Updated 28 October 2026 · By Pilots Assist Team
Short answer: In 2026, India's three big airline cadet pilot programmes are run by IndiGo (via a partner academy, ₹104 lakh published fee, 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 | 18–40 | 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 | As per partner's criteria | Indian citizen or OCI | Indian citizen |
| Published cost | ₹104 lakh + ₹35,000 assessment | 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's cadet programme is run with a partner training academy. Its published fee is ₹104 lakh plus ₹35,000 for the assessment, with eligibility of 18–40 years and at least 51% individually in Physics, Maths and English. It is a full-time programme of about 20 months leading to an A320 type rating. 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; IndiGo's and Akasa's (up to 40) 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 with a partner training academy, 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 programme 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 programme publishes ₹104 lakh plus a ₹35,000 assessment fee. 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: 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.
Sources
- Air India cadet pilot programme (home and course details), accessed 28 October 2026
- Akasa Air SkyCadet programme and Akasa press release of 11 June 2026, accessed 28 October 2026
- IndiGo cadet programme partner page (fees, eligibility, duration), accessed 28 October 2026
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