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 their own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you are aware of both 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 meet the conditions set by the airline. | No guaranteed job after training. One may not get a job for several years. Even type-rated pilots do not get a job for several years. |
Structure | Fully structured by the airline and 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, 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 the flying school. Some schools in India are known for criticism and favoritism. One needs to be careful with this pathway. |
Flexibility | Low (fixed path, fixed partner). One can be removed from the program for not following the airline's path or training pace. | High (choose location, pace, instructors). You can train 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 removed from the program after spending far more than the conventional pathway. | Higher risk (job market uncertainty). Easier to get a job as an instructor though. |
Time to Airline | Faster (direct pathway), but expect around 2 years. | Slower (need to build hours and apply separately), but can be faster in some cases. Some schools in India, like Avyanna Aviation, are 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 the Best Cadet Pilot Programs 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 on the Boeing 737. Akasa Air Skycadet programme is the name of Akasa's new Cadet pilot programme.
The company was backed by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, a well-known and successful business tycoon, which is one reason the program offered by them is considered trustworthy.
Cost
Approximately 1.5 crore INR, taking into account additional expenses like extra training costs.
Duration
Akasa Skycadet Programme have mentioned on their website that ground training will take 4 months while the flight training will take 18 months. Another 2 months are expected for type rating. These are the expected timelines given by Akasa Air. However, as the programme is new and no batch has completed its training yet, it is difficult to comment on what the actual timeline will be.
Eligibility
Similar to other airlines (PCM + medical + English)
Training Partners
Akasa Skycadet programme will be held locally in India in partnership with Dunes aviation academy and Skynex Aero Pvt. Ltd.
Selection Process
Aptitude test (expected to be through Symbiotic's ADAPT or AON Cut-e). Prepare for ADAPT test for free with PilotSphere ADAPT test Simulator.
Psychometric test
Group discussion with other candidates
Interview with HR and currently serving pilots
Job Outcome
Opportunity to join as a JFO on the Boeing 737.
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program:
One of the biggest cadet pilot programs 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 trainees in India, due to the 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, however, 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 IndiGo's cadets, but not a popular destination among students.
Cost
Approximately ₹98 lakh to ₹1.5+ crore depending on the training partner and accounting for additional lessons.
Duration
18–24 months depending on the weather. We recommend you research which location has the best flying weather before selecting an FTO.
Eligibility
10+2 with Physics & Math
DGCA medical
Good English
Selection Process
Aptitude test (through Symbiotic's ADAPT). You can practice for ADAPT test with PilotSphere for free.
Psychometric test
Group discussion with other candidates
Interview with HR and currently serving pilots
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 to pilots in India either. One should be careful while choosing SpiceJet as a cadet pilot program partner.
Cost
Unknown cost due to no recent offers. Expect at least 1.5 crore rupees though.
Duration
Unknown duration due to no recent offers.
Eligibility
Age: 17–35 (good for those who have passed the age of 30)
10+2 with PCM (60%, but the airline usually hires those with 80%+)
English proficiency
DGCA medical
Training Partners
Mix of Indian and international flight schools
Selection Process
Aptitude and psychometric tests, as with 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 networks in India. The program was started after the takeover by the TATA Group from the Indian government. The program is still evolving and 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 licensing issues multiple times. Another disadvantage is that the airline has one of the most expensive programs 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 is better)
Good English
Class 1 medical
Training Partners
AeroGuard (USA)
L3Harris (USA/UK)
Job Outcome
Letter of Intent → Junior First Officer (not guaranteed, performance-based)
Selection Process
Stage 1: Screening of the Applicant: Even before considering your application, airlines automatically check their database for any abnormalities. The applicant's resume is automatically checked for eligibility requirements such as nationality, age, language proficiency, medical examination, fitness, and educational qualifications.
Stage 2: Pilot Aptitude Test: This is the test where airlines filter out most candidates. Various computer-based aptitude tests are taken.
These include:
Ball and Rudder Game (Part of Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination): Most airlines use Symbiotic's ball and rudder game. You are given a joystick and a rudder. There is a ball on a revolving spherical surface. The goal is to use the rudder and joystick to manage the movement of the ball and keep it centered. The software immediately evaluates points based on your accuracy in keeping the ball at the center.
Short-Term Memory (Memory): This test depends on the airline. For IndiGo, it is part of a multi-tasking game. You are shown a few puzzles and asked to remember where a specific piece is located. It is a game of time. The puzzle is only shown for a few seconds, and then you have to immediately identify where the specific piece was located.
Spatial Orientation: This test evaluates your ability to determine the position of an aircraft using instruments. The test lasts for a few minutes.
Multi-Tasking: Most airlines use the FAST game for this. This game measures the candidate's multi-tasking ability in stressful situations. In this game, you have to move an aircraft vertically to dodge white blocks. If you hit a white block, the game does not stop but points get deducted. The second task in the same game is to listen to the ATC and watch a recorded video of an aircraft, noting where it is going and any malfunctions. You have to remember the waypoints and mark them accordingly whenever they appear. You also have to remember how many voices there were, who said what, and many other things. These questions are asked as part of an MCQ test immediately after the game. The third task is to answer some mental math questions on the side along with some short-term memory questions. Every question is visible for 3 seconds and you get an additional 3 seconds to answer. You get a total of 2 chances in this game.
Stage 3: Group Activity:
Did you participate in MUN in school or group discussion activities? This is exactly like that. A group of candidates sits together at a table to discuss a specific topic. Every member gets a chance to speak and various tasks are assigned to a few members of the group for effective crew resource management. It is not required to speak a lot. A psychometric examiner checks your ability to communicate effectively during emergency situations and your ability to collaborate. Points get deducted if you interrupt others, become defensive, or exhibit other behaviors that are not suitable for stressful situations.
Stage 4: Personal Interview: This is the final step. If you qualify here, you receive a letter of intent. The panel consists of a person from human resources and pilot examiners. The panel starts by getting to know your personal details and cross-questioning your past. If you have already given your DGCA exams, you are asked questions related to those. If you have not, the panel usually asks physics and math questions at the high school level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Job Guaranteed with a Cadet Pilot Program?
No, a job is never guaranteed with a cadet pilot program. There are many cases in which a job is not given. However, it is still a very strong pathway if you pass everything.
Some of these cases include:
Not Performing Well in the Training Program: If you are not performing well in the training program — for example, not completing your solo while other students already have, or not passing check rides — the school or airline conducting the cadet pilot program reserves the right to remove you from 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 lessons or tutoring classes from PilotSphere to help you pass the exams.
Pause of Program or Medical Issues: Airlines have a strict timeline to complete the cadet pilot program. If for any reason you become medically unfit or have to pause the program due to personal or medical reasons, the airline or school reserves the right to remove you from the program.
Are Scholarships Offered for Cadet Pilot Programs?
Yes, some airlines offer scholarships in India, but it is competitive. The scholarships are based on JEE scores and board exam results.
What is the Cheapest Cadet Pilot Program in India?
IndiGo often offers the most 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.
Which Airline Cadet Program is Best?
This depends on your goals. Both Air India and IndiGo have strong cadet pilot programs, but there is a significant cost difference. At Air India, you can receive an offer for both Boeing and Airbus aircraft, while at IndiGo it is limited to Airbus.
Is a Cadet Pilot Program Worth It?
A cadet pilot program is worth it if you have sufficient funds and good pilot aptitude. The program is expensive and repaying the loan may take a long time. If you have to leave the program midway, you will end up losing more money than you would have on the conventional route. Whether the program is worth it or not depends on your individual situation.