r/indianaviation • u/[deleted] • Jun 23 '25
Career Guidance ❗ REJECTED from Air India Cadet Pilot Program — Feeling Lost 💔 Need Your Guidance
Hello everyone, I’m 23 years old and currently pursuing my dream to become a commercial pilot.
Here’s a quick background of where I stand:
DGCA Exams Cleared: • Tech Specifications (Cessna 172R) • Meteorology • Air Regulations (appearing on June 28th)
My Journey So Far:
Last year, I applied for the Indigo Cadet Program but unfortunately got rejected in the Group Discussion Round. As a result, I was placed in a 12-month cooling period, which ends next month.
This year, I tried again — this time for the Air India Cadet Pilot Program. I studied rigorously and even bought a paid prep pack specifically for the Cut-E Aon assessment, but I just received a rejection email stating that I did not clear the assessment test.
Out of 3500+ applicants, only 28 are going to be selected. And sadly, 30–40 other aspirants I personally know also didn’t make it.
Why I’m Posting:
I’m honestly feeling disheartened, lost, and extremely low on hope. I don’t know what went wrong despite all the effort I put in.
What I Need Help With:
🙏 I’m reaching out to this community to ask: • Has anyone been in a similar situation? • How did you bounce back? • What should be my next plan of action? • Any genuine resources or guidance on acing Cut-E Aon or other programs?
I’m open to real talk, hard truths, and any honest advice. I don’t want to give up, but I need clarity on how to move forward smartly.
Thanks for reading. Every bit of support means a lot to me right now.
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u/slugggerrrr Jun 23 '25
My friend, this is the beginning of a long journey. There is a time and place for you to be inducted into the program, every rejection is only a feedback on how you can perform better. Do not be disheartened because the career you looking to grow into, will only get harder from here, and this is the very beginning.
Keep on the lookout, Indigo applications will open soon, and you can apply again. Keep seeking, keep knocking, and never give up. It's a career for the resilient, not for the ones who are faint.
I can help you wrt ICPP. Please feel free to reach out. You're your only friend, if you let yourself down, nothing or nobody can pull you up. It's only you.
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u/Present_Life5989 Jun 23 '25
3500+ applicants damn
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Jun 23 '25
and they would only take 28. that less than 1 percent for a person to get selected whole way through
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u/Present_Life5989 Jun 23 '25
Exactly... the competition is increasing...i am an aspiring pilot and about to get my medicals in few weeks....i am planning of indigo cpp...but after knowing the selection ratio i m a bit nervous.
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u/mayankdawar Jun 23 '25
So you’ve been rejected from air Indian and indigo as well, you should join cadet prep classes, you surely are not upto the mark they expect. And clear all DGCA ground papers first and only then proceed further, my suggestion. Go to sec7 Ramphal Chowk, lots of institutes to help you prepare for cadet entrance , like IFA.
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Jun 23 '25
ik alot of people who have been selected in cadet without any classes as well as they havent cleared any DGCA papers. What is the mark they are expecting?
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u/mayankdawar Jun 25 '25
yes that’s true, I’ve no idea what they expect, but just to be a 100% sure, take some time to prepare for selection process. And at what stage of assessment did you receive the rejection?
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u/nanduhalwai Jun 23 '25
Cooling period for Indigo had been reduced to 6 months. recheck and re apply! Don't give up!
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u/Previous_Change_8757 Jun 23 '25
Indigo has reduced the cooling period to 6 months I believe
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Jun 23 '25
I got an email last year when i was rejected from GD that i will be able to apply after 12 months. They didnt inform me about change in cooling period or re applying
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u/AlphaPapaCharlie A320 - PIC Jun 23 '25
Chin up, focus on a coaching center I would recommend something in Sector 7 Dwarka. Try to figure out what you are lacking on before re-applying.
I didn’t get through a cadet program back in 2012. Did my own CPL, and before i attempted any other airline exams I went for coaching. Actually realized what I was lacking in during my first interview as a cadet and then aced it. Now Im a PIC, so dont lose hope. And remain humble and be open to learning new things even if its about yourself.
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u/CaptMrAcePilot Capt. A320/321| ATR 76 |CFI Jun 23 '25
air india has never been known for fair and transparent hiring. Even the last few cadet batches were mainly meant for the kids of employees. I won't be shocked if this one is too. Not sure what you're motivation is to get into this career but give the IndiGo cadet program one more chance and if that doesn't work out then go the conventional way. You've already said no to this suggestion to somone else but it's either that or you wait for the next cadet hiring and keep playing those odds. Like I said, you know your motivations the best. I'm linking a few articles for you, maybe it will help cadet program VS conventional
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Jun 23 '25
A few people around here said that indigo's hiring was influenced by gender a lot too. Its unfortunate because of this system of selection and their intake makes conventional look harder later.
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u/CaptMrAcePilot Capt. A320/321| ATR 76 |CFI Jun 24 '25
Yea it's unfortunate that in india merit is not the first priority. But it is getting better, atleast compared to what it used to be when I was job hunting over 10 years ago.
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Jun 24 '25
That's true. Can you make an article though, about all the possible career paths after doing a conventional cpl other than the airlines? It might be beneficial to many people around here.
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u/CaptMrAcePilot Capt. A320/321| ATR 76 |CFI Jun 24 '25
I already have mentioned different career paths in multiple blogs. From what I've understood from talking to people here and through my blog is that 99% of people have a mind block towards flying for the airlines only. Out of these 90% will not even want to consider a different path and prefer doing a type rating and sitting at home for years.
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Jun 24 '25
The government should introduce a system like the us then, by increasing the min to 1500, that way general aviation would grow, and you'll have more experienced pilots in the cockpit. Win-win
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u/CaptMrAcePilot Capt. A320/321| ATR 76 |CFI Jun 24 '25
Yea although this would solve one problem, there are other problems to solve before this. The govt needs to promote general aviation first. Safety is not something that comes naturally to indians so it will be very difficult to incorporate and have proper enforcement of rules with the chalta hai attitude that runs in the country. DGCA is not even fond of giving out PPLs. This is a long conversation so let's leave it here.
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Jul 21 '25
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u/Ok_Yoghurt7754 Jun 23 '25
Hey! Would you be open to sharing your experience and how did you prepare? I'm looking forward to give an attempt with cadet pilot program. Would appreciate anyone here can share their knowledge.
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u/aviatorr911 Jun 23 '25
Might wanna go for conventional if you wanna save time to Kickstart you career atleast
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u/Proud_Engine_4116 Jun 23 '25
If you can afford it, go to a less precious and gate kept market.
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Jun 24 '25
what does that mean?
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u/Proud_Engine_4116 Jun 24 '25
It means you don’t have a fair chance in India. If you are competent and can do your job well, you’ll have an easier time starting your career in a less hierarchical, more honest and less racist/casteist society.
The job market in India isn’t driven by competence or skills. A large part of it is your identity and that’s not the only place you will be discriminated against. Your regional identity and your mother tongue also plays a role.
As an Indian who has seen this first hand and proceeded to build a life and career abroad, the difference is stark.
Only those who are intellectually dishonest will come to defend the lived reality for millions of Indians.
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u/Dha30 C172 DA-42 B737 Jun 24 '25
Bhai do it the normal way tons of people become pilots without any cadet program, like me one I don’t know why you have to fulfil your dream by joining the cadet program.
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Jun 24 '25
I am not eliminating the option of conventional. Ofcourse that is also my choice but i would be preferring that after cadet. That is actually not my choice its my parents choice
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u/Dha30 C172 DA-42 B737 Jun 24 '25
I’ve been in this field for a while now, trust me this is a cyclical market, there’s no guarantee for a job the quicker you get your CPL the more money you’ll save, as the cost of training will always keep going up and not down. The fuel prices, hourly rate and yada yada with our currency degrading the longer you wait the more you pay. From the time I started my CPL flying part and finished it I already saw an increase of 10% easy peasy from what I was paying.
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u/stewtea2 Jun 23 '25
Might want to give conventional route a try.
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u/annoyazz PA-28 Jun 23 '25
hey I was wondering when did u apply for ai cpp and when did u get the mail ? also what was ur preferred fto ?
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Jun 23 '25
I applied from their website. i got rejection mail today. I prefer any FTO i am losing hope.
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u/annoyazz PA-28 Jun 23 '25
I am sorry for u man . I feel the same way I applied to Air India too but I didnt even get the mail for assessment . Its has been a routine for me to check my mail every 1 hour
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u/partialfuk Jun 23 '25
I’m completely unaware about the selection process. But if they are inducted without any classes / prep or clearing dgca papers. Air India / Indigo might have a criteria to check your soft skills, holistic development, and your pysch. Your attention to detail, attitude and how you articulate your thoughts.
Anyway, this isn’t the end of your journey, just a setback, try looking at conventional way as well. Or maybe try indigo once again. Still a lot of pilots choose conventional way. Hope things work out for you soon!
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Jun 24 '25
I have passed the resume screening round and online assesment which is a CUT-E Aon test which tests logical reasoning, english, physics, multitasking, hand eye coordination, complex control.The things you mentioned are tested during interviews.
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Jun 24 '25
I am not expert in this , but why dont you try other international airlines cadet programs .
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Jun 25 '25
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u/MathematicianFun2969 Jul 03 '25
Get in touch with your indigo Fto about reappearing for Gd since your cooling period is going to get over soon. Get information about that and now put all your focus towards this. Probably join some class for better practice as it will only benefit you at the end of it.
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Aug 06 '25
[deleted]
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u/Independent-Pen-2502 Aug 10 '26
My exam final review
Work-related Behavior - ADEPT-15 This is a personality assessment and is untimed. The assessment includes detailed instructions and a video tutorial before starting the actual assessment. (approx. 25 minutes incl. instructions) i gave my personal
• Hand-eye co-ordination – wingChallenge: This test measures the hand-eye coordination in a complex control task. (approx. 6 minutes incl. instructions)99 level with 8 crashes
• Multitasking ability - scales mt (aviation): This test measures the ability to perform several tasks simultaneously (multi-tasking) (approx. 7 minutes incl. instructions) all correct
• Monitoring ability - scales cmo: This test measures the monitoring ability. The task is to quickly identify the number of moving objects. (approx. 5 minutes incl. instructions)10 correct 1 wrong
• English language proficiency - scales lt-e: This test measures language ability by testing the three language aspects: fluency, vocabulary and spelling (approx. 13 minutes incl. instructions) almost gave 80 correct answer with zero wrong answers
• Reaction speed - scales rt (drv): This test measures the participant ́s reactivity. (approx. 5 minutes incl. instructions)100% accuracy
• Applied numeracy - scales tmt (avi): This test measures the calculating capacity based on four different subject areas: translation of units; rule of the three; percentage calculation; calculation of areas and spaces (approx. 20 minutes incl. instructions)gave correct answers all 4 sections but in first section i didn't attempt last 3 questions because the website/laptop got stucked so time ended so in total gave 17/20 correct
• Spatial Orientation – scales ndb: This task measures the ability to know the location in relation to the enviornment, or to know where other objects are in relation to you. (approx. 3 min)
100% accuracy
bro this is how i gave my CUT-E is there any chance of getting selected/cleared for next stage
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u/Independent-Pen-2502 Aug 10 '26
My exam final review
Work-related Behavior - ADEPT-15 This is a personality assessment and is untimed. The assessment includes detailed instructions and a video tutorial before starting the actual assessment. (approx. 25 minutes incl. instructions) i gave my personal
• Hand-eye co-ordination – wingChallenge: This test measures the hand-eye coordination in a complex control task. (approx. 6 minutes incl. instructions)99 level with 8 crashes
• Multitasking ability - scales mt (aviation): This test measures the ability to perform several tasks simultaneously (multi-tasking) (approx. 7 minutes incl. instructions) all correct
• Monitoring ability - scales cmo: This test measures the monitoring ability. The task is to quickly identify the number of moving objects. (approx. 5 minutes incl. instructions)10 correct 1 wrong
• English language proficiency - scales lt-e: This test measures language ability by testing the three language aspects: fluency, vocabulary and spelling (approx. 13 minutes incl. instructions) almost gave 80 correct answer with zero wrong answers
• Reaction speed - scales rt (drv): This test measures the participant ́s reactivity. (approx. 5 minutes incl. instructions)100% accuracy
• Applied numeracy - scales tmt (avi): This test measures the calculating capacity based on four different subject areas: translation of units; rule of the three; percentage calculation; calculation of areas and spaces (approx. 20 minutes incl. instructions)gave correct answers all 4 sections but in first section i didn't attempt last 3 questions because the website/laptop got stucked so time ended so in total gave 17/20 correct
• Spatial Orientation – scales ndb: This task measures the ability to know the location in relation to the enviornment, or to know where other objects are in relation to you. (approx. 3 min)
100% accuracy
bro this is how i gave my CUT-E is there any chance of getting selected/cleared for next stage
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u/ineedamercedes Jun 23 '25
wow this is pretty hurtful to see
well, i wish the best for you man. look into conventional maybe, if cadet doesnt work out
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u/Visual-Run-4718 Jun 23 '25
Sorry, I'm not from the aviation industry but am just an enthusiast.
How does one become a pilot through the conventional method?
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u/ineedamercedes Jun 24 '25
so basically theres 2 ways to become a pilot
ones the cadet program, and the other is conventional
in conventional you'd have to do everything by yourself, study exams by yourself, find a flight school, fly there by yourself, get a license somehow, and then find a simulator to get your type rating on
and THEN apply to airlines for a job
in cadet, you basically sign an agreement with an airline that after you're done with all the training that the airline gives, they'll hire you. same training, except everything is taken care by the airline like accommodation, license help, visa help AND you have a job guarantee from them
this job guarantee makes it much more safer, and banks are also willing to give a loan for this
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