IndiGo Pilot Scholarship for Women (2026): Eligibility, Selection Process, Benefits & How to Apply
Updated: 15 July 2026· Poetic Pilot Academy
For many aspiring pilots, the biggest obstacle to becoming a commercial airline pilot is not passion or talent—it's the financial cost of training. A Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in India can cost tens of lakhs of rupees, making aviation inaccessible for many deserving students.
To help bridge this gap, IndiGo, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in partnership with BharatCares, has launched the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship for Women. The programme aims to support women from economically weaker sections (EWS) by providing a fully sponsored pathway towards becoming a commercial pilot.
Unlike conventional scholarships that only contribute towards tuition fees, this initiative covers almost the complete training journey—from DGCA Ground School to Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training and even an ATR Type Rating. Residential accommodation, meals and training expenses are also included throughout the programme, making it one of the most comprehensive aviation scholarships currently available in India.
If you do not have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12, don't worry. The programme also accepts eligible candidates who have completed these subjects through recognised boards such as NIOS. You can learn more in our guide on Becoming a Pilot Without Physics and Maths.
- What is the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship?
- Who can apply?
- Complete eligibility criteria
- Everything included in the scholarship
- Selection process explained
- ADAPT assessment overview
- Training at Chimes Aviation Academy
- Important dates
- How to apply
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship for Women?
The IndiGo Pilot Scholarship for Women is a fully sponsored pilot training programme created to increase opportunities for women from economically weaker backgrounds to pursue careers in commercial aviation.
The initiative is supported through IndiGo's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and is designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to becoming a pilot—the cost of training.
Selected candidates receive structured training beginning with professional DGCA Ground School, followed by flying training leading to the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and finally an ATR Type Rating to help prepare them for airline careers.
The programme is being conducted in partnership with Chimes Aviation Academy, one of India's established flight training organisations.
| Programme | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Fully Sponsored Pilot Training |
| Eligibility | Women from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) |
| Ground School | Chimes Aviation Academy, Gurugram |
| Flying Training | Dhana & Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh |
| Type Rating | ATR Type Rating Included |
| Accommodation | Included |
| Meals | Included |
| Application Fee | None |
How Many Candidates Will Be Selected?
The programme aims to support approximately 50 women over a period of three years. For the current financial year (FY 2026–27), the organisers have stated that approximately 15 candidates will be selected based on merit and the decision of the selection committee.
Future batches are expected to open separately, subject to programme schedules and official announcements.
Selection is highly competitive. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee selection. Every applicant must successfully clear each stage of the evaluation process before being offered admission to the programme.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is that it covers far more than just flying training. Successful candidates receive support throughout almost the entire commercial pilot training journey.
| Included in Scholarship | Status |
|---|---|
| DGCA Ground School | ✅ Included |
| Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Training | ✅ Included |
| Flying Training | ✅ Included |
| ATR Type Rating | ✅ Included |
| Residential Accommodation | ✅ Included |
| Meals During Training | ✅ Included |
| Training Fees | ✅ Included |
| DGCA Theory Examination Fees | ✅ Included |
| DGCA Class 2 Medical | ❌ Candidate Pays |
| DGCA Class 1 Medical | ❌ Candidate Pays |
The only major expenses candidates are generally expected to bear themselves are the DGCA medical examinations required during the selection process. Guidance for obtaining these medical certificates is provided by the programme team, but the examination fees are paid directly by the applicant.
Who Can Apply?
The IndiGo Pilot Scholarship for Women is specifically designed to support aspiring female pilots from economically weaker backgrounds. While the programme is open to applicants from across India, every candidate must satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements before progressing through the selection process.
The eligibility criteria are based on educational qualifications, age, nationality, financial background and medical readiness. Candidates who satisfy these requirements can participate in the multi-stage selection process conducted by the programme partners.
| Requirement | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Age | 18–35 Years (as of 1 May 2026) |
| Education | 10+2 with English, Physics & Mathematics |
| Minimum Marks | 51% in English, Physics & Mathematics |
| Financial Category | Economically Weaker Section (EWS) |
| Passport | Required before Phase 3 |
| Medical | DGCA Class 1 & Class 2 (during selection) |
| Visible Tattoos | Not Permitted |
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
1. Indian Citizen
Applicants must be Indian citizens. The scholarship is intended to support aspiring women pilots from across India, and there are no state or regional restrictions while applying.
2. Age Requirement
Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years of age as on 1 May 2026.
Applicants outside this age range are not eligible for the current intake.
3. Educational Qualification
Applicants must have successfully completed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) with the following compulsory subjects:
- English
- Physics
- Mathematics
Candidates must have secured a minimum of 51% individually in all three subjects.
Don't Have Physics & Mathematics? NIOS is Accepted
One of the most encouraging aspects of this programme is that students who originally studied Commerce or Arts are not automatically excluded.
If you completed Physics and Mathematics later through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or another recognised equivalent qualification accepted under DGCA requirements, you can still apply provided you satisfy the remaining eligibility criteria.
Many aspiring pilots believe choosing Commerce or Arts permanently ends their aviation dream. Fortunately, that is not true.
If you're unsure whether you qualify, read our detailed guide on Can I Become a Pilot Without Physics and Maths?.
You do not need to repeat your entire Class 12 education if Physics and Mathematics are your only missing subjects. Completing the required subjects through recognised boards such as NIOS can make you eligible, subject to the programme and DGCA requirements.
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Requirement
The scholarship is intended for women belonging to economically disadvantaged households. Applicants must satisfy the prevailing Economically Weaker Section (EWS) criteria prescribed by the Government of India.
In general, this refers to households with an annual gross family income that falls within the applicable EWS guidelines. Applicants will be required to submit valid income documentation during the application process.
The programme team may also conduct a physical home verification before final selection to confirm the information provided by shortlisted candidates.
Income Documents Accepted
- Income Certificate
- EWS Certificate
- BPL Card
- Form 16
- Income Tax Return (ITR) Acknowledgement
Where applicable, certificates should be issued in accordance with the programme guidelines for the current application cycle.
Passport Requirement
Applicants are encouraged to have a valid Indian passport while applying. However, candidates who do not currently possess a passport are still eligible to submit an application.
Shortlisted candidates must obtain their passport before reaching Phase 3 of the selection process.
If you don't already have a passport, apply as early as possible. Completing the passport process early helps avoid unnecessary delays later in the selection journey.
DGCA Medical Requirements
Every commercial pilot in India must satisfy the medical standards prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Applicants are required to obtain both DGCA Class 2 Medical and DGCA Class 1 Medical certificates during different stages of the scholarship selection process.
While BharatCares guides candidates through the medical process and helps identify DGCA-approved medical examiners, the cost of these medical examinations is borne by the applicant.
| Medical | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| DGCA Class 2 Medical | ₹5,000–₹15,000 |
| DGCA Class 1 Medical | ₹15,000–₹25,000 |
These are generally the only significant expenses applicants are expected to bear themselves before commencing training.
Other Important Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be eligible to obtain an Indian passport.
- Visible tattoos are not permitted under the programme eligibility criteria.
- A Police Verification Certificate must be obtained before training begins.
- Candidates must be willing to participate in every stage of the selection process.
- Applicants should be prepared to relocate for residential training during Ground School and Flying Training.
Ensure that your educational documents, identity proof, income documents and other supporting certificates are ready before starting the online application. Preparing these documents in advance makes the application process much smoother and reduces the chances of delays.
Complete Selection Process Explained
The IndiGo Pilot Scholarship follows a structured five-phase selection process designed to identify candidates who have the aptitude, motivation and commitment required for a professional career in aviation.
The process is considerably more comprehensive than a typical scholarship application. Instead of evaluating only academic performance, candidates are assessed on cognitive ability, communication skills, personality traits, medical readiness and overall suitability for commercial pilot training.
Understanding each stage in advance allows applicants to prepare more effectively and avoid unnecessary surprises during the selection journey.
| Phase | What Happens? |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Application & Eligibility Screening |
| Phase 2 | Online Assessments & DGCA Readiness |
| Phase 3 | ADAPT Test, Group Discussion & Personal Interview |
| Phase 4 | Document Verification & Home Visit |
| Phase 5 | Final Selection & Ground School Onboarding |
Phase 1 – Online Application & Eligibility Screening
The journey begins by submitting an online application through the official ScholarsBox portal.
Applicants must complete the registration process, attend the programme orientation and upload all required documents before submitting their application.
Once submitted, every application undergoes an initial screening to verify that the candidate satisfies the basic eligibility requirements of the programme.
Only shortlisted applicants progress to the next phase of assessments.
Documents Required During Application
- Aadhaar Card
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Income Proof / EWS Certificate
- Passport (if available)
- Recent Passport-size Photograph
- Self-written Resume or Personal Statement
Keep all documents scanned clearly in PDF format before starting the application. This makes the online submission process significantly faster and reduces the chances of incomplete applications.
Phase 2 – Online Assessments & DGCA Readiness
Candidates shortlisted after the initial screening enter the second phase, where the focus shifts from eligibility to aptitude and readiness for pilot training.
This phase consists of multiple stages conducted primarily online.
Stage 1 – Psychometric & Cognitive Assessment
The first assessment evaluates qualities that are important for commercial pilots, including cognitive ability, decision-making, concentration, situational awareness and behavioural traits.
Candidates require a laptop or desktop computer, a stable internet connection, a working webcam and microphone to complete this assessment.
Stage 2 – Video Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Shortlisted candidates are also required to submit a recorded Statement of Purpose explaining their motivation for becoming a commercial pilot and why they wish to join the programme.
This allows the selection panel to understand the candidate's aspirations, communication skills and commitment towards aviation.
Stage 3 – DGCA Compliance Readiness
Before progressing further, candidates begin completing the regulatory requirements needed for pilot training.
During this stage, BharatCares guides shortlisted applicants through obtaining:
- Indian Passport (if not already available)
- DGCA Computer Number
- DGCA Class 2 Medical
- DGCA Class 1 Medical
These documents are required at different stages before training begins and are essential for progressing towards a Commercial Pilot Licence.
The programme provides complete guidance for obtaining the DGCA Computer Number and medical certificates. However, the medical examination costs are paid directly by the applicant and are not covered under the scholarship.
Phase 3 – Advanced Assessments (Gurugram)
Candidates who successfully complete the online assessments are invited to Gurugram, Haryana for the in-person assessment stage.
This phase evaluates a candidate's aptitude, communication skills and overall suitability for airline pilot training.
Accommodation and meals during this stage are arranged by the programme, allowing candidates to focus entirely on the assessment process.
ADAPT Assessment
One of the most important stages of the selection process is the ADAPT (Aviation Data and Assessment Technology) test.
ADAPT is an internationally recognised pilot aptitude assessment used by airlines and aviation organisations around the world. Rather than testing aviation knowledge, it evaluates the natural abilities required to perform safely inside a modern cockpit.
Candidates can expect exercises that assess:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Multi-tasking ability
- Short-term memory
- Monitoring skills
- Reaction time
- Decision making
- Situational awareness
- Cognitive processing
Many applicants describe the ADAPT assessment as a series of computer-based interactive tasks rather than a traditional written examination. It measures how candidates process information under workload rather than testing aviation theory.
Group Discussion (GD)
Candidates also participate in a Group Discussion where assessors observe communication skills, teamwork, confidence, leadership qualities and the ability to express ideas clearly while working with others.
Personal Interview (PI)
The final assessment during Phase 3 is a Personal Interview with the selection panel.
Interviewers generally seek to understand the candidate's motivation, career goals, awareness of the aviation profession, commitment towards training and suitability for a demanding airline career.
Candidates who successfully clear the initial screening and progress towards the advanced assessment stages can receive guidance from the Poetic Pilot Academy team. Captain Mohit Teotia, with more than 15 years of aviation experience, personally mentors eligible candidates on preparing for psychometric assessments, ADAPT, Group Discussions and Personal Interviews to help them approach each stage with greater confidence.
Phase 4 – Document Verification & Home Visit
Candidates who successfully clear the ADAPT assessment, Group Discussion and Personal Interview move to the verification stage of the programme.
Unlike many scholarship programmes that rely solely on uploaded documents, the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship includes a physical verification process to ensure that the benefits reach deserving candidates.
During this stage, representatives from the BharatCares team conduct a home visit to verify the information submitted during the application process.
The objective of this visit is to confirm the applicant's economic background, supporting documents and overall eligibility under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) criteria.
- Verification of household income and supporting documents.
- Confirmation of residential address.
- Assessment of the family's financial background.
- Discussion with family members where required.
- Verification that the information provided during the application is accurate.
Applicants should ensure that all information submitted during the application process is genuine and supported by appropriate documentation. Significant discrepancies or misleading information may affect candidature and could result in disqualification from the programme.
Phase 5 – Final Selection & Onboarding
After successfully completing every stage of the selection process, shortlisted candidates receive their final selection confirmation through the registered email address and contact details provided during the application.
For the current financial year (FY 2026–27), approximately 15 candidates are expected to be selected based on merit and the decision of the selection committee.
Selected candidates are then onboarded into the programme and begin their professional pilot training journey.
Being invited for the ADAPT assessment or Personal Interview does not automatically guarantee selection. Final offers are made only after successfully clearing every stage of evaluation and document verification.
Where Will the Training Take Place?
One of the strengths of this programme is its structured training pathway. Rather than requiring students to arrange different parts of their training independently, the programme follows a planned sequence from Ground School to Flying Training and finally Type Rating.
| Training Stage | Location |
|---|---|
| Ground School | Chimes Aviation Academy, Gurugram, Haryana |
| Flying Training | Dhana & Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh |
| ATR Type Rating | TRTO-approved Training Centre (India) |
Training Timeline
The complete scholarship programme is expected to take approximately 20 months from the beginning of Ground School until completion of the ATR Type Rating.
| Training Stage | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|
| Ground School | 6 Months |
| Flying Training | 11–12 Months |
| ATR Type Rating | Approximately 2 Months |
| Total Programme | Approximately 20 Months |
Application → Screening → Psychometric Assessment → Video SOP → Passport & DGCA Readiness → ADAPT Assessment → Group Discussion → Personal Interview → Home Verification → Final Selection → Ground School → Flying Training → ATR Type Rating
Life During Ground School
The first six months of training are conducted at Chimes Aviation Academy in Gurugram.
Ground School is designed to build the theoretical foundation required before beginning practical flight training. Students attend classroom lectures, revision sessions and regular progress assessments throughout the programme.
Subjects taught during Ground School include:
- Air Navigation
- Air Regulations
- Aviation Meteorology
- Technical General
- Additional DGCA theoretical subjects
Students also receive simulator familiarisation, periodic assessments and independent study time to prepare for DGCA examinations.
DGCA Examinations During Training
Before progressing to Flying Training, candidates must successfully clear the DGCA theory examinations prescribed for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training.
The scholarship covers examination fees, and candidates receive academic support throughout Ground School.
In addition to the DGCA theory papers, candidates are also required to qualify:
- RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted)
- Student Pilot Licence (SPL) assessment
- English Language Proficiency (ELP) test
Successfully completing these requirements enables candidates to progress towards the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Career Guidance After Training
The programme does not conclude immediately after flight training. It also includes continued professional guidance to help candidates prepare for careers within the aviation industry.
Participants receive support in understanding airline recruitment processes, professional expectations, licence documentation, regulatory compliance and career opportunities across commercial aviation.
Candidates also benefit from interactions with aviation professionals, training partners and industry stakeholders throughout different stages of the programme.
- Airline recruitment guidance.
- Career counselling.
- Professional grooming and workplace readiness.
- Understanding airline documentation and licensing.
- Industry networking opportunities.
Important Dates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Currently Open |
| Application Deadline | 30 July 2026 |
| Selection Process | Approximately 3 Months |
| Ground School Begins | After Final Selection |
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final few days.
How to Apply
Applications for the scholarship are accepted exclusively through the official ScholarsBox portal.
Before beginning your application, ensure that all required documents are available in scanned PDF format and that your personal information matches your official documents.
Apply for the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship on the Official ScholarsBox Portal
Applicants are also encouraged to review the official CSR information published by IndiGo for the latest programme updates and announcements.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Every year, thousands of students miss scholarship opportunities simply because they overlook basic requirements or wait until the last moment to prepare. Since the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship follows a multi-stage selection process, preparation should begin well before the application deadline.
- Waiting until the last day to submit the application.
- Uploading unclear or incomplete documents.
- Ignoring DGCA medical requirements until the last moment.
- Applying without understanding the complete selection process.
- Preparing only for interviews while neglecting psychometric and aptitude assessments.
- Providing incorrect income or educational information.
- Not practising communication and confidence before the Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
- Assuming the scholarship only evaluates academic marks.
How Poetic Pilot Academy Helps Scholarship Aspirants
At Poetic Pilot Academy, we believe that financial background should never become a barrier to pursuing a professional aviation career. We strongly appreciate initiatives such as the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship that create opportunities for deserving candidates from economically weaker families.
To support this initiative, our Founder, Captain Mohit Teotia, who has more than 15 years of aviation experience, will personally guide students who successfully clear the initial screening stages of the scholarship.
Eligible candidates can receive guidance for:
- Psychometric assessment preparation.
- Understanding the ADAPT assessment.
- Group Discussion preparation.
- Personal Interview guidance.
- General aviation career counselling.
This guidance is intended to help candidates better understand the selection process and approach each assessment with greater confidence.
Poetic Pilot Academy is not affiliated with or involved in the official scholarship selection process. All selections are made solely by the programme organisers based on their own eligibility criteria and evaluation process. Our role is limited to mentoring shortlisted candidates who wish to prepare for the later stages of selection.
Why This Scholarship Matters
Commercial pilot training is one of the largest educational investments many families will ever consider. For deserving students from economically weaker households, financial constraints often become the biggest obstacle despite having the talent and determination required to become professional pilots.
The IndiGo Pilot Scholarship represents a significant step towards making aviation more inclusive by supporting aspiring women pilots who may otherwise never have had the opportunity to pursue this career.
By covering Ground School, Flying Training, accommodation, meals and even an ATR Type Rating, the programme removes many of the financial barriers traditionally associated with commercial pilot training.
Final Thoughts
The IndiGo Pilot Scholarship for Women is one of the most comprehensive aviation scholarship programmes currently available in India. With only a limited number of candidates selected each year, competition is expected to be high, making early preparation extremely important.
If you satisfy the eligibility requirements, prepare your documents carefully, understand every stage of the selection process and submit your application well before the deadline. Even if you are not selected this year, future batches are expected to open, creating additional opportunities for aspiring women pilots.
Most importantly, remember that this scholarship is not just looking for academic performance—it seeks candidates who demonstrate determination, aptitude, discipline and the potential to build successful careers in aviation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship for Women?
It is a CSR initiative by IndiGo and BharatCares that fully sponsors Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training, including Ground School, Flying Training, accommodation, meals and ATR Type Rating for selected women candidates from economically weaker families.
Who is eligible for the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship?
Applicants must be female Indian citizens between 18 and 35 years of age, have completed Class 12 with English, Physics and Mathematics with at least 51% in each subject, satisfy the applicable EWS criteria and meet the remaining programme requirements.
Can I apply if I completed Physics and Mathematics through NIOS?
Yes. Candidates who completed the required subjects through NIOS or another recognised board accepted under DGCA requirements may apply if they satisfy all other eligibility criteria.
Is there any application fee?
No. There is no application fee. However, applicants must bear the cost of DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medical examinations.
What is the ADAPT assessment?
ADAPT (Aviation Data and Assessment Technology) is a computer-based pilot aptitude assessment that evaluates cognitive ability, multitasking, hand-eye coordination, memory, situational awareness and decision-making skills.
Where will the Ground School be conducted?
Ground School is conducted at Chimes Aviation Academy in Gurugram, Haryana.
Where does the Flying Training take place?
Flying Training is conducted by Chimes Aviation Academy at Dhana and Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh.
Does the scholarship include Type Rating?
Yes. Selected candidates receive ATR Type Rating training after successfully completing their Commercial Pilot Licence.
How many candidates will be selected?
The programme plans to support approximately 50 women over three years. Around 15 candidates are expected to be selected during the current intake, subject to the programme's final selection process.
When is the last date to apply?
According to the current announcement, applications close on 30 July 2026.
Need Guidance for the IndiGo Pilot Scholarship Selection Process?
If you successfully clear the initial screening stages, Captain Mohit Teotia and the Poetic Pilot Academy team will personally guide eligible candidates for the ADAPT assessment, Group Discussion and Personal Interview using insights gained from years of aviation training and airline preparation.
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