Train in India or abroad? What 2026 data says about choosing where to fly
Should you do your flying training in India or abroad? In 2026, roughly two in five new Indian CPL holders trained overseas. Here is how to think about the choice.
The numbers
- 1,331 CPLs were issued in India in January–June 2026; 540 (about 41%) went to pilots trained at foreign schools.
- India has 41 FTOs across 63 bases, and 11 more received Letters of Intent in August 2026.
- Flying school rankings published in April 2026 rated one school Category A, 17 Category B and 17 Category C.
Training abroad
Advantages: often faster completion, more aircraft availability and more flyable weather days. Things to plan for:
- Visa, living costs and currency risk
- Licence conversion in India, including DGCA papers, RTR(A) and a skill test; Skyborne's IndiGo route, for example, includes a two-month DGCA conversion phase
- Making sure the training meets DGCA requirements for conversion
Training in India
Advantages: no conversion step, rupee costs, family nearby, and training in Indian airspace and procedures. Things to check:
- Aircraft and instructor availability, which drives completion time
- The school's ranking and safety record
- Weather downtime at the base
The common step
Wherever you fly, the DGCA theory papers are the same. Many students complete them in India before leaving, because studying for Indian regulations and exam patterns from abroad is harder, and a cleared set of papers makes the conversion faster.
How to decide
Compare total cost, realistic completion time and how quickly you can start flying. Ask schools for current fleet numbers, recent CPL completions and student references. If you are applying to a cadet programme, the airline usually decides where you train.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to do pilot training in India or abroad?
It depends on cost, timeline and how soon you can start. Abroad can be faster but needs licence conversion; India avoids conversion and is adding capacity.
Do I need to clear DGCA exams if I train abroad?
Yes. To convert a foreign licence to an Indian CPL you must clear the required DGCA papers, RTR(A) and a skill test.
How many Indian pilots train abroad?
About 41% of CPLs issued in January–June 2026 went to pilots trained at foreign flying schools.
Sources
- https://www.siasat.com/india-issues-1331-commercial-pilot-licences-in-jan-june-govt-35103…
- https://afm.aero/skyborne-announces-largest-indigo-cadet-pilot-program-intake-with-48-loi…
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2255276®=48&lang=2
We summarise public reports in our own words. Check the original sources and official DGCA notices for the latest position.