Garuda Aviation offers a comprehensive 21-months pilot training program split into three phases.
Phase 1: Ground School
- Initial Ground School (4 months in Delhi NCR) includes DGCA exams.
- Brush-Up Ground School (1 month in South Africa) prepares for SACAA exams.
Phase 2: Flight Training
- Conducted at 43 Air School, South Africa for 9 months and at GATI, India for 4 months resulting in SACAA and DGCA licenses.
Phase 3: MCC/A320 Type Rating
- Training for operating multi-crew aircraft and qualifying to fly the A320 as a First Officer. (3 months)
More details can be found on our program page.
To be eligible to participate in this program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Age: 18-35 years on the date of application.
- Education: 10+2 with 51% or more in each of English, Math, and Physics (NIOS mark sheet and certificate accepted)
- Citizenship: Indian or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
- Medical: DGCA Class 1 medical before the date of signing the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Agreement.
- Language: Fluency in English (Written and Spoken)
- No visible piercings/tattoos.
- Initial Selection to be conducted by Garuda through ADAPT assessment
- Final Selection (Group discussion and final interview) by IndiGo
- The letter of intent to be employed by IndiGo is signed in a celebration along with other agreements which signal the completion of the selection process and the start of your training.
FAQs
To enroll in the Cadet Pilot Program, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Have completed 10+2 with a minimum of 51% in Physics, Mathematics, and English individually.
- Possess a valid Indian passport or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
- Hold a DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate at the time of application; a Class 1 Medical Certificate is required before signing the Letter of Intent (LOI).
The training duration for an average student is 21 months. This does not include the additional 1-2 months typically required for license issuance and endorsement by regulatory bodies, which can be somewhat unpredictable.
The selection process comprises:
- ADAPT Test: Assesses aptitude and psychometric skills.
- Group Activity: Evaluates communication and teamwork.
- Personal Interview: Conducted by IndiGo panelists.
Yes. Candidates can appear for the required subjects through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and must achieve a minimum of 51% in each subject to be eligible.
No. All candidates, regardless of prior flying experience, must undergo the complete commercial pilot training as outlined in the program.
Yes. Banks associated with the program’s training partners offer loans covering up to 90% of the pilot course fees, subject to individual eligibility.
Learn how to become a pilot In India via this program:
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Apply through the official portal.
- Clear the selection process (ADAPT Test, Group Activity, Personal Interview).
- Complete the 21-month commercial pilot training.
- Obtain the necessary licenses and ratings.
- Join IndiGo as a Junior First Officer upon receiving the LOI.