Cadet pilot selection in India: IndiGo, Air India and Akasa

Read this first

This guide brings together publicly available information about three cadet pilot programmes in India: IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air. Selection processes can change from one season to the next, so treat this as a starting point, not the final word.

We mark each stage in one of two ways. Official means the stage appears on the airline's own page or on the page of its named training partner. Reported means it comes from training providers or past candidates and may be different for your batch. We last checked these sources in October 2026.

FlyAptitude is independent practice and is not linked to any airline, training partner or regulator. Always read the airline's official cadet page and the current notice before you apply.

Eligibility: confirm it on official sources

Each programme sets its own rules for education, age, nationality and medical fitness, and these can change. This is what we found, with the basis for each:

• IndiGo: according to its training partner's page, 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics and English is the usual requirement, plus a DGCA Class 1 medical before flight training. The exact marks and age limits are in the current notice.
• Air India: when we checked, the official site listed Indian citizens or OCI card holders aged 18 to 30, with 60% overall in 10+2 and 60% in each of English, Mathematics and Physics, and a DGCA Class 1 medical before flight training.
• Akasa Air: guides report 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics and English and a DGCA medical. Check Akasa's current notice for age limits and exact requirements.

IndiGo Cadet Pilot Programme

IndiGo runs its cadet programme with partner flying schools. According to the training partner's published information, selection starts with an online aptitude and psychometric assessment, followed by a group task.

Among candidates, the multitasking part of the online assessment is one of the most talked-about stages, so it is worth regular practice.

• Online aptitude and psychometric assessment (official): a computer-based test of reasoning, speed, memory, multitasking and coordination, with a personality questionnaire.
• Group task (official): a group exercise assessed by airline panellists, looking at communication, teamwork and decision making.
• Interview (reported): training providers report a personal interview with the panel before the letter of intent.

Air India Cadet Pilot Programme

This is Air India's own cadet route into its flying academy. Applicants are screened on academics, then go through aptitude and psychometric testing, a group exercise and interviews. The stages below come from training providers and past candidates, so all of them are marked as reported. Check the official cadet site for the current process.

• Application and document screening (reported): academic records and eligibility are checked.
• Online aptitude assessment (reported): training providers describe modules covering personality, numeracy, English, multitasking, coordination, monitoring, reaction speed and spatial orientation.
• Psychometric assessment (reported): personality and behaviour questionnaires.
• Group discussion and interviews (reported): a group exercise, then HR and technical interviews.

Akasa Air SkyCadet Programme

Akasa Air's cadet programme includes ground school, CPL training at partner academies and a type rating. Selection combines aptitude testing, psychometric assessment and interviews.

• Psychological assessment and interview (official): Akasa's pilot careers page lists a psychological assessment, a personal interview and a session with its recruitment team.
• Aptitude battery (reported): training providers describe a computer-based test of cognitive reasoning, spatial ability and hand–eye coordination.
• Group exercise (reported): some guides report a group exercise before the final panel interview.

What the three programmes have in common

The details differ, but across the three programmes, official or reported, the same building blocks keep appearing:

This is good news for your preparation. You do not need a separate plan for each airline. If you apply to more than one programme, the same practice helps with all of them, and you can adjust the balance once a notice gives more detail.

• A computer-based aptitude test of reasoning, speed, memory, spatial skills or coordination.
• A personality or psychometric questionnaire.
• A group exercise that shows how you work with others.
• One or more interviews with a panel.

Read the terms, not just the tests

Training arrangements, costs, agreements and job terms also differ between programmes. They are outside the scope of this guide. Read them carefully in the official documents, ask questions, and talk them through with your family before you sign anything.

Be careful with anyone who promises a seat in return for money. Practice, coaching and credits can help you prepare, but they cannot buy or guarantee a place in any cadet programme.

How to prepare for each stage

Because the building blocks are similar, one broad plan covers all three programmes well.

Keep a folder for each programme you apply to, with a copy of the notice, any dates you are given and every email. Selection can run over several weeks, and it is easy to miss a message while you are busy practising.

• Aptitude test: practise each task type little and often for four to six weeks. Give most time to your weakest areas and to multitasking.
• Personality questionnaire: answer honestly and consistently. Getting used to the format helps you answer without overthinking.
• Group task: practise discussing a problem with friends. Speak clearly, listen, keep time and help the group reach one decision.
• Interview: prepare real examples about teamwork, pressure and mistakes. Know why you want to fly, and what you know about the airline from public sources.
• Documents and medical: keep mark sheets, ID and certificates ready, and look into the DGCA medical requirements early rather than late.