IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme

The unique IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme is specifically designed for individuals with no previous flying experience who would like to embark on a career as a pilot.

The programme comprises two phases of training.

Phase 1 - Commercial Pilot License with ME IR (CPL ME IR)

Domestic Pathway

Phase 2 – A320 Type Rating with Jet Introduction Training (JIT) & Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)

 The above training duration are excluding but not limited to DGCA licensing, visa applications, weather disruptions and remedials that might extend the duration of the cadet training.

Qualifying Requirements

1. Minimum Age: 18 Years on Last Date of Application.

2. Maximum Age: 35 Years on Last Date of Application.

3. Minimum Education Qualification:

(a) 10+2 with minimum score of 51% / Grade Point 6 / Grade C1 (CBSE) individually in each subject i.e., Physics / Mathematics / English.

(b) Candidates with qualifications awarded by the accredited/approved/recognized foreign boards and Universities are to obtain an academic equivalency certificate from AIU (Association of Indian Universities) for the aforesaid subjects, validating a minimum score of 51% for each subject.

4. The candidate must be an Indian National or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder, security clearance from the regulatory authority will be obtained by the OCI holder prior to registration for the Cadet Pilot Program.

5. Have a valid passport and unrestricted right to live and work in India, with the ability to travel unrestricted worldwide.

6. Medical Certificate:

(a) Valid DGCA Class 1 medical certificate (no limitations).

(b) Candidates can apply using Class 2 Medicals; however, they must have Indian DGCA Class 1 Medical certificate at the time of signing IndiGo cadet pilot agreement (to avoid delays in start of training or monetary loss in case of rejection by the medical board at a later stage).

Notes:

(a) NIOS mark sheet and certificate are accepted with minimum score of 51% in Mathematics, Physics and English individually. (The candidate may apply on the basis of NIOS provisional marksheet however, they must submit the final/original NIOS marksheet before signing IndiGo Cadet Pilot Agreement).

(b) Cadets are recommended to remain within the globally recognized BMI range of 18 to 25 (normal weight category)

(c) Body piercing / tattoos should not be visible.

Our selection process is as below:
Once the candidate meets the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program eligibility they are called for the following stages.

Stage 1: ADAPT

The assessment is designed to measure your skills and aptitude including psychomotor, cognitive, problem solving and decision-making skills.

Stage 2: Group activity

Once you have passed the ADAPT test, you will be invited for a group activity assessment that will be conducted in the presence of a selection panel from IndiGo. This test will assess your communication skills and team coordination.

Stage 3: Personal interview

Upon clearing the Group activity candidates will be invited for a Personal Interview conducted by IndiGo Panelist. This phase gives you opportunity to articulate your aspiration and experience.

Upon successfully completing the above selection process, our team will further initiate the LOI signing.

1. What is IndiGo Cadet Pilot Training Programme?

The IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme have been established to cater to the growing global need for new pilots. Selected by IndiGo from day one, you will embark upon a unique route of training. Successful completion of training and the final checks by IndiGo will take you directly to the role of Junior First Officer on the Airbus A320 aircraft, flying IndiGo domestic and international routes.

2. How can I participate in the selection process for IndiGo Cadet Pilot Training Programme?

In order to participate in the selection process for IndiGo Cadet Pilot Training Programme, you are first required to meet the eligibility criteria so that you may fill the query form on website. You are not supposed to fill the query form if you do not meet the eligibility criteria. Once you have filled the query form on website, CAE Representative will get in touch with you regarding upcoming batch details.

3. I am not 18 years of age yet. Can I still apply?

No, you must be 18 years of age before filling the application form. Age criteria for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Training Programme is:

Minimum Age: 18 Years on Last Date of Application

Maximum Age: 35 Years on Last Date of Application

4. I have not done my DCGA Class 2 & Class 1 medicals yet. Can I fill the application form?

No, it is mandatory to obtain a DGCA Class 2 Medical (at least the initial CA-Form 35) before filling the application form. Class 1 Medical is required once you have cleared Personal Interview & few days prior to LOI Signing. Without Class 1 Medical, LOI will not be signed.

5. I have less marks in Mathematics (less than 51%) in my 12^th Std. Can I still apply?

No, as per the guidelines it is mandatory to have a minimum 51% percentage of marks in all 3 subjects (Physics, Mathematics & English) individually. Graduation/ Post Graduation marks will not be considered under any circumstances. You may appear for NIOS, obtain a minimum of 51% in NIOS Exams for mathematics or other required subject(s) (where score is less than 51%) & then apply.

NIOS mark sheet and certificate are accepted with minimum score of 51% in Mathematics, Physics and English individually. You may apply on the basis of NIOS provisional marksheet however, you must submit the final/original NIOS marksheet before signing IndiGo Cadet Pilot Agreement/ LOI Signing.

6. I did not have Mathematics & Physics in my 12^th Std. How can I become eligible for the programme?

You may appear for NIOS Exam for the required subjects. You may apply on the basis of NIOS provisional marksheet however, you must submit the final/original NIOS marksheet before signing IndiGo Cadet Pilot Agreement/ LOI Signing.

7. I am yet to complete my final semester / notice period / other personal agenda and will be done in 2 months or so. Can I apply now while I complete my final semester / notice period / other personal agenda?

No, you must apply for the program only if you are fully available to join the batch.

8. What happens after I submit the application to CAE Representative?

Once you submit the application CAE will screen your application & verify your documents post which you will be invited to appear for CASS / ADAPT Test in our center at Gurugram (India). In case you clear CASS you will be invited to appear for a Group Activity & Personal Interview (GAPI) in Gurugram. Only after clearing all 3 rounds (CASS, GA & PI) you will be invited to sign the Letter of Intent (LOI) with IndiGo.

9. What happens after LOI?

The candidate is required to pay the initial Admission Confirmation & 1^st Installment amount post which candidate can report to NFTI Gondia to start their CPL Training.

10. What if I fail CASS / ADAPT Test?

For unsuccessful candidates, the 2nd attempt for CASS will only be after a minimum cooling period of 6 months. If the 2nd attempt is unsatisfactory, the candidate will not be considered for the IndiGo cadet pilot program in the future.

11. What if I fail in Group Activity (GA)?

If you are unsuccessful in Group Activity, the 2nd attempt directly for you will only be after a minimum cooling period of 6 months. If the 2nd attempt is unsatisfactory, you will not be considered for the IndiGo cadet pilot program in the future.

12. What if I fail in Personal Interview (PI)?

If you are unsuccessful in Personal Interview, you will have a minimum cooling period of 3 months. Once the cooling period (3 months) is over your application can be considered directly for screening from the same stage meaning you can sit for PI for upcoming batches.

A maximum of 2 attempts will be given to you for this stage. If the 2nd attempt is unsatisfactory, you will not be considered for the IndiGo cadet pilot program in the future.

13. I have filled and sent the application form along with the undertaking letter to a different flying training organization. Can I submit the application in CAE as well?

In case you have submitted the undertaking letter / filled application form for IndiGo Cadet Pilot Training Program to other institute you cannot fill the application form in CAE. This will be considered a duplicate application.

14. I sent the undertaking letter to a different flying training organization and now want to go ahead with CAE only.

In this case, you will be required to request for a cancellation of application/ undertaking you have sent to the respective institute & share the NOC / withdrawal acceptance email you received. Only once the institute has accepted your request, you can attach the withdrawal acceptance email with all your other documents and send us the application form.

15. Can I skip my Ground School as I have already cleared my DGCA papers?

It is mandatory to attend entire Ground School & clear all internal papers as per course outline even if you have cleared all your DGCA papers. Please note that this program is an ab-initio program.

16. What will be my location for CPL training?

Your CPL training will be conducted at National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) Gondia / CAE Gondia.

17. What will be my location A320 Type Rating training?

It will be conducted at any CAE Type Rating location across Asia (Gurgaon, Greater Noida, Bangalore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Philippines). Type rating center will be allocated to the cadet based on operational capacity & other internal requirement of CAE post completion of CPL.

18. I have already flown few hours on Single Engine/ Multi Engine. Can my hours be counted?

Since this is an ab-initio program no credits for prior flying hours will be given. You have to complete the course as mentioned in the course outline.

19. Can my training be terminated once I start a course?

Yes. Employment in a professional aviation career is subject to an ongoing training and assessment process. Selection to commence a course is no guarantee of successful completion. Optimizing chances of success will rely on personal dedication and application to study to complement the training provided.

Termination may also occur should a cadet fail to conduct themselves to the standards set by CAE and IndiGo.

20. Is my job assured in this course?

Flying Training Organizations do not offer the job. On clearing all the selection rounds you will sign an LOI with the airline but please remember that LOI cannot be considered as 100% job guarantee or a confirmed offer letter.

21. Do I have to pay any amount to submit my application form for IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme?

No, the registration is free of cost for IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme.

However, after screening you will receive an invitation for CASS / ADAPT Test from our Assessment Team in Gurugram. You will be required to pay the CASS / ADAPT Fees (Rs. 29,500) before appearing for the test & as per the instructions of the assessment team which will be communicated to you later on via email.

22. Are the CASS / ADAPT Test, GAPI, LOI Signing & Batch Commencement Dates confirmed?

CASS / ADAPT Test, GAPI, LOI Signing & Batch Commencement Dates are subject to change based on operational reasons. You are required to be available & be comfortable with changes in Dates which will be communicated to you by CAE Representative.

23. What will be the total cost of training (all inclusive)?

Please contact CAE Representative for information on total cost (all inclusive).

Currently, the total cost of the program, which includes both the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training and A320 Type Rating, is estimated to be around ₹97 lakhs. Here's how it breaks down:

• CPL Course Fee: A total of ₹58 lakhs, which can be paid in 5 installments over one year.
• Additional Expenses: About ₹8 lakhs for food, accommodation, and other miscellaneous costs during the 16-months to 19-months CPL training at NFTI Gondia.
• A320 Type Rating: Approximately $31,500 USD + local taxes, totaling around ₹31 lakhs. This amount must be paid in one single installment before starting your Type Rating training. Accommodation & food charges during your TR training period (70 Days) are not included. A detailed fee schedule and additional expense details will be provided to all selected candidates only after clearing all selection rounds after LOI Signing.

However, CAE management reserves all rights to amend course fee as and when required.

24. Do CAE NFTI has any tie up with banks for loans?

Yes. we have a tie up with IDFC First Bank in case you need to apply for loans you can connect with the bank your local IDFC First Bank. Alternatively, you can check with other banks in India as per your preference as well.