Air India Pilot Requirements – The Ultimate 2025 Eligibility Guide
Air India’s pilot recruitment process is competitive and tightly regulated. Whether you’re applying through the cadet route or as a direct entry pilot, you must meet a clear set of Air India Pilot Requirements that includes age limits, academic background, flight licenses, medical fitness, and in some cases, minimum flight hours. These conditions are non-negotiable and are enforced during every stage of the selection process.
The Air India Pilot Requirements are based on DGCA regulations and internal airline standards. You’ll need a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL), a current Class 1 Medical Certificate, and—depending on the role—an RTR (A) license and Type Rating on specific aircraft types. Document verification, simulator assessments, and medical checks are also part of the final selection.
This guide breaks down all Air India Pilot Requirements for 2025. You’ll get clear information on eligibility criteria, licenses, documents, and application steps—so you can apply with complete confidence and meet every requirement without delay.
Overview of Air India as a National Carrier
Air India is India’s flagship airline, currently owned by the Tata Group. Since its privatization in 2022, the airline has undergone a complete transformation—including fleet expansion, new international routes, and aggressive pilot recruitment. With plans to add over 400 aircraft in the coming years, the demand for qualified pilots is at an all-time high.
For aspiring commercial pilots, Air India offers multiple entry points—from Air India cadet programs to direct entry for experienced commanders. But the selection process is governed by strict standards set by both the airline and DGCA. Understanding the Air India Pilot Requirements before applying is essential if you want to qualify and compete successfully.
Whether you’re starting your flying journey or switching airlines, meeting Air India’s eligibility criteria is the first step toward a cockpit career with one of India’s fastest-growing carriers.
Core Eligibility Criteria to Apply as an Air India Pilot
The Air India Pilot Requirements are standardized to ensure all candidates meet safety, licensing, and professional standards. These criteria vary slightly depending on the position you’re applying for—cadet, first officer, or commander—but the core requirements remain the same.
Educational Qualification: You must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board. If you studied abroad, an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is required.
Age Limit: For cadet pilots, the typical age range is 18 to 32 years. For experienced pilots, age limits vary based on the role and type of aircraft, but younger applicants with valid CPLs and medicals are preferred.
Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens. OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders may apply if they have a valid Indian passport and fulfill DGCA licensing conditions.
Meeting these basic Air India Pilot Requirements is mandatory before you proceed to licensing, medical, and simulator assessments. Failure to meet even one criterion can result in disqualification during the screening stage.
License Requirements – CPL, Type Rating & RTR (A)
A valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is mandatory for all Air India pilot applicants. This license proves you’ve completed the required flying hours, ground subjects, and DGCA exams necessary to operate commercial aircraft in India.
In addition to the CPL, most roles—especially direct entry first officers or commanders—require a Type Rating on specific aircraft in Air India’s fleet, such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 787. Cadet pilots may be hired without Type Rating, but must obtain it before starting line training.
Another key component of the Air India Pilot Requirements is the RTR (A) license—Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical). This is issued by the WPC wing of the Ministry of Communications and is essential for all radio communications during flight.
In summary, to meet Air India’s licensing standards, you must hold:
- A valid DGCA-issued CPL
- A current RTR (A) license
- Type Rating (if applying for direct-entry fleet-specific roles)
These licenses form the core of the airline’s technical screening criteria.
Medical Requirements (Class 1 Medical)
All applicants must hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate, issued by a DGCA-approved aviation medical examiner. This certificate confirms that you meet the physical and mental fitness standards required to safely operate an aircraft under commercial flight conditions.
The medical exam includes evaluations of:
- Vision (minimum 6/6, corrected if necessary)
- Hearing and ENT health
- Cardiovascular function
- Neurological and psychological fitness
- Drug and alcohol screening
Your Class 1 Medical must be valid on the day of your Air India interview or assessment. If it expires before that, you will be disqualified. Regular renewal is required, especially for active pilots, as per DGCA timelines.
As part of the Air India Pilot Requirements, the medical clearance ensures that you’re not just qualified to fly, but fit to handle the physical and psychological demands of daily operations in commercial aviation.
Experience Requirements (For Non-Cadet Routes)
If you’re applying outside the cadet program, flight experience plays a major role in your selection. Air India has clear thresholds based on the role you’re targeting, and these are part of the official Air India Pilot Requirements.
Cadet Pilot
Cadet pilots applying to Air India don’t need prior flight experience, but they must hold a valid DGCA-issued CPL, a current Class 1 Medical Certificate, and have cleared all required theoretical exams. Type Rating is typically completed after selection and must be finished before starting line training.
Junior First Officer
Junior First Officer applicants must have a minimum of 200 hours of total flying time, with a valid Type Rating—preferably on aircraft like the Airbus A320—considered a strong advantage. All candidates are required to pass a simulator assessment as part of the Air India pilot selection process.
Captain / Commander
Applicants for Captain or Commander roles are expected to have an ATPL (preferred) and a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time, including substantial hours on jet or turboprop aircraft. Experience on aircraft types within Air India’s fleet is highly valued, and prior command experience, along with a strong training and safety record, plays a key role in the evaluation process.
Each category has its own expectations, but no application is accepted unless the minimum standards are met. Always review the Air India Pilot Requirements in the specific recruitment notice for the most current thresholds.
Documents Needed for Application
Your application must be complete and verifiable. Any missing or inaccurate documents can result in immediate disqualification, regardless of your qualifications or experience.
Here’s a standard checklist of documents required under Air India Pilot Requirements:
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Resume/CV | All candidates |
| Copy of DGCA-issued CPL | All candidates |
| Class 1 Medical Certificate | All candidates |
| RTR (A) License | All candidates |
| Flying Logbook (signed, verified) | Non-cadet, experienced pilots |
| Type Rating Certificate (if any) | Direct entry first officers or captains |
| DGCA Exam Results / Mark Sheets | All candidates |
| Passport and ID Proof | All candidates |
| Passport-size Photograph | All candidates |
Make sure all documents are valid, clearly scanned, and submitted through the official Air India careers portal. No application will be processed unless every part of the checklist matches the stated Air India Pilot Requirements.
How to Apply – Official Recruitment Channels
Once you meet all the Air India Pilot Requirements, the next step is submitting your application through official and verified channels. Air India manages its pilot recruitment through its careers portal or via direct recruitment notices published on its official website and recognized aviation job platforms.
To apply, follow these steps:
- Visit the official Air India Careers page.
- Select the relevant pilot vacancy (cadet, first officer, commander).
- Fill out the online application form accurately.
- Upload all required documents in the specified formats.
- Submit and await shortlisting.
Shortlisted candidates are contacted for a written exam (if applicable), simulator check, technical interview, and final medical verification. Do not apply through third-party agents or consultants, as Air India does not authorize external agencies to manage pilot hiring.
To avoid disqualification, double-check that your qualifications match the exact Air India Pilot Requirements stated in the job posting.
Conclusion
Meeting the Air India Pilot Requirements is the first and most important step toward building a flying career with the country’s national carrier. From holding a valid CPL and Class 1 Medical to meeting specific experience thresholds and document standards, every detail matters during the recruitment process.
This guide has outlined everything you need to qualify—whether you’re a fresh cadet or an experienced pilot aiming for a commander role. With fleet expansion and new opportunities ahead, now is the time to align your credentials, verify your documents, and apply through the proper channels.
Air India expects professionalism from day one—and that starts with preparation. If you meet the criteria, take the next step confidently and begin your journey toward flying for one of India’s most iconic airlines.
FAQs: Air India Pilot Requirements
What are the minimum qualifications for Air India cadet pilots?
You need a DGCA-issued CPL, a valid Class 1 Medical, and 10+2 with Physics and Math. No flight hours are required.
Is a Type Rating required before applying?
For cadet pilots, no. For direct-entry positions like First Officer or Commander, Type Rating on relevant aircraft is preferred and often required.
What is the age limit for Air India pilot applicants?
Cadet applicants should be between 18–32 years. Age limits for experienced pilots vary depending on the role and fleet.
Can foreign CPL holders apply to Air India?
Only Indian citizens with a valid Indian CPL from DGCA are eligible. Foreign-issued licenses must be converted and validated by DGCA first.
Does Air India provide training or sponsor Type Rating?
Cadet pilots may be offered support for Type Rating after selection. For direct-entry roles, candidates are usually expected to have completed Type Rating independently.
Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at 91 (0) 1171 816622 to learn more about the Private Pilot Ground School Course.
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