Join a Cadet Pilot Program in India or abroad through IndiGo’s network of leading global training partners. Each offers a clear route from ground school to Airbus A320 type rating. This guide explores eligibility, programme structure, training partners, costs, and the exact steps to apply. Take your first step towards becoming an IndiGo pilot with our Airline Entrance Exam Course designed for Cadet Pilot Programme Entrances.
Cadet Pilot Programmes are a structured ab-initio pathway that takes aspiring pilots from zero flight time to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), with direct induction pathways to the airline as Junior First Officers.
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme enables candidates to train for a CPL and receive A320 type rating. They then transition into Junior First Officer (JFO) roles with the airline. Program structure and partner selection vary by training partner.
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme in India have an extensive eligibility criteria.
Nationality: Applicants must be Indian nationals or OCIs and hold a valid passport.
Minimum Age: 18 years; upper limit varies (commonly 32-35 years).
Education requirement: 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics and English with minimum score of 51% / Grade Point 6 / Grade C1 in each subject.
Medical: Must obtain DGCA Class 2 medical before applying and DGCA Class 1 medical certificate before LOI signing. Visible tattoos or piercings may disqualify.
Check out their eligibility criteria here.
IndiGo and it’s partners have a multi-stage rigorous selection process:
Step 1: Online application
Step 2: Psychometric/adapt tests (ADAPT/CASS)
Step 3: Group exercise
Step 4: Personal interview
Step 5: Letter of Intent (LOI) signing
Preparing for IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program? Gaurang Pilot Classes provides Airline Entrance Exam Preparation in just 2-4 months! Consolidate your learning and secure your seat with Gaurang Pilot Classes Academy’s extensive Cadet Pilot Programme Entrance Course. It includes:
Written Test Preparation
Psychometric & Aptitude Test Prep
Simulator Training
Interview and Soft Skills Training
Read our Complete Guide on Cadet Pilot Programmes in India to learn more.
IndiGo has partnered with multiple flying schools and operators to provide Cadet Pilot Programs in India and abroad.
1. Marigold Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 21 months
Phases:
Phase 1: 15 months ground school + DGCA & CPL-MEIR at Marigold
Phase 2: 4 months foreign license conversion
Phase 3: 2 months Airbus A320 type rating
Location: Korat (Thailand) and Gondia (India)
Fees: INR 1,17,01,602
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: ADAPT test
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
2. CAE Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 18-20 months
Phases:
Phase 1: 6 months ground school + 10 months DGCA CPL Flight Training
Phase 2: 2 months Jet Induction Training + Airbus A320 type rating
Location: Gondia (India), Bengaluru (India), New Delhi (India), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok (Thailand)
Fees: INR 97,26,800
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: ADAPT test
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
3. CAA- IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 20 months
Phases:
Phase 1: Ground Training
Phase 2: Flight Training (CPL- SE/IR)
Phase 3: Type Rating for Airbus A320
Location: Gurugram, Dhana, Neemuch (India),
Fees: INR 94,10,000
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: ADAPT test
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
4. Skyborne Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 12 months flight training
Phases:
Phase 1: Ground Training
Phase 2: Flight Training
Phase 3: Flight License Conversion and A320 Type Rating
Location: Florida (USA)
Fees: INR 1,24,11,070
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: Aptitude tests
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
Skyborne Cadet Pilot Program provides for dual FAA and CPL licenses.
Note: It is mandatory to complete DGCA CPL theory exams Air Regulations, Meteorology, Navigation, Technical Specific Paper (C172R) and Radio Telephony (RTR) exam, before you commence your flight training under Skyborne Cadet Pilot Program.
5. Insight Aviation Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 21 months
Phases:
Phase 1: 4 months Ground School
Phase 2: 11 months Flying Training
Phase 3: 4 months License Conversion
Phase 4: 2 months A320 Type Rating
Location: India and South Africa
Fees: INR 1,13,01,918
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: Insight Aviation Assessment
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
6. FTA IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 46 weeks flight training
Phases:
Phase 1: DGCA Ground Theory
Phase 2: Flight Training
Phase 3: DGCA License Conversion
Phase 4: A320 Type Rating
Location: Adelaide or Toowoomba (Australia) and India
Fees: INR 1,32,13,338
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: ADAPT test
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
7. Garuda Aviation IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 21 months
Phases:
Phase 1: DGCA Ground Theory
Phase 2: Flight Training
Phase 3:DGCA License Conversion
Phase 4: A320 Type Rating
Location: South Africa and Dwarka (India)
Fees: INR 1,16,13,058
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: Garuda Assessment
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
8. NZICPA IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 21 months
Phases:
Phase 1: DGCA Ground Theory
Phase 2: Flight Training
Phase 3: DGCA License Conversion
Phase 4: A320 Type Rating
Location: New Zealand and Gurugram (India)
Fees: No information
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: ADAPT test
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
9. Acron Aviation IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program
Duration: 22 months
Phases:
Phase 1: 3 months DGCA Ground Theory, India
Phase 2: 16 months Flight Training, Florida
Phase 3: DGCA License Conversion, India
Phase 4: A320 Type Rating, USA or Thailand
Location: Florida (USA) and India
Fees: No information
Assessment Tests:
Stage 1: ADAPT test
Stage 2: Group activity
Stage 3: Personal interview
You will obtain dual FAA and CPL license
The fees for IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme in India ranges from ~ INR 94,00,000 to ~ INR 1,32,00,000.
Exact costs depend on training partner and location.
Some providers mention bank financing and support for cadets.
As this is a major investment for a flying career, aspiring pilots should evaluate training quality, licence validity, and job alignment.
Successful cadets may join as Junior First Officer with IndiGo on the Airbus A320 fleet.
The programme covers conversion to DGCA-licenced CPL and A320 type rating, preparing for airline pilot roles.
Direct pathway: training linked to airline career on IndiGo’s A320 fleet.
Top-tier training partners with global infrastructure and DGCA/FAA approved modules.
Structured training means you focus on your pilot licence and transition to flying rather than navigating separate steps.
Click here to compare top Cadet Pilot Programmes in India .
The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme offers a clear and structured route for those aiming for a career as an airline pilot. With global training partners, well-defined training phases, and a potential job pathway, it stands out for aspiring pilots focused on pilot training, pilot licencing and certification, and airline employment.
If you meet the eligibility and are ready for the investment, this programme could be the launchpad for your aviation career.
Contact Gaurang Pilot Classes to enrol in Airline Entrance Preparatory Course today!