Short answer: In 2026, the cadet pilot program India airlines offer comes in three big forms, run by IndiGo (via partner academies, age 18–40, A320), Air India (age 18–30, 60% in 10+2 and in each of English, Maths and Physics, cost disclosed after enrolment) and Akasa Air (SkyCadet, launched June 2026, age 18–40, ending in a Boeing 737 MAX type rating). All details below come from each airline's or its partner's published pages, checked on 28 October 2026.
How do the IndiGo, Air India and Akasa cadet programmes compare?
| IndiGo | Air India | Akasa Air SkyCadet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Set by each partner academy (18–40 at the partner we checked) | 18–30 | Min 18 at application; max 40 at enrolment |
| Education | 10+2 with at least 51% each in Physics, Maths and English | 10+2 with 60% overall and 60% each in English, Maths and Physics; NIOS accepted | 10+2 with Physics, Maths and English |
| Nationality | Indian national or OCI at most partner academies; one partner asks for an Indian passport | Indian citizen or OCI | Indian citizen |
| Published cost | Set by each partner academy; ask for it in writing | Provided once enrolled; milestone instalments; financing partner available | Shared in the application form |
| Duration | About 20 months | About 24 months including type rating | Three phases (duration not stated on the page) |
| Aircraft type rating | Airbus A320 | At Air India-affiliated ATOs | Boeing 737 MAX |
| Status (28 Oct 2026) | See partner page | Applications on the cadet portal | Applications closed |
How does the Air India cadet pilot programme work?
According to Air India's cadet pilot site:
- Eligibility: age 18–30; Indian citizen or OCI; 60% in 10+2 with 60% each in English, Mathematics and Physics (NIOS accepted); a DGCA Class 1 medical before flight training.
- Selection: online application, a technical evaluation and a non-technical evaluation. The selection process is paid. Unsuccessful candidates can reapply after three months.
- Training: CPL training at Air India's own flying training organisation in Amravati, Maharashtra (listed on the site as DGCA licence pending) or at two partner schools in the USA, followed by type rating at Air India-affiliated ATOs, including upcoming simulator centres in Gurugram.
- Cost: provided once a candidate is enrolled, paid in instalments linked to milestones, with a financing partner available.
- Duration: about 24 months including the type rating.
How does the IndiGo cadet pilot programme work?
IndiGo runs its cadet programme through several partner training academies, and each publishes its own criteria. One partner lists an age range of 18–40 and at least 51% individually in Physics, Maths and English, for a full-time programme of about 20 months leading to an A320 type rating.
Nationality: Most IndiGo partner academy criteria we checked on 28 October 2026 accept Indian nationals or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) whose passport gives an unrestricted right to live and work in India. The partner academy behind the fee above asks for a valid Indian passport, so OCI holders should confirm with the specific academy before paying an assessment fee. We cover fees, selection and the comparison with self-funded training in our IndiGo cadet pilot program guide.
How does the Akasa Air SkyCadet programme work?
Akasa Air launched SkyCadet on 11 June 2026. Its published criteria:
- Indian citizens; minimum age 18 at application and maximum 40 at enrolment;
- 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics and English;
- three training phases ending in a Boeing 737 MAX type rating;
- the programme fee is shared in the application form.
On 28 October 2026 the page showed applications as closed. For what a 737 type rating involves, see our Boeing 737 type rating guide.
Which cadet programme should I choose?
- Over 30: Air India's programme is closed to you; Akasa's (up to 40) and IndiGo's (up to 40 at the partner academy we checked) remain options.
- Marks between 51% and 60%: IndiGo's published threshold is lower than Air India's 60%.
- Aircraft preference: IndiGo trains on the Airbus A320; Akasa on the Boeing 737 MAX.
- Budget certainty: only IndiGo's partner publishes a full fee; ask the others for a written figure before paying for selection.
Read every agreement for bond, service and refund terms. No cadet programme should be treated as a job guarantee.
Is a cadet programme better than self-funded training?
A cadet programme offers structure and a defined route to one airline's type. Self-funded training lets you choose the country, the school and the pace, and can cost less or more depending on your choices. Compare the numbers in pilot training cost: India vs abroad and see our cadet pilot program and airline-linked cadet programmes pages.
FAQ: cadet pilot programmes in India
Q: Which airlines in India run cadet pilot programmes in 2026?
A: Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air all publish cadet pilot programmes. Air India runs its own programme with training at its own flying academy and partner schools, IndiGo's programme is run through partner training academies, and Akasa launched its SkyCadet programme on 11 June 2026.
Q: What is the age limit for cadet pilot programmes in India?
A: Air India lists 18 to 30. IndiGo's partner academies set their own limits; the one we checked lists 18 to 40. Akasa's SkyCadet requires a minimum of 18 at application and a maximum of 40 at enrolment. These were checked on 28 October 2026 and can change between intakes.
Q: How much does a cadet pilot programme cost in India?
A: IndiGo's partner academies each set their own fee, so ask for it in writing. Air India says the cost is provided once a candidate is enrolled and payments are made in instalments by milestone. Akasa says its fee is shared in the application form.
Q: Can OCI holders apply for cadet pilot programmes in India?
A: It depends on the programme. Air India's cadet site accepts Indian citizens or OCI holders. Akasa's SkyCadet is only for Indian citizens. For IndiGo, most partner academies we checked accept Indian nationals or OCI holders with an unrestricted right to live and work in India, but one partner asks for a valid Indian passport, so confirm with the academy before you pay.
Q: Does a cadet programme guarantee an airline job?
A: No programme should be read as a guarantee. Each airline sets its own conditions for moving from training to employment, so read the published terms and the agreement carefully before paying.
Q: What marks are needed for the Air India cadet pilot programme?
A: Air India asks for at least 60% overall in 10+2 and 60% each in English, Mathematics and Physics. NIOS is accepted.
Q: Is the Akasa SkyCadet programme open for applications?
A: When we checked on 28 October 2026, Akasa's page showed applications as closed. Check the Akasa Air SkyCadet page for the next intake.
Q: Is a cadet programme better than self-funded CPL training?
A: It suits students who meet the age and marks criteria and want a structured route to one airline's aircraft type. Self-funded training gives more choice of country and pace but you pay separately for the type rating and job search. Compare total cost, bond or service terms and timelines.
Q: What are the Air India cadet pilot program fees?
A: Air India does not publish a fee on its cadet pilot site. It says training cost details are given once a candidate is enrolled, before training starts, and that fees are paid in instalments on a milestone plan set by each partner school. The selection process is also paid; the payment link is sent if you meet the eligibility rules. Ask for the full written cost before you commit; families can also look at pilot training loans up to ₹1 crore, subject to lender approval.
Q: Can I join the Air India cadet pilot programme after Commerce or Arts in Class 12?
A: Yes. Air India says that if you did not take Maths and Physics in 10+2, you can pass those subjects at 10+2 level through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). You need 60% overall in 10+2 and 60% each in English, Maths and Physics, and you can apply only after finishing Class 12.
Q: Do I need flying experience to apply for the Air India cadet pilot programme?
A: No. Air India says the programme is designed for applicants with no prior flying experience. The minimum age to start training is 18, and you also need medical clearance from a DGCA-appointed medical examiner.
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Quick answers
What is the Air India cadet pilot program?
The Air India cadet pilot program has a published age limit of 18 to 30, checked on 28 October 2026. Criteria and fees change between intakes, so confirm them on the airline page before you apply. Our guide compares it with the IndiGo and Akasa Air routes so you can see the differences side by side.
What are the Air India cadet pilot program fees?
Fees for the Air India cadet pilot program are set by the airline and its training partners and can change between intakes. We do not publish a figure that we cannot source and date. Check the airline page for the current fee, then compare it with the other programmes in this guide before you decide.