India’s pilot training ecosystem is expanding steadily as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) works to strengthen the country’s flying training capacity amid growing demand from airlines. At present, 41 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) have been approved across the country, operating from 63 flying bases. Of these, three are currently non-operational, taking the number of functioning FTOs to 38.
According to official data, the DGCA issued 1,035 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs in 2025) to trainees who completed their flying training at Indian FTOs. The regulator has clarified that CPLs are issued strictly on merit and completion of training requirements, and not on the basis of any demographic criteria.
Training capacity at DGCA-approved FTOs is governed by Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 7 Series D Part I, which prescribes an aircraft–instructor–student ratio of 1:1:10. Based on this norm, the current nationwide capacity works out to around 3,500 trainee pilots.
However, DGCA officials note that this number is not static and often fluctuates due to practical factors such as instructors moving on to airline jobs after gaining the required flying hours and periodic non-availability of aircraft due to maintenance or technical issues.
To address capacity constraints and streamline pilot training, the DGCA has rolled out several initiatives over the past year. In the financial year 2025–26, approvals were granted to three new FTOs, keeping the total number of approved organisations at 41 and maintaining the network of 63 flying bases nationwide. In addition, FTOs inducted 61 new training aircraft during 2025, a move expected to significantly boost flying hours and training output.
Regulatory changes have also been introduced to speed up and simplify the training ecosystem. CAR Section 7 Series I Part V was revised in 2025 to create a more expeditious training framework for pilots. At the same time, DGCA amended CAR Section 7 Series D Part I to address the evolving needs of flying schools. Under the revised norms, earlier requirements such as Air Traffic Management no-objection certificates and aerodrome operator clearances have been shifted from the initial NOC stage to the formal application stage for FTO approval. The requirement related to induction of aircraft has also been moved to a later phase of certification, giving new FTOs greater flexibility during their initial establishment.
Together, these measures are aimed at expanding domestic pilot training capacity, reducing dependence on overseas flying schools and ensuring a steady supply of trained pilots to support India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
