Indigo Cadet Pilot Program
Minimum Requirements
Nationality
Must be of Indian nationality or an OCI cardholder.
Age Limit
Aged between 18 to 32 years. The candidate must not be more than 32 years old on the day of application.
Educational Qualification
Achieved a minimum score of 51% in each subject—Physics, Mathematics, and English—in 10+2, or graduated with Physics and Maths or Engineering with an aggregate of 51% or more.
Medical Fitness
Must be capable of holding a valid Indian Class 1 Medical Certificate with no limitations and be in good physical condition.
IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program – Step-by-Step Selection Process
The selection process for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program consists of four distinct phases, each designed to assess a candidate's suitability for a successful aviation career.
Application Screening
After applying, your profile is reviewed by the Flight Training Organisation (FTO) based on IndiGo’s set standards for education, medical fitness, and personality traits.
Written Test & Aptitude Assessment
Candidates are tested on language skills, numerical reasoning, hand-eye coordination, multitasking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving.
Group Discussion
Shortlisted candidates participate in a group discussion on a specific topic, observed by IndiGo’s panel to assess communication, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
Personal Interview
The final stage includes a personal or panel interview with IndiGo representatives to evaluate motivation, aviation awareness, and overall suitability for the program.
Initial Screening & Suitability Check
IndiGo has partnered with seven reputed ab-initio Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) to conduct the initial round of selection. These FTOs are handpicked based on their long-standing expertise in shaping aspiring pilots. In this first stage, applicants are assessed based on academic qualifications, overall personality traits, and medical fitness. Only those who meet the specific benchmarks set by both IndiGo and the respective FTO are shortlisted to proceed to the next step: written and aptitude testing.
Written Test & Pilot Aptitude Assessment
This phase begins with a written examination based on 10+2 level subjects—Physics, Mathematics, and English. The test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions (30 per subject) and is designed to measure a candidate’s conceptual clarity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. The test duration is 2 hours, with questions increasing in difficulty as the test progresses. There is no negative marking, and results are usually announced within 30 minutes. Once successful in the written exam, candidates move on to the Pilot Aptitude Test. This computer-based psychomotor test evaluates multitasking abilities, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive load management.
Pilot Aptitude Test
The pilot aptitude test is a psychomotor-based evaluation where your multitasking and hand-eye coordination skills are tested. The name for the test may vary (e.g., PILAPT or CASS). The test involves managing a primary task while handling one or more secondary tasks under time pressure.
How to Prepare for the Pilot Aptitude Test
It is not advisable to prepare for this test, as it is designed to measure your natural aptitude for piloting. Practicing may lead to biased results and can negatively affect your overall pilot training experience.
Psychometric Questionnaire
Candidates who clear the aptitude test are then given a Personality Assessment Screener (Psychometric Questionnaire) consisting of 50 questions to be completed in one hour. This stage evaluates your personality fit for the aviation industry based on IndiGo’s culture.
Group Discussion (GD)
Candidates clearing Stage 2 are invited within 2–3 weeks to participate in Stage 3 and Stage 4, usually scheduled on the same day. In the Group Discussion round, shortlisted applicants are grouped and presented with a specific topic to discuss in the presence of the IndiGo selection panel. This round assesses your communication, listening skills, logical reasoning, teamwork, and composure. Follow-up questions from the panel may be asked to assess depth of understanding. Successful candidates are informed immediately and move on to the final stage.
Personal Interview
This is the final round, conducted by IndiGo’s Flight Operations and HR representatives, often including senior captains. The interview is mostly non-technical and focuses on understanding your motivation, life experiences, and alignment with IndiGo’s values. It typically lasts between 20–30 minutes. Expect questions like 'Why do you want to be a pilot?', 'Why this cadet program?', and 'Where do you see yourself in five years?'
Once Selected for the IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme
Once selected, you're invited with your parents to an official induction session. This session outlines the course structure, fees, timelines, and all processes involved from training to license conversion. It marks the beginning of your pilot journey with detailed briefings on every upcoming stage.
Pre Process – Flight Training – Post Process
You’ll first go through Pre-Process training including ground school and DGCA exam preparation. Then you head to the partner flight school abroad for actual flight training. After successfully completing your required flight hours and checks, you return to India to begin your DGCA license conversion process. On successful completion, your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) will be issued.
Airbus A320 Type Rating
Once your CPL is issued, you proceed to IndiGo's designated training center for Type Rating on the Airbus A320. This training typically lasts 45–60 days and involves simulator training and classroom learning. After certification, you officially join IndiGo as a Second Officer or Junior First Officer — marking the beginning of your career as an airline pilot with attractive perks and compensation.
A320 Type Rating & Joining IndiGo
With your DGCA CPL in hand, you'll be enrolled into Type Rating training for the Airbus A320, the aircraft you’ll fly as a part of IndiGo’s fleet. Training typically lasts 45–60 days, including simulator sessions, technical systems training, and procedures handling. This training is conducted at facilities approved jointly by IndiGo and your FTO. After successfully completing Type Rating, you officially join IndiGo as a Second Officer or Junior First Officer which marks the start of your career as an airline pilot, with full pay, benefits, and opportunities for rapid growth.
Post-Selection: What Happens Next?
Induction Ceremony
Once selected, you’ll be invited with your parents for a formal induction session conducted by IndiGo. This event covers your training roadmap, curriculum breakdown, timelines, fee structure, and a clear overview of each phase in the program.
Pre-Process: DGCA Ground School
You’ll begin with classroom sessions focused on preparing for your DGCA theory papers. Ground classes will cover core aviation subjects in depth, building your knowledge base before flying begins.
Flight Training Phase
Next, you’ll head to IndiGo’s partnered flight training academy—either in India or abroad—where you’ll take to the skies. Here, you’ll learn the practical aspects of flying, accumulate flight hours, pass in-air checks, and build confidence as a professional aviator.
Post-Process: License Conversion
Upon completion of training, candidates return to India with a foreign Commercial Pilot License (CPL). You'll now go through the DGCA license conversion process, which includes:
Disclaimer
The information above is based on current knowledge and is for general reference only. IndiGo reserves the right to modify the selection procedure or course structure at its discretion. Please check IndiGo’s official career page for the most recent updates.