Top 10 Flying Schools in India 2025: Entrance Exams, Fees, Eligibility, Admission Process

Looking for admission to the top 10 flying schools in India 2025? Some of the best institutes are the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, IGRUA, National Flying Training Institute, Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd, the Bombay Flying Club, Hindustan Aviation Academy and more. Admission to these institutes can offer promising and lucrative job opportunities.

Most of these colleges provide admission to students based on their merit. Those who have passed their 12th from a recognised board with Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects can apply for admission to these institutes. 

However, before applying for any of the top flying schools in India, candidates are advised to check the admission process, fees, courses offered and other such factors. This will allow them to make an informed decision when selecting a college.

Why Choose a Career as a Pilot?

The career scope of Aviation in India is rising high with great demand. A career as a pilot is not just prestigious but adventurous as well. There are multiple factors that make it one of the most chosen profession in India. Some of the top reasons of why candidates must select aviation as their career path has been listed below:

• Adventorous Tours
• Lucarative Career
• Handsome Salary Package
• Enhancement of Discipline

List of Top 10 Flying Schools in India

Studying at the best flying schools in India provides students with in-depth aviation knowledge and training. The top 10 flying schools in India with their courses offered are discussed below. 

1. IGRUA
2. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club
3. National Flying Training Institute
4. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd
5. The Bombay Flying Club
6. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy
7. Hindustan Aviation Academy
8. Indian Institute of Aeronautics
9. Orient Flights Aviation Academy
10. Government Flying Training School

1. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademi (IGRUA)

Late Capt Rajiv Gandhi founded Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademi (IGRUA). Since its inception, it has been owned by the government. It remains the epitome of standardization and excellence in flying training, thus becoming the top flying school in India and the first choice for most airlines when they select pilots for their company.

IGRUA is a knowledge and skill development hub of civil aviation. IGRUA provides on-the-job training to candidates undergoing AME in various Indian private institutes.

Students get admission to IGRUA based on their performance in the entrance examination. Further, it is also called the IIT or IIM of Aviation Training.

2. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club

Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Indore, is one of the oldest flying schools in India and is counted as the best flying school in India. The institute has single-engine and twin-engine training aircraft.

The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club also provides end-to-end knowledge of flying and training. It is also a well-equipped maintenance shop at the Indore and Bhopal bases.

3. National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)

National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) was a joint venture between CAE Inc. and the Airport Authority of India (AAI). It is the second-largest flying training school in India based on the aircraft fleet. 

Further, the institute is partnered with Indigo, Spicejet, Jet Airways, Qatar, Air Costa, Air Asia, and Flyeasy. NFTI offers 17 and 19-month pilot training programs. 

The course structure is based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Upon completion of the courses, cadet pilots receive a commercial pilot license (CPL) with an instrument rating (IR) and multi-engine rating (MR).

4. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA)

Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA) is a GOI-approved Flying Training School and Air Charter Company. It is the best flying school in India. It operates from its hangars at SV Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, and Mehsana Airfield.

There is no entrance test for admission to AAA. Students need to book an appointment and appear for the personal interview for enrollment. 

AAA has five single-engine aircraft and one single/multi-engine flight simulator. Modern audio-visual aids and AC rooms are offered at the ground school.

5. The Bombay Flying Club

The Bombay Flying Club is situated at the end of Juhu Aerodrome. It is famous for its professionalism and has acquired the name of the best flying school in India. 

Over the years, it has helped students to become successful captains and engineers for domestic and international airlines such as Indian Airlines, Air India, Sahara, Jet Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates, as well as thousands of private pilots and engineers.

Further, the late Mr. J.R.D.Tata was the first Indian to obtain a pilot's licence in February 1929 from the Bombay Flying Club. the club is equipped with Cessna 152A, PIPER PA18, and Seneca.

Also Check: How to Become a Pilot?

6. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy 

Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, Thiruvananthapuram, was earlier known as the “Kerala Flying Club”. This academy's main aim is to train aspiring pilot trainees who wish to become professionals in the Aviation Sector.

The significant sections of Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy are the Flight Section, headed by the Chief Flight Instructor; the Maintenance Section, headed by the Maintenance Manager; the Ground Class Section, headed by the Chief Ground Instructor; and the Administrative Section, headed by the Secretary.

7. Hindustan Aviation Academy

Hindustan Aviation Academy is situated in Bangalore, Karnataka, and is one of the best flying schools in India. The academy believes ‘Learning is not an Activity, it is an Experience’.

Courses in Aviation, Engineering, Science and Management are available from expert faculty who have held high ranks in the Indian Air Force and other areas related to technical and commercial aspects of leading industries worldwide.

Further, the academy ensures that aspirants get adequate exposure and knowledge of the current trends to prosper in the market.

8. Indian Institute of Aeronautics

Indian Institute of Aeronautics (IIA) is a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved Aircraft Maintenance Training Organisation (MTO). It aims to impart aspirants innovative services and added value knowledge. 

It is among the best flying schools in India. It sets a benchmark in the aviation sector by training and making the aircraft safe and airworthy.

9. Orient Flights Aviation Academy (OFAA)

Orient Flights Aviation Academy is located in Mysuru. It focuses and trains aspiring pilots with the latest advancements in technology and safety. It is approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India. 

It has recently introduced the latest in-flight and off-flight training technologies for student pilots undergoing Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Private Pilot License (PPL) courses.

10. Government Flying Training School (GFTS)

The Government Flying Training School (GFTS) at Jakkur, Bangalore, is one of India's oldest and best flying schools. The state-owned flying training school offers aspiring candidates a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and a Private Pilot License (PPL). 

It equipped aspirants with courses that hold essential value in the aviation industry. It has 02 Cessna 152 & 02 Cessna 172 aircraft and an elite S812 single-engine simulator.

Also Read: How to Become an Air Hostess in India?

Eligibility Criteria for Top 10 Flying Schools in India

To gain admission to top flying schools in India, candidates must fulfil certain eligibility requirements. The following must be kept in mind:

• Candidates must be above the age of 16 years.
• They must have completed their 10+2 from any recognized school/ board.
• Further, they must have Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in their 12th grade.
• Candidates must be physically fit and must be able to submit a medical certificate stating the same. 
• Students from the general category must have 50% marks, and students from the reserved category must have 45% marks in their 12th grade.

How to Select the Best Flying Schools in India?

With over 100 flying schools in India, prospective students must weigh certain factors when selecting their future flying school. The following are the things to consider when selecting the best flying schools in India:

• Quality training: A good flying school will have an excellent programme, provide world-class training, and prepare candidates to excel in their flying careers. 
• Maintaining safety standards: Candidates must check the safety standards offered by the schools and the parameters followed by the instructors to safeguard the lives of the students.
• Latest Facilities: When selecting flying schools in India, candidates must ensure that the college is equipped with the latest infrastructure, like simulators, computer-assisted instructions, etc., which enhances the learning experience of the students.
• Well-recognised: The best flying schools in India are well-renowned and trusted by Industry veterans. Students must always look for a DGCA-approved flying school. In order to land their dream job at top companies, students must select an institute which is eminent.
• Experienced Faculty: The flying school of choice must comprise distinguished trainers and staff, as their knowledge and guidance will play an important role in shaping their careers.
• Financial investment: Flying schools can cost a significant amount of money, which may often be a hindrance in the path of aspirants. Therefore, students must seek admission only if the investments meet their financial capacities.

Also Check: Salary of an Air Hostess

Advantages of Choosing the Best Flying Schools in India

Selecting the top flying school in India over any other flying school can be advantageous in the following ways:

1. Excellent Training Curriculum: A structured curriculum that follows the requirements established by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensures that all critical parts of aviation are taught, from ground theory to hands-on flight training.

2. Experienced Instructors: The quality of instruction can make or break your educational experience. Skilled instructors teach you how to fly while instilling good habits and safety measures.

3. Cutting-edge facilities: Modern classrooms, simulators, and well-maintained aircraft are essential for practical instruction. These amenities improve the learning experience by preparing students for real-world flying circumstances.

4. Safety Standards: Reputable flying schools prioritize safety, ensuring that students and instructors follow strict safety measures during training.

Studying at the top flying schools in India is a dream of many. However, before applying to any of these institutes, candidates must check the eligibility requirements that must be fulfilled. Admission to these institutes offers state-of-the-art facilities along with lucrative job opportunities.