Giving Wings to Fly – Airline Ready Pilot Training Programme 2026
Location: Gurugram, Haryana & Madhya Pradesh
Job Description
The Giving Wings to Fly – Airline Ready Pilot Training Programme 2026 is a fully supported aviation career initiative designed to help women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursue careers as commercial pilots.
The programme is supported by IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, implemented by BharatCares (SMEC Trust), and delivered by Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation.
The programme offers comprehensive training leading to a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and ATR Type Rating, along with support for accommodation, meals, medical insurance, mentorship and aviation career guidance.
Important: The application deadline for the first batch was listed as 29 July 2026. A second batch is tentatively expected to open around October–November 2026. Applicants should verify the latest dates before applying.
Programme Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Giving Wings to Fly – Airline Ready Pilot Training Programme |
| Programme Type | Fully supported pilot training |
| Target Group | Women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 with English, Physics & Mathematics |
| Minimum Marks | 51% in each of English, Physics & Mathematics |
| Age Limit | 18–35 years |
| Training | CPL + ATR Type Rating |
| Duration | Approximately 20 months |
| Training Locations | Gurugram, Haryana & Madhya Pradesh |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Portal | ScholarsBox |
| Implementing Organisation | BharatCares |
| Training Partner | Chimes Aviation Academy |
| Supported By | IndiGoReach |
This initiative is particularly valuable for aspiring women pilots who may otherwise find the cost of commercial pilot training difficult to afford.
Pilot Training Duration
The complete programme is expected to take approximately 20 months:
- 6 months: Ground School in Gurugram, Haryana
- 12 months: Flying training at Dhana or Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh
- 2 months: ATR Type Rating training in India after successful completion of CPL requirements
Selected candidates must be prepared to stay at the designated training locations throughout the programme.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
Phase 1 – Application & Eligibility Screening
Candidates register on the ScholarsBox platform and submit the online application. Applications are then screened against the prescribed eligibility criteria.
Phase 2 – Preliminary Assessments
The preliminary stage may include:
- Psychometric and cognitive assessment
- Video Statement of Purpose
- DGCA compliance readiness
Candidates may need to obtain an Indian passport, DGCA Computer Number and required medical certifications during the selection process.
Phase 3 – Advanced Assessments
Shortlisted candidates participate in in-person assessments in Gurugram, Haryana, including:
- ADAPT assessment
- Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
The ADAPT assessment evaluates abilities relevant to pilot aptitude, including cognitive, psychomotor and behavioural skills.
Phase 4 – Document Verification & Home Visit
BharatCares verifies the information and documents submitted by candidates. A home visit may also be conducted to verify the applicant’s circumstances and information.
Phase 5 – Final Selection & Onboarding
Final selection is based on merit and the decision of the selection committee.
For the FY 2026–27 batch, approximately 15 candidates are expected to be shortlisted. Selected candidates will begin their ground school training in Gurugram.
Pilot Training Examinations
During ground school, candidates must clear the prescribed DGCA theory examinations.
The programme information lists the following six theory papers:
- Air Regulations
- Air Navigation
- Aviation Meteorology
- Technical General
- Two additional specialisation papers
Candidates must achieve the prescribed passing marks in the required subjects. The programme also includes the RTR examination, Student Pilot Licence assessment and English Language Proficiency requirements during subsequent stages of training.
Training Locations
Selected candidates will undergo training at multiple locations:
- Ground School: Gurugram, Haryana
- Flying Training: Dhana or Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh
- ATR Type Rating: India
Candidates should be prepared to reside at the designated training locations for approximately 20 months.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is specifically designed for female Indian citizens from economically disadvantaged households.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have completed Class 12 (10+2) with:
- English
- Physics
- Mathematics
Candidates must have secured at least 51% marks in each of these three subjects.
Age Limit
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age, as specified in the programme eligibility criteria. For the relevant batch, the FAQ specifies the age requirement with reference to 1 May 2026.
Income Eligibility
Applicants must belong to an economically disadvantaged household meeting the applicable EWS criteria and Government of India guidelines.
Passport Requirement
Applicants must hold a valid Indian passport. Candidates who do not have a passport when applying may still be eligible to apply, but must obtain one before Phase 3 of the selection process.
Medical Requirements
Candidates must fulfil the applicable requirements relating to:
- DGCA Computer Number
- Class 1 medical certification
- Class 2 medical certification
- Police verification before training
According to the programme criteria, candidates with visible tattoos are not considered eligible.
Benefits & Support
The programme provides:
- Full support for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training
- ATR Type Rating training
- Accommodation and meals during training
- Medical insurance during training
- Pilot mentorship from aviation industry experts
- Aviation career guidance
- Support for becoming an airline-ready commercial pilot
- Guidance on aviation career pathways and airline recruitment
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Indian Passport
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 12 marksheet
- Income certificate / EWS certificate / BPL Card / Form 16 / ITR acknowledgement, as applicable
- DGCA Class 2 Medical Assessment, if available
- NCC Air Wing certificate, if applicable
- DGCA examination marksheets/results, if applicable
- Address proof
- Resume or statement of educational and personal background
- Other relevant certificates
Document requirements may change, so candidates should check the latest instructions on the application portal before submitting their application.
Is There an Application Fee?
No application or selection process fee is required.
However, candidates may be responsible for certain expenses related to fulfilling eligibility requirements, particularly DGCA medical examinations.
The programme FAQ estimates:
- Class 2 Medical: Approximately ₹5,000–₹15,000
- Class 1 Medical: Approximately ₹15,000–₹25,000
Actual costs may vary depending on the medical centre and other factors.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the ScholarsBox programme portal.
Application Process
- Read the complete programme details and eligibility criteria.
- Open the official application portal using the Apply Link.
- Register with the required details.
- Log in to your account.
- Select Apply Now.
- Complete the application form carefully.
- Upload the required documents.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Review all information before submission.
- Submit the application.
Candidates should carefully cross-check their personal, educational and financial information before submitting the form.
Education Required
- Class 12 Pass
- English, Physics and Mathematics required
- Minimum 51% in each required subject
- Any graduation, if applicable
- Freshers can apply
- Previous work experience is not mandatory
Salary
As per applicable norms.
Apply Link
Eligible candidates should use the official application portal and verify the latest application dates, eligibility requirements and document instructions before applying.
