Air India Cadet Pilot Program 2026: Check Eligibility, Age Limit, Selection Process and Last Date to Apply

Air India Cadet Pilot Program 2026: What Aspiring Pilots Need to Know

Air India’s Cadet Pilot Program provides aspiring aviators with a structured pathway toward a career as a commercial airline pilot. The program is designed to develop candidates through academic learning, flight training and professional preparation before they enter the airline cockpit.

Candidates planning to apply should carefully check the eligibility requirements, educational qualifications, medical standards and selection process before submitting their application.

Air India Cadet Pilot Program Eligibility

To be eligible for the Air India Cadet Pilot Program, applicants must meet several requirements related to nationality, age, education, English proficiency and medical fitness.

Nationality

Applicants must be either Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

Age Limit

Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years of age to qualify for the program.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate a good command of written and spoken English, an essential requirement for professional airline pilots.

Minimum Height

The minimum required height for candidates is 158 cm.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with at least 60% overall marks.

The program also requires candidates to have obtained a minimum of 60% marks individually in English, Mathematics and Physics.

Students who have completed their education through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are also accepted.

DGCA Class 1 Medical Requirement

Candidates must be in good physical and mental health and will be required to successfully clear a DGCA Class 1 Medical examination before starting flight training.

Medical fitness is an important part of the pilot selection process because commercial airline pilots must meet the aviation medical standards established by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Air India Cadet Pilot Selection Process

The Air India Cadet Pilot Program selection process consists of three main stages.

Phase 1: Application Screening

During the first stage, applications are reviewed against the program’s eligibility criteria. Candidates who meet the required conditions will be shortlisted for the next stage.

Phase 2: Online Assessment

Shortlisted applicants will undergo an online assessment designed to evaluate their cognitive and behavioural skills.

This stage helps assess abilities considered important for candidates pursuing a professional aviation career.

Phase 3: Personal Interview

Candidates who successfully clear the online assessment will be invited for a personal interview.

The interview forms the final stage of the selection process and allows the selection team to assess the candidate’s overall suitability for the cadet pilot program.

Air India Cadet Pilot Program Application Deadline

The stated last date for applications is december 30, 2026.

Eligible candidates should ensure that their application is submitted before the deadline and that they meet all academic and other eligibility requirements.

Can Unsuccessful Candidates Reapply?

Yes. Candidates who do not clear the assessment can reapply after a three-month cooling-off period from the date of their assessment.

A Gateway to a Commercial Pilot Career

The Air India Cadet Pilot Program is aimed at candidates who want to pursue a professional career in commercial aviation. From academic preparation and assessments to flight training, the program provides a structured route for aspiring pilots looking to enter the airline industry.

For candidates planning to apply, meeting the 10+2 academic requirements, English proficiency standards and DGCA Class 1 Medical requirements will be among the key steps toward beginning their pilot training journey.

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