Akasa SkyCadet Pilot Training Programme
Everything an aspiring cadet needs to know — decoded by Pilots Academy, Gurugram
Apply via Akasa Careers PortalIt's Your Sky
Akasa Air has launched a structured, end-to-end pathway that takes you from your first ground-school class to the right-hand seat of a Boeing 737 MAX. Built on world-class safety, high-quality training and service excellence.
Eligibility Criteria
Check every box below before you apply — screening is strict and based on defined guidelines.
Nationality & Age
Indian citizens only. Minimum 18 years at application; maximum 40 years at enrolment.
Education & Language
10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Mathematics and English. Written and spoken English proficiency required.
Medical & Background
DGCA Class 2 during selection; Class 1 required for CPL. No criminal record. Valid passport required.
Selection Process
A comprehensive, multi-stage evaluation of aptitude, cognitive ability, communication skills and overall readiness.
Apply Online
Submit via the Akasa Career Portal
Screening
Application screening based on defined guidelines
Aptitude Test
Cognitive and spatial reasoning assessments
Psychometric & Medical
Personality profiling and initial medical checks
Interview
Panel evaluation by airline experts
Final Selection
Contract signing and programme commencement
Pilots Academy Tip
Stages 3, 4 and 5 — aptitude, psychometric and interview — are where most candidates are eliminated. These are exactly the stages we train you for, one-on-one at our Gurugram facility.
The Training Journey
Structured across three stages for completion within approximately 24 months, with 200+ hours of flying.
Stage 1 — Ground School
Foundational aviation theory aligned with DGCA requirements, delivered with state-of-the-art training infrastructure.
Stage 2 — Flight Training
CPL pathway with 200+ hours of dual, solo and instrument flying at partner Flight Training Organisations (FTOs).
Stage 3 — Type Rating
Boeing 737 MAX type rating, with guidance and interaction from experienced Akasa Air pilots.
Choosing Your FTO
Your entire 200+ hours of CPL flying happens at ONE of these two FTOs. Study both before you state your preference in the application.
| Comparison Criteria | Dunes Aviation Academy Bhavnagar, Gujarat |
Skynex Aero Pvt. Ltd. Jalgaon, Maharashtra |
|---|---|---|
| Bases, Airspace & Weather | ||
| Training Bases | 2 — Bhavnagar (Gujarat) + Bhilwara (Rajasthan) | 3 — Jalgaon (Maharashtra) + Mehsana (Gujarat) + Delhi |
| Airspace Environment | Bhavnagar: CONTROLLED AAI airport — ATC, VOR + ILS/RNP. Bhilwara: uncontrolled. | Jalgaon: fully-lit runway, Doppler VOR, full IFR & night env, live RT with commercial jets. |
| Flying Weather | Coastal Gujarat + Rajasthan — generally good VMC, low traffic. | Jalgaon & Mehsana — ideal weather, uncongested airspace. |
| Fleet & Operations | ||
| Total Fleet Size | ~4–5 aircraft per base (≈ 8–10 total)* | 18+ aircraft (cadets report 20+ and growing) |
| Single-Engine Fleet | Cessna 172 Skyhawk + Piper Archer DX | 15 Piper Archer DX + 2 Cessna 172 |
| Multi-Engine Fleet | Diamond DA42 Twin Star (G1000 + GFC700) | 1 Tecnam P2006T twin |
| Avionics & Simulators | Garmin G1000 fleet-wide. Redbird FMX FULL-MOTION sim. | Garmin G1000 fleet-wide. Sim training offered. |
| People & Campus | ||
| Instructors & Ratio | ~4–5 per base (≈ 8–10 total)* | 30+ instructors (≈ 1:5 instructor to cadet ratio) |
| Accommodation | Exclusive residential complex, AC ensuite rooms. | AC fully-furnished hostel, shuttle to airfield. |
| Estimated Completion | Not published publicly; commitments given internally. | 13–16 months total (cadets report flying in ~10 mo) |
*Dunes fleet & instructor figures are Pilots Academy field estimates. Always verify current batch loads in writing during counselling.
Skynex Aero, Jalgaon
- Largest verifiable fleet (18–20+) — fewer queues for sorties
- Published record: 95 CPLs, 37,000+ hrs, 170+ cadets
- ~1:5 instructor ratio with 30+ instructors
- Fastest stated completion: 13–16 months
- Only 1 twin (Tecnam P2006T) — Multi-engine slots can bottleneck
Dunes Aviation, Bhavnagar
- Controlled AAI airport with ILS/RNP — real ATC R/T from day one
- Diamond DA42 — the gold-standard multi-engine trainer
- Redbird FMX full-motion simulator (SE + ME)
- Premium residential campus — AC ensuite rooms, meals included
- Smaller setup (~4–5 aircraft/instructors per base) — confirm load
The Captain's Bottom Line
If pure speed-to-licence and proven throughput matter most, prefer Skynex. If ATC-rich flying, DA42 multi-engine quality and campus comfort matter most, prefer Dunes. Either way, clear your DGCA ground subjects BEFORE joining — it protects your bond and dispatches you to flying 3–6 months early. Book a one-on-one session with Pilots Academy before you submit your preference.
How Pilots Academy Gets You Selected
Run by an active commercial airline pilot with 15+ years of experience, we prepare you for every stage of the battle-tested Akasa SkyCadet selection.
Aptitude Test Prep
Targeted practice for airline-style cognitive, numerical and spatial reasoning assessments.
Psychometric Coaching
Personality-profile preparation with strategy guides and ideal-answer frameworks.
Interview Grooming
Mock HR and panel interviews with airline-standard feedback from active airline pilots.
One-on-One Mentoring
Small batches (max 6–8 students) ensure every cadet gets individual attention.
DGCA Ground School
Complete CPL ground subject coaching under one roof to clear exams before flying.
Honest Career Counselling
Unbiased guidance on cadet programmes across IndiGo, Air India, Air Arabia, Emirates — and now Akasa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without Physics & Maths in 10+2?
No — Physics, Mathematics and English in 10+2 (or equivalent) are mandatory.
Can I wear glasses?
Yes, with clearance from a DGCA-approved doctor; contact lenses are not permitted while flying.
What if I fail the medical?
Temporarily unfit candidates may reappear; permanently unfit candidates cannot pursue a pilot career.
Can I re-apply if not selected?
Yes — up to two attempts, with a 3-month cooling-off period between applications.
Is a job guaranteed?
Not automatic — a final suitability assessment precedes induction, but the programme is built to induct high-potential cadets as First Officers.
Do I have to join Akasa after training?
Yes — a training agreement commits you to be available to join Akasa Air on successful completion.
Financing Tip
Before committing to ₹1 Crore, get your family a clear financial roadmap. We help cadet families compare loan structures, payment milestones and exit clauses across all airline cadet programmes.
Ready to Earn Your Wings?
Book a free one-on-one counselling session with our airline pilot mentors before the 24 June 2026 deadline.
Book Free Counselling Session