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Air India Cadet Pilot Program: Complete Guide

Air India Cadet Pilot Program is India’s flagship carrier pilot training pathway. Selected candidates receive Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training and Type Rating directly from Air India.

This program transforms aspiring pilots into Air India First Officers from day one.

Ready to take your first step towards becoming a professional pilot? Join FMS Academy’s Airline Entrance Exam Course and seize your seat at Air India Cadet Pilot Programme!

Air India Cadet Pilot Program
Air India Cadet Pilot Program

What is the Air India Cadet Pilot Program?

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.

Air India Cadet Pilot Programme selects aspiring pilots for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Training and Type Rating. The training is provided at Air India Flying Training Academy and two global partner schools.

Upon completion, cadets join Air India as First Officers.

This is your path to flying India’s flag carrier worldwide.

Eligibility & Entry Requirements for Air India Cadet Pilot Program

Air India Cadet Pilot Program eligibility criteria is as follows:

  • Nationality: Applicants must be Indian nationals or OCIs and hold a valid passport.
  • Minimum Age: 18 to 30 years
  • Education Qualification: 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics and English with minimum score of 60% / Grade Point 6 / Grade C1 in each subject.
    • NIOS Certificate accepted
  • Medical Requirement: DGCA Class 1 medical certificate 
  • English Proficiency: Good command of written and spoken English
  • Reapplication Policy: 3-month cooling period between applications

Check out their eligibility criteria here.

Selection Process for Air India Cadet Pilot Program

Air India Cadet Program application is a multi-stage process:

  • Step 1: Online application through portal.

  • Step 2: Applications Screening to check eligibility criteria.

  • Step 3: Aptitude Tests to measure cognitive abilities and aviation aptitude.

  • Step 4: Psychometric Assessments to check compatibility and decision-making skills.

  • Step 5: Group discussion to assess leadership qualities, teamwork and high-pressure environment handling.

  • Step 6: Flight Simulator Test

  •  Step 7: Interviews to check candidate suitability for Air India Cadet Programme.

  • Step 8: Final Selection with LOI signing.

To clear Air India Cadet Pilot Programme Entrance with flying colours, join FMS Academy’s Airline Entrance Exam Course.

We help you ace the Air India selection process. in just 2-4 months! The course covers:

  1. Written Test Preparation
  2. Psychometric & Aptitude Test Prep
  3. Simulator Training
  4. Interview and Soft Skills Training

Read our Complete Guide on Cadet Pilot Programmes in India to learn more.

What Are the Different Air India Cadet Pilot Programs?

Duration: Air India Cadet Pilot Programs run for approximately 24 months (including Type Rating)

CPL Ground Training:

Candidates under Cadet Pilot Program undergo CPL Ground training in India.

CPL Flying Training

Air India Pilot Training is held at the following academies:

  1. Air India Flying Training Academy, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

  2. AeroGuard Flight Training Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

  3. Acron Aviation Academy, Stanford, Florida, USA

Air India Type Rating and License Conversion are held in India.

What Is the Cost of Air India Cadet Pilot Program in India?

The fees for Air India Cadet Pilot Programme in India ranges from ~ INR 1,00,00,000 to ~ INR 1,25,00,000.

  • Exact costs depend on training partner and location. Eg, AIFTA, Amravati.

  • Air India partners with TATA Capital to finance aviation training. Cadets can choose other financial institutions also.

As this is a major investment for a flying career, aspiring pilots should evaluate training quality, licence validity, and job alignment.

Career Pathway after Air India Cadet Pilot Program

Your career as Air India pilot will look as follows:

  • Direct Path to Air India Cockpit: No uncertainty about airline placements. Guaranteed career pathway with Air India. 

  • Type Rating on Air India Fleet: Type rating based on fleet requirement. Ready to operate Air India aircraft immediately.

  • Join as First Officer: Start your airline career as First Officer. Operate Air India flights from day one. Begin building flying hours and experience.

Why Choose the Air India Cadet Pilot Program?

Air India is one of the most reputed airlines in India with a global footprint. Here’s why it offers the top Cadet Pilot Program in India :

  • Represent India Around the Globe: Air India is India’s flagship international carrier. Fly the tricolor to destinations worldwide. Make India proud in every international sector.
  • Technologically Advanced Fleet: Train on Air India’s modern aircraft fleet. Fleet expanding 3X in coming years. More aircraft = more pilot opportunities.
  • Be Part of Air India’s Transformation: Air India aspiring to become world-class airline by 2027. Join during the airline’s most exciting transformation phase. Grow with the airline as it scales globally.
  • Competitive Salary & Benefits: Air India pilots receive attractive compensation. Comprehensive benefits package from day one. Financial stability throughout your career.

Why Choose FMS Aviation Academy?

FMS Aviation Academy has been successful in helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams! With 4 centres across India, we offer: 

  • Proven Results: 300+ students trained successfully across India.

  • AI-Powered Learning: India’s first smart platform for DGCA ground classes.

  • Expert Mentorship: Learn directly from Senior Captain Manjeet Singh.

  • Concept-Based Training: Build real understanding, not rote knowledge.

  • Transparent Guidance: No fake approvals or inflated success claims.

  • Career-Oriented Coaching: From DGCA prep or Cadet Programme entrance to airline readiness.

  • Lifetime Mentorship: Continuous support through flight training and interviews.

Conclusion

Air India Cadet Pilot Program offers a prestigious pathway to becoming an airline pilot. Join India’s flagship carrier and represent the nation globally by clearing the entrance with our Cadet Pilot Programme Entrance Course!

Alternatively, you can follow the Conventional Pilot Training by beginning your DGCA Ground Training with FMS today!

Your wings are waiting. Begin your application today and become a Pilot!

Contact FMS to enrol in our courses.

FAQs on Air India Cadet Pilot Program

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Picture of Devyani Gusain

Devyani Gusain

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