A cadet pilot program is an airline linked training pathway. You clear the airline’s selection process before starting flight training and then complete training through the airline’s approved partners. The biggest advantage is that you enter training with a defined pathway towards that airline, provided you successfully complete all required stages and continue to meet its standards.
The trade off is flexibility. Your choice of flight school, training location, course structure and often the sequence of training is largely decided for you. You are also committing a substantial amount of money to one pathway very early in your career.
With the conventional CPL route, you obtain your commercial pilot licence on your own. You choose where to train, how quickly to progress and how much to spend. Once qualified, however, it is your responsibility to find a job and clear an airline’s selection process.
I followed the conventional route myself. One thing that route gave me was flexibility. My career did not follow a straight line from flight school to an Indian airline. I worked as a flight instructor and freelance pilot before joining an airline.
Click here to read part 1 of my career story
That is why I would not reduce this decision to “cadet means job, conventional means no job.” The more useful comparison is structure versus flexibility, and how much financial and career risk you are willing and able to carry.
| Factor | Cadet Pilot Program | Conventional CPL |
|---|---|---|
| Airline connection | Selected into an airline before training | Apply to airlines/corporate/other pilot jobs after CPL |
| Training structure | Highly structured | You manage your own training |
| Flight school choice | Limited to airline partners | You choose the school/country |
| Cost | High | Generally lower |
| Type rating | Included in the program | May be completed later, depending on hiring |
| Job pathway | Subject to successful completion with airline standards | You’ll have to hunt for a job |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Financial commitment | High and often committed early | Can usually be spread across stages |
| Changing airlines | Not possible until completion of contract | Greater freedom |
| Main risk | High financial risk if training or induction does not go as planned | Uncertainty of finding a job after CPL |
| Best suited for | Someone who can absorb the financial exposure | Someone who wants flexibility |
Cadet vs Conventional CPL: Cost Comparison
In most cases, the cadet route requires a higher overall financial commitment than conventional CPL training.
But comparing only the “advertised” course price can be misleading.
With a cadet program, your total expenditure may include ground training, flying, accommodation, travel, licence related expenses, type rating and other airline or training partner charges. Exactly what is included varies from one program to another. Training costs ranging from ₹80 lakhs to ₹2 crore depending on the airline and whether training is conducted domestically or abroad.
With conventional training, you have considerably more control over where the money is spent, and is somewhat more affordable. This could cost between ₹40 to ₹75 lakhs and will depend heavily on whether you train in India or abroad, the flight school you select, how quickly you complete your flying, licence conversion expenses and whether you eventually have to fund your own type rating.
The number I would compare is not “cost of getting a CPL.” It is the total amount you may have spent by the time you are actually employable.
That calculation should include:
- Flight training and ground school
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Travel and visas if training abroad
- DGCA examinations and licence conversion
- Additional flying
- Type rating, where applicable
- Loan interest
- Living costs during any period without a job
This is also why two students following the same route can eventually spend very different amounts.
Always keep in mind that costs will keep changing from time to time, as the US dollar to INR rates change and oil prices change. If you want a more detailed breakdown of these expenses, read my guide on the real cost of becoming a pilot in India.
Training Time
The Cadet Pilot Program generally takes about 18 to 24 months from the start of training to obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The training schedule is fixed, with the aim of efficiently preparing cadets for airline employment.
However, even after receiving their CPL, cadets often face a waiting period before being inducted into the airline, depending on market demand and internal airline requirements. During this gap cadets are not paid. There are even times when you may have to wait to even start CPL training, after the selection process is complete.
This waiting time can be 1 month today but you must not make a decision based on this because a lot can change by the time you complete your training. Things in aviation change overnight. So be prepared to wait even upto 2 years after training.
In contrast, Conventional Training offers more flexibility, typically taking 1 to 2 years depending on the individual’s pace, the flight school’s location and the completion of exams. Since this route isn’t tied to any specific airline, there’s more freedom to look for employment at any company. If you can secure a job after completion of CPL then the difference in time may be well worth the risk.
Flight schools around the world have different durations for training. In India the typical duration is 2-3 years but there is no hassle of conversion of licence. If you choose to go abroad, you could have a CPL in less than 12 months, but you will have to spend time in conversion of the CPL.
But is this time difference worth it? The sooner you have a CPL the sooner your are employable!
A lot in aviation depends upon your timing and luck.
The Financial Risk Most Underestimate
Pilot training is often discussed in terms of course fees. I think that is the wrong way to look at it.
The more important question is: What does this investment do to your finances if employment takes longer than expected?
In our education system, financial literacy is often overlooked, yet it is crucial when making significant investments like pilot training. For example, I am going to compare a ₹1 crore loan with a ₹50 lakh loan using an average interest rate of 11% for 15 years. This is only an example. Actual education loan rates, collateral requirements, moratorium periods and repayment terms will depend on your lender and financial profile. You can google an EMI calculator and play with the numbers.
The monthly repayment for a ₹1 crore loan at 11% interest over 15 years is ₹1,13,660. Over the course of the loan, you would not only repay the principal ₹1 crore, but also ₹1,04,58,745 in interest, bringing the total repayment to ₹2,04,58,745. The key question is: Is this investment worth it?
Keep in mind this is just the loan amount and not the total training cost.
For the conventional training route, let’s assume a loan of ₹50 lakhs at the same interest rate and tenure. The EMI would be ₹56,830, and the total interest repaid would amount to ₹52,29,372, making the total repayment ₹1,02,29,372. Again, this raises the question: Is the conventional route more financially viable?
Once you finally join an airline, your first few years are not automatically financially comfortable simply because you are now an airline pilot. It is very likely that the airline will give you a base that is not your hometown, so you will have housing expenses. You will pay rent, electricity, internet, wash your clothes, cook food; basically all the essentials. Then you have non essential expenses; because you want to live a certain lifestyle. Then you still have to pay the EMI.
Your salary too cannot be looked at in isolation. What matters is how much remains after tax, living costs and loan repayment. Then you can start thinking about recovering your training investment.
Job Assurance and Career Opportunities
Cadet Program
The biggest attraction of a cadet pilot program is obvious: you are selected into an airline before you complete your training.
Depending on the airline and training partner, you may receive a Letter of Intent (LOI) or another form of conditional employment pathway. For example, current IndiGo partner material states that cadets receive an LOI and, after successful completion of the programme and meeting airline requirements, progress towards induction as Junior First Officers. Air India similarly states that successful cadets may receive an employment offer based on the airline’s requirements.
That is a very different position from finishing a conventional CPL and then beginning your job search from zero.
But I would still not describe a cadet program as a completely guaranteed job.
You still have to successfully complete the training, maintain your medical and regulatory eligibility, meet the required performance standards and satisfy the conditions written into your agreement. Even after training, the timing of induction can depend on the airline’s operational requirements. There have been many who’s training has been discountinued.
This distinction matters when you are borrowing a very large amount of money.
An airline linked pathway reduces employment uncertainty. It does not eliminate training risk, medical risk, financial risk or timing risk.
Before paying any substantial amount, read the actual contract or LOI carefully. In particular, look for:
- What happens if you fail a training stage?
- How many retraining or reassessment opportunities are provided?
- What happens if you temporarily or permanently lose your medical?
- What money is refundable and what is non refundable?
- Is there a maximum waiting period before induction?
- Can you work elsewhere while waiting?
- What happens if the airline changes its manpower requirement?
Do not rely only on what a counsellor or training academy tells you verbally. The written agreement is what matters.
Conventional CPL
With the conventional route, there is no airline waiting for you simply because you have received your CPL. You have to find a job yourself.
That could mean applying to airlines when they recruit fresh CPL holders, or looking at other flying roles depending on your qualifications, experience, licence privileges and the vacancies available at the time.
The disadvantage is obvious: you may finish training and remain unemployed for a period of time.
The advantage is that you are not tied to one airline or one pathway.
My own career is an example of why that flexibility can matter. I did not move directly from obtaining my CPL into an Indian airline. I worked as a flight instructor and freelance pilot, built experience and eventually joined an airline.
When I talk to people in my one on one sessions, the one biggest mistake aspiring pilots make is treating an airline cockpit as the only acceptable first job. I usually tell them that its okay to want this, but we must also look at the reality of things and work practically, and eventually everybody makes it to the airline cockpit.
The first useful flying opportunity may not necessarily be with the airline or charter or flight school, you ultimately want to work for. What matters is whether that job legally allows you to build relevant experience, improve your competence and strengthen your position for the next opportunity.
At the same time, do not assume that such jobs will automatically be available. Private charter, instructor jobs, air ambulance services, cargo companies, survey companies, pilot for the airports authority of India, joining the coast guard, non scheduled industry, bush pilot, crop spraying, sky diving, etc can provide a great place to start and add value to your resume.
They depend on licences, instructor ratings, work rights, experience requirements and the hiring market. Many are competitive and some are rarely advertised publicly. A great place to start looking is websites like aviationCV.com
So the conventional route gives you more freedom, but it also puts more responsibility on you to create your own career path.
Risks That Apply to Both Training Methods
Training Can Take Longer Than Planned
Published course timelines are not guarantees.
Delays can happen because of:
- Aircraft availability
- Maintenance
- Weather
- Instructor availability
- Visa or immigration issues
- DGCA exams
- Licence conversion
- Training failures or additional flying requirements
- Airline or training partner scheduling
Every additional month can increase accommodation, living and loan interest costs.
When planning your finances, I would therefore budget for the training taking longer than the most optimistic timeline advertised.
The Airline Hiring Market Can Change Before You Finish Training
This is probably one of the most underestimated risks in pilot training.
A student may start training when airlines are recruiting aggressively and finish during a hiring slowdown. The opposite can also happen. Aircraft deliveries, airline expansion, economic conditions, regulatory changes and pilot attrition can all affect recruitment.
Do not choose a training route solely because airlines are hiring heavily today.
If the course takes two years, the job market that matters is the one that exists when you finish.
Passing the Course Is Not the Same as Being Competitive
Meeting the minimum standard required for a licence is only the starting point.
Airline recruitment can involve written exams, aptitude testing, psychometric assessments, group exercises, technical interviews, simulator assessments and HR interviews.
How seriously you take your training matters.
In my experience, the difference becomes visible when something does not go according to plan. A pilot who has genuinely understood the aircraft, procedures and decision making process generally adapts better than someone who has trained primarily to pass the next check.
You Need a Financial Plan for the Period After Training
Whether you choose cadet or conventional training, I would plan for the possibility that you will not begin earning immediately after completing the course.
Keep enough financial buffer for:
- Living expenses
- Loan repayments
- Licence renewals
- Additional training
- Travel for assessments
- Medical renewals
- Unexpected delays
The question families should ask is not:
“Can we afford the training?”
It is:
“Can we afford the training and still remain financially stable if employment takes longer than expected?”
That is a much more important calculation.
Consider the number of CPLs being issued by DGCA every year and compare it with the number of pilots all the airlines hire each year. In 2025: 1,652 CPLs issued. In 2024: 1,342, In 2023: 1,622, In 2022: 1,165. That’s a total of 5,751 CPLs, but have all the airlines, charters, etc all put together hired so many pilots in the same period? In the first half of 2026, DGCA has issued 1,331 CPLs. The the average of the previous 4 years!
Luck and timing play a very big role in pilot hiring. Very few people are fortunate enough to be able to get that airline job right out of flight school. So whether you choose the cadet pilot program or the conventional method, you should in fact expect a period of unemployment and plan for it, especially financially.
Selection and Eligibility
Cadet Pilot Program
With a cadet program, you normally have to clear the airline or its authorised training partner’s selection process before you begin the full training program.
The basic requirements are:
- Education: A minimum of 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old, with variations depending on the airline.
- Medical: A DGCA Class 2 medical certificate is mandatory.
- DGCA CPL Exams : It is mandatory only for some of the flight schools to complete these before applying. For the other flight schools having passed these can help with the interview process, but as this is not mandatory, the airline will put you through ground school.
If you have these, then you will have to go through a selection process, which includes:
- Aptitude and cognitive assessments
- Psychometric or behavioral assessments
- English language assessment
- Group exercises
- Personal interviews
- Medical requirements
The exact process varies between airlines and training partners. Age limits, minimum schooling marks, medical requirements and reapplication rules differ between airlines and can change over time. For example, as of September 2026, Air India’s current cadet recruitment lists an age range of 18 to 30, while IndiGo’s published cadet information lists 18 to 32. Their academic and selection requirements also differ.
This rigorous process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected, but it also adds pressure to perform well across various stages of evaluation. Click here to read my blog on airline interview process.
Always verify the current criteria directly on the airline or authorised training partner’s official website before making a financial decision.
Conventional CPL
With the conventional route, there is no airline selection before you begin training. You first meet the regulatory requirements, complete your flying and obtain the licences and ratings required for the career path you are pursuing. Airline selection happens later, when you apply for a vacancy.
Conventional Training has more lenient entry requirements:
Education: The same 10+2 with Physics and Math requirement applies and that’s it! (this is a requirement for India only)
Flight schools may have their own selection process, but it’s usually more flexible and focused on medical fitness and academic performance. That does not automatically make one route better than the other, but it is something families should understand before choosing between them.
Who Should Choose a Cadet Pilot Program?
I would seriously consider the cadet route if most of the following apply to you:
- You want a clearly structured path from training towards an airline.
- You would rather clear airline selection before committing to the full training journey.
- You are comfortable having less control over where and how you train.
- You understand the constant pressure of performing right from the the selection process.
- Your family can comfortably afford the program without putting family finances at risk.
- You understand that an airline pathway is still conditional on successfully completing training and meeting the required standards.
- You are comfortable committing yourself to one airline relatively early in your career.
The financial point is especially important. I would not choose a cadet program simply because it appears to offer greater certainty, if the only way to fund it is by putting your family’s finances under extreme pressure.
Reduced career uncertainty does not justify unlimited financial risk.
Who Should Choose the Conventional CPL?
I would seriously consider the conventional route if most of the following apply to you:
- Keeping the overall training cost under control is important.
- You want to choose your own flight school.
- You want the freedom to change your training plan if circumstances change.
- You are prepared to go through the job hunt after obtaining your CPL.
- You are willing to consider other flying opportunities rather than treating an airline cockpit as the only acceptable first job.
- You are comfortable managing more of the training and career process yourself.
Conventional training requires more independence.
Nobody is managing the entire journey for you. You need to research schools, understand DGCA requirements, track your documentation, evaluate job opportunities and make decisions as circumstances change.
In return, you retain considerably more flexibility. That flexibility mattered in my own career. That flexibility gave me so much more experience and exposure.
A career that does not follow the original plan is not necessarily a failed career plan.
| If your priority is | Consider |
|---|---|
| Airline commitment | Cadet |
| Lower financial risk | Conventional |
| Airline selection before training | Cadet |
| Choosing your own flight school | Conventional |
| Maximum flexibility | Conventional |
| A predefined training pathway | Cadet |
| Ability to change direction more easily | Conventional |
| Avoiding post CPL job uncertainty | Cadet has an advantage |
There is no universally better route. The better route is the one whose risks you can realistically afford to carry.
FAQs
- Is a cadet pilot program better than the conventional route?
Not necessarily. A cadet pilot program offers a more structured, airline linked pathway and moves airline selection to the beginning of the journey. Conventional training usually offers greater flexibility and lower financial risk, but you have to find and clear airline employment after completing your CPL.
The better route depends on your finances, risk tolerance, need for flexibility, family circumstances and emotions.
- Does a cadet pilot program guarantee an airline job?
I would not treat any cadet program as an unconditional job guarantee. Cadets still need to successfully complete training, maintain medical and regulatory eligibility, meet the required standards and satisfy the conditions contained in their agreement or Letter of Intent.
A cadet program reduces job uncertainty compared with completing a conventional CPL, but it does not eliminate career or financial risk.
- Which is cheaper: cadet or conventional pilot training?
Conventional CPL training is generally the lower cost route because you have greater control over the flight school, training location and timing of expenses.
However, always compare the total amount spent until you are employable, rather than only the advertised course fee.
- Can a conventional CPL pilot get an airline job?
Yes. Conventional CPL holders can apply when airlines recruit pilots who meet their eligibility requirements. However, completing a CPL does not itself guarantee airline employment. You still need to clear the airline’s selection process and compete with other applicants.
All the airlines do not have a cadet program. Cadet programs solve long term hiring goals while short term needs come from conventional CPL holders.
- What is the main disadvantage of a cadet pilot program?
The main disadvantages are usually higher financial exposure and reduced flexibility. You are committing significant money to a particular training and airline pathway relatively early in your career.
If training, medical circumstances or airline requirements change, your ability to change direction may be more limited than with the conventional route.
- What is the main disadvantage of conventional pilot training?
The biggest uncertainty comes after obtaining your licence. You may have completed a substantial financial investment without knowing exactly when your first airline opportunity will arrive.
That makes financial planning and having realistic expectations about the post CPL waiting period particularly important.
Final Approach
So which route would I choose today? Many have asked me this.
I don’t think there is one correct answer for everyone. I don’t think it’s right for me to answer this question either. Fact is that I am not doing this again. I do not have the same emotions or finances or risk taking ability as anyone else. The answer is always unique to you. I can only provide facts and information to you.
If you valued a structured airline pathway, could comfortably afford the financial commitment and was willing to sacrifice some flexibility, you should seriously consider a cadet program.
If keeping your financial risk lower, choosing your own training path and retaining the ability to change direction were more important, you should consider the conventional route.
What I would not do is choose either option purely because somebody promised me the fastest route to an airline cockpit.
Pilot training is a major financial and career decision. Look beyond the advertised course duration and ask what happens if training takes longer, hiring slows down, you need additional training or your personal circumstances change.
The better route is not necessarily the one with the least uncertainty. It is the one whose risks you understand and can realistically afford.
I followed the conventional route, but that does not mean I believe everyone should do the same. Your financial position, age, family circumstances, career flexibility and tolerance for uncertainty may be completely different from mine. Remember that these answers are unique to you and only you can answer them. Do not rely on answers from others as they will not have to live with that decision. The money is yours, the risk is yours, so the decision has to be yours too.
These are of course just my opinions based on my experiences and gained knowledge. Differences in opinion are welcome.
Still unsure which route makes sense for you?
I offer private consultations for aspiring pilots and their families where we can discuss your budget, training options, financial exposure and career plan. My guidance is independent and based on my own experience of nearly 20 years. Book a call now
About the author: Abdut Ghiya is an airline pilot and former flight instructor with nearly two decades of aviation experience. He completed his initial flight training in South Africa, later worked as a flight instructor and freelance pilot in South Africa and then the Philippines and is currently an airline captain in India. He writes about pilot training, airline careers and the practical realities of a professional pilot.
This was so so helpful, thankyou so much for the wonderful and detailed blog!
Sir it really means a lot to aviation aspirants like us and your blogs literally cleared all my doubts regarding aviation and i appreciate your time and efforts for it
The effort you put into your blogs is truly commendable and worth appreciating.
Hello Captain!
I would love to know how you reached the cockpit of a major airline after completing your CPL in the conventional way.
I too belong from a very middle class family and it is nearly impossible for us to afford a cadet pilot program and hence the conventional way seems better financially. However, job hunting is really scaring me because I don’t wanna be taking up a loan of 50 Lakhs and being jobless.
Although I could work with cargo companies but after that how do I transition into major airlines ? Please guide me.
Hi, thanks for reaching out. This has been asked by many people and I am working on something that will answer your question. I will be publishing it in a few days, so check in soon to read about it.
Hello sir !
I had a question regarding ground school.
So currently I am pursuing my undergrad degree .As soon as I complete it, I am planning to join a cadet pilot program.
If I clear my dgca papers side by side during my undergrad degree.Will I save time on the ground classes and directly go for flying once I join the cadet pilot program.
Or do I have to compulsory take the ground
classes even if my dgca papers are cleared in the cadet pilot program.
Great question! Shows how detailed your thinking is. I feel the best answer to this you will get from the airline itself. Alirlines constantly change their policies so you have have to confirm with them at the time of your application.
Indigo has 9 FTOs . In Social Media when the cadet induction photos are shown, you can see 15+ cadets at an average for these events. This means overall there must be 15×9 = 135 cadets getting inducted for training. Also understand the induction is more than once an year . So annually there could be 250+ cadets. Is there job opportunity at that scale. I mean do we have any data on how many cadets get selected every year & how many actually end up being an Indigo pilot. At an average what is the waiting period nowadays for a cadet post training completion.
although your basic math is right, you need more understanding on how the industry works. everyone who completes the cadet program, will end up working at the company. the real question, one that you have also pointed out is – when? The rate of induction is always different at different times. It really depends upon the need of the company. I urge you to read this blog of mine that touches the topic about hiring practices https://abdutunfiltered.com/want-to-become-a-pilot-in-2025/
Firstly, I want to thank you for all the articles over time as they have helped me a lot.
I am a 29 year old guy doing a career switch as I can now finance my airline training. I am more inclined towards the cadet program as age may become a factor if I go towards the conventional path. So I have to choose between the two pills- waiting for job with a loi in hand or going through the process of hiring with a cpl. Which seems wiser in your generous opinion?
Hi sir
I have a friend, who’s a conventional pilot with a completed TR and is currently waiting for job opportunities. Any thoughts on what might be the best path for him? Thanks!”
Hi, you have read the costs associated with both the pills, so if you can afford it then, keeping your age in mind, it would be better to go with the cadet program. Of course at the end of the day it is you who has to live with the decision made.
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