What is Cadet Pilot Program? Complete Guide 2026
A Cadet Pilot Program is a structured flight training pathway offered by Airlines in partnership with a flying school. It takes you from zero flying experience to an airline pilot. Unlike the conventional flight training route, the program offers a clearer path to employment with an airline if certain conditions are met though at a higher cost and with stricter performance requirements.
Cadet Pilot Program vs Conventional Pilot Training pathway.
Both the cadet pilot program and conventional pilot training pathway have advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you are aware of both of them before starting your training to avoid any regrets later.
Factor | Cadet Pilot Program | Conventional Pilot Training |
|---|---|---|
Job Assurance | Higher chance of getting an airline job unless you do not align with the conditions set by the airline. | No guaranteed job after training. One may not even get a job for several years. Even Type rated Pilots do not get a job for several years. |
Structure | Fully structured by airline + training partner | Self-managed (you choose schools, exams, timeline). You are fully independent on what to do after the training. You can become an instructor or Airline pilot or charter pilot. |
Cost | Expensive (₹1.4Cr+) | Cheaper (₹50L – ₹90L approx). Depends on whether you want to become an instructor or an airline pilot. |
Training Quality | Standardized, airline-focused training | Varies depending on flying school. Some schools in India are known for criticism and favoritism. One needs to be careful in this pathway. |
Flexibility | Low (fixed path, fixed partner). One can be kicked out of the program if not following airline's path or training pace. | High (choose location, pace, instructors). You can choose to work alongside work commitments and complete the training at your own pace. Some students even take more than 4 years. |
Selection Difficulty | Very competitive selection process but peace of mind in terms of job vacancy. | Easier entry (no airline selection needed) but difficulty comes later during job vacancies. |
Risk | Lower career risk if you pass all stages but you can be kicked out of the program after spending way higher than conventional pathway. | Higher risk (job market uncertainty). Easier to get a job as an instructor though. |
Time to Airline | Faster (direct pathway) but expect 2 years. | Slower (need to build hours + apply separately) but can be faster in some cases. Some schools in India like Avyanna aviation is known to complete CPL training in 8 months. |
Control | Limited control over training decisions | Full control over training path |
Failure Consequence | Risk of removal from program if performance is poor | You can continue training even after setbacks. |
Airlines Offering Best Cadet Pilot Program in India
Akasa Air Cadet Pilot Program:
A new program has been started by Akasa Air in 2026. The airline is not only the newest in the Industry, but also has the newest Cadet Program. The airline is still working on the program. Successful Candidates are expected to get type rated in Boeing 737.
The company was started by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, a well known successful business tycoon which is one of the reason the program offered by them is trustworthy.
(Still developing compared to others)
Cost
Approximately 1.5 crore INR taking into account additional expenses like additional training cost.
Duration
Varies (not as standardized yet)
Eligibility
Similar to other airlines (PCM + medical + English)
Training Partners
Not as clearly structured yet (evolving program)
Selection Process
Application + assessments + interview
Job Outcome
Opportunity to join as a JFO for Boeing 737.
Indigo Cadet Pilot Program:
One of the biggest Cadet Pilot program in India is offered by Indigo. This airline has partnered with multiple flying schools both in India and abroad.
The Schools Include:
CAE Gondia (NFTI) – One of the most popular options among the trainees in India due to quality of training.
Chimes Aviation Academy - This is another popular destination for Indigo's cadets. The FTO has faced a lot of backlash in the past though for alleged corruption and favoritism. It has also been alleged that the school is not transparent in its selection process.
Garuda Aviation – Another route for Cadets of the Indigo program but not a popular destination among the students.
Cost
Approximately ₹98 lakh to ₹1.5+ crore depending on training partner and accounting for additional lessons.
Duration
18–24 months depending on the weather. We recommend you to research which location has the best weather in terms of flying before selecting the FTO.
Eligibility
10+2 with Physics & Math
DGCA medical
Good English
Selection Process
Aptitude test (Through Symbiotic's ADAPT)
Psychometric test
Group discussion with other candidates
Interview with the HR and Pilots currently working.
SpiceJet Cadet Pilot Program:
Although This airline also has a cadet pilot program, students generally raise concerns due to the recent layoffs. The airline is not offering regular jobs in the conventional way either to the pilots in India. One should be careful while choosing SpiceJet as a Cadet Pilot Program Partner.
Cost
Unknown cost due to no offers recently. Expect 1.5 crore rupees at least though.
Duration
Unknown duration due to no offers recently.
Eligibility
Age: 17–35 (Good for those who have passed the age of 30)
10+2 with PCM (60% but the airline usually hires with 80%+)
English proficiency
DGCA medical
Training Partners
Mix of Indian + international flight schools
Selection Process
Aptitude + psychometric as other airlines
Group tasks with other candidates.
Interview with HR.
Job Outcome
Boeing 737 Junior First Officer pathway (subject to performance)
Air India Cadet Pilot Program:
This airline also has one of the biggest Cadet Pilot network in India. The program was started post the takeover by TATA group from the Indian government. The program is still evolving. New schools are being added. Successful candidates in the Air India cadet pilot program receive a Letter of Intent for a future Junior First Officer position. Please keep in mind that the FTOs offered by Air India for its program have faced license issues multiple times. Another disadvantage is that the airline has one of the most expensive program in India.
Cost
Approximately ₹1.5–1.8+ crore (One of the most expensive among all Cadet Pilot Programs.
Duration
Approximately 2 to 3 years (including induction delays) according to recent timelines.
Eligibility
Age: 18–30
10+2 PCM (≈60% but higher the better)
Good English
Class 1 medical
Training Partners
AeroGuard (USA)
L3Harris (USA/UK)
Selection Process
Aptitude test
Psychometric
Simulator
Interview
Job Outcome
Letter of Intent → Junior First Officer (not guaranteed, performance-based)
Is a Job Guaranteed with Cadet Pilot Program?
No, a job is never guaranteed with Cadet Pilot Program. There are many cases in which a job is not guaranteed. There is no guarantee for a job, but still a very strong pathway if you pass everything.
Some of these include:
Not Performing Well in the Training Program: If you are not performing well in the training program, for example not even making through solo while other students have already made it or not passing the check rides, the school or the airline conducting the Cadet Pilot program reserves the right to kick you out of the program.
Not Passing Written Examinations: No Written examinations means no CPL license. It is therefore recommended to pass all your written examinations before starting a Cadet Pilot Program in India. You can take the lessons or tutoring classes from PilotSphere to help you pass the exams.
Pause of Program or Medical Issues: Airlines have a strict timeline to get the Cadet Pilot Program completed. If for any reason you become medically unfit or have to pause the program due to personal or medical reasons, the airlines or the schools reserve the right to kick you out of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Scholarships offered for Cadet Pilot Program?
Yes, some airlines offer scholarships in India but it is competitive. The scholarships are based on JEE score and board exam results.
What is the cheapest cadet pilot program in India?
Indigo often offers an affordable cadet pilot program in India. Akasa Air is expected to be more expensive than Indigo. Air India has the most expensive Cadet Pilot program though.
Which airline cadet program is best?
This depends on your goals. Both Air India and Indigo have the best cadet pilot program but there is significant cost difference. You can get an offer for both Boeing and Airbus Aircraft at Air India while at Indigo it is limited to Airbus.
Is Cadet Pilot Program Worth It?
Cadet Pilot program is worth it if you have significant funds and a good pilot aptitude. The program is expensive repaying the loan may take a long time. If you have to leave the program in between, you will be wasting more money than you would have wasted in the conventional route. Whether the program is worth it or not depends on your situation.