Cadet programme or self-sponsored CPL? How to choose in 2026

There are two main ways to become an airline pilot in India. Choosing between them early saves time and money.

Route 1: airline cadet programme

You apply to an airline first. If selected, you train at its partner school and, after your CPL, move to the airline's aircraft type.

2026 developments:

• IndiGo: record intakes, 74 cadets at Chimes Aviation Academy in September and 48 Letters of Intent with Skyborne in October, leading towards the A320
• Air India: its 34-aircraft academy at Amravati received DGCA maintenance approval in August, with room for 180 cadets
• Akasa Air: launched SkyCadet in June, ending in a Boeing 737 MAX type rating

Pros: structured training, an airline-specific type rating, and a clear path to a first officer role (subject to completing training). Cons: competitive selection, a fixed school and schedule, and usually a high cost.

Route 2: self-sponsored CPL

You choose your school, train at your own pace, then apply to airlines with your licence.

Pros: flexibility in school, location and timing, and you can apply to any airline. Cons: no job link; you may need to fund a type rating yourself; and you compete with every other licence holder.

Cost

Training costs vary widely. Reports in 2025 put the total for a licence at roughly ₹70 lakh to ₹1.5 crore, depending on the route, school and type rating. Always ask for a full written breakdown, including taxes, fuel surcharges and accommodation.

What both routes share

• 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (or NIOS)
• DGCA Class 2 medical to start, Class 1 for the CPL
• DGCA theory papers and RTR(A)
• Aptitude, psychometric and interview stages at some point

Our suggestion

Prepare for cadet selection and DGCA theory at the same time. If you are selected, you arrive strong; if not, you continue on the self-sponsored route with papers already cleared.