours of UPRT ground training
- 20 Hours Procedural Trainer
- 48 Hours in a A320 Level D Simulator including LOFT, Skills Tests and AWO/LVTO
Garuda Aviation’s airline pilot training program offers a well-structured pathway for aspiring pilots to develop the expertise required for a successful aviation career. This commercial pilot license course is your next step toward becoming a professional airline pilot and exploring the world.
Join the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program in India and let your dreams take flight!
FAQs
The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme is a specialized training pathway created to prepare aspiring pilots for a career with IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines. It offers a structured course that includes Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training, advanced ground school, simulator sessions, and Airbus A320 Type Rating. The program is designed to take students from zero flying experience to becoming airline-ready, culminating in a direct entry opportunity as a Junior First Officer with IndiGo.
To apply for the Indigo Cadet Pilot Program, you must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Hold a minimum of 51% marks in Mathematics, Physics, and English individually in 12th Standard or equivalent.
- Possess a DGCA Class 2 Medical certificate before applying.
Meeting these criteria makes you eligible for the commercial pilot training program.
The Indigo Pilot Program selection process includes:
- Application screening and document verification.
- ADAPT Test
- Group Activity and Personal Interview (GAPI).
Upon clearing all stages, candidates sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) and proceed with the commercial pilot training program.
The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program is designed to provide aspiring pilots with a direct pathway to the cockpit of an IndiGo aircraft. Upon successfully completing this airline pilot training program, cadets earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and an A320 Type Rating, making them eligible for a Junior First Officer role with IndiGo. This structured training program ensures a smooth transition into the aviation industry, setting cadets up for a successful career with India’s largest airline.
No, prior flying experience is not required to apply for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme. This commercial pilot training program is designed for beginners who meet the eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, medical fitness, and aptitude for aviation. The program provides all the necessary training, from ground school to A320 Type Rating, equipping cadets with the skills to become IndiGo pilots.