Top 8 Best Flying Schools in India 2026
- Capt. Shriyansh Talekar
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
Introduction
India’s aviation sky is more crowded with ambition than ever. With IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air ordering over 1,000 new aircraft and the country expected to need 30,000+ commercial pilots over the next decade, 2026 is genuinely the best time to begin your flying journey. But here’s the catch — your career altitude depends entirely on where you train.
Choose the wrong flying school, and you can lose years, lakhs of rupees and worst of all, your dream. Choose the right one, and you walk straight into a commercial cockpit.
This guide cuts through the noise and ranks the top 8 best flying schools in India for 2026 — DGCA-approved, real reputations, real outcomes. We’ve evaluated each on training quality, fleet, instructor experience, infrastructure and student success. So if you’ve been searching for the best aviation academy in India or the top pilot training institute in India, you’re in the right place. Let’s take off.
Top 8 Flying Schools in India 2026
1. Maverick Aviation - India’s Most Trusted Pilot Training Institute
Maverick Aviation Top DGCA - approved pilot training institute in Mumbai, India was founded by airline-experienced commercial pilots with 9 years of industry expertise, Maverick Aviation has trained 1500+ aspiring pilots and consistently delivers a 95%+ DGCA exam pass rate — a number very few institutes in India can honestly claim. With training hubs in Mumbai (HQ) and students applying from all over India like Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad, Maverick Aviation has built a reputation for being India’s most transparent, mentor-driven and outcome-focused aviation academy.
What makes Maverick genuinely different?
The Maverick Vault — lifetime access to a curated online library of 150+ hand-picked aviation books, Q-banks, CBTs and flight trainers. No other institute in India offers this depth of self-study resources.
• The Maverick Academy Server — live mentor chat with airline pilots, daily updates, doubt-solving and a real community of aspiring aviators.
• Talk to the Captain — direct sessions with real airline captains, something most ground schools simply don’t provide.
• DGCA-approved partner schools in India & abroad — Maverick doesn’t trap you in one flying school. You get the freedom to pick the best DGCA-approved option based on your budget, goals and timeline.
• 5-Step Pilot Roadmap — Counselling → DGCA Class 1 & 2 Medicals → DGCA Ground Classes → Flying School Selection → Flying Training. Zero confusion, 100% clarity.
Courses offered at Maverick Aviation
• Cadet Pilot Preparation Program (IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air)
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) preparation
• Cabin Crew & Flight Attendant training
• BSc Aviation (integrated with CPL)
Who it’s for : Students after 12th with Physics & Maths, graduates planning a career switch, working professionals (weekend batches available), and Cadet Pilot Program aspirants.
Why Maverick Aviation is ranked #1
Most flying schools either own aircraft or offer ground training — Maverick masters the most critical part of becoming a pilot (DGCA ground school + mentorship) and then connects students to India’s best DGCA-approved flying schools. That’s the smartest, most cost-efficient and most outcome-focused way to become a commercial pilot in India today.
Whether you’re planning pilot training in Mumbai, pilot training in Hyderabad, pilot training in Bangalore or pilot training in Ahmedabad — Maverick has a campus convenient
for you.
2. Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Amethi
IGRUA is a government flying academy located in Fursatganj, Amethi (Uttar Pradesh), operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation since 1985. Admission is through a competitive entrance exam.
Location: Amethi, Uttar Pradesh
DGCA Approved: Yes
Fleet: Diamond DA-40, DA-42, Cessna 172, Zlin 242
Programs: CPL with Multi-Engine & Instrument Rating, ATPL
Want help cracking the IGRUA entrance? Talk to a Maverick Aviation mentor → |
3. CAE Gondia (formerly NFTI), Maharashtra
CAE Gondia, previously known as NFTI, is a flying training institute in Gondia, Maharashtra, operating as a joint venture between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and CAE. It was established in 2007.
Location: Gondia, Maharashtra
DGCA Approved: Yes
Fleet: Cessna 172R, Diamond DA-42
Programs: Integrated ATPL, CPL with IR & ME-IR
4. The Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai
The Bombay Flying Club (BFC) is a flying training institute that has been operating since 1928 from Juhu Aerodrome, Mumbai.
Location: Juhu, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
DGCA Approved: Yes
Fleet: Cessna 152, Cessna 172
Programs: CPL, PPL, Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating
5. Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC), Indore
Madhya Pradesh Flying Club has been operating since 1951, with training bases in Indore and Bhopal. MPFC is recognized for having Government-supported operations & faster flight-hour accumulation.
Location: Indore & Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
DGCA Approved: Yes
Fleet: Cessna 172, Tecnam P2002
Programs: CPL, PPL
6. Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. (AAA), Ahmedabad
AAA is a flying training institute operating from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Location: SVPI International Airport, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
DGCA Approved: Yes
Fleet: Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Diamond DA-40
Programs: CPL, PPL, ME-IR
7. Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), Dhana (Madhya Pradesh)
Chimes Aviation Academy is a DGCA-approved flying school located at the Dhana airstrip in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh.
Location: Dhana, Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
DGCA Approved: Yes
Fleet: Cessna 172R, Diamond DA-40, DA-42
Programs: CPL with ME-IR
Confused between Mysuru, Gondia or Indore? Get FREE personalised guidance from Maverick →
8. Orient Flights Aviation Academy (OFAA), Mysuru
OFAA is a DGCA-approved flying academy based at Mysuru airport in Karnataka. A good option and a strategic location for South Indian students.
Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
DGCA Approved: Yes
Fleet: Cessna 172R, Diamond DA-40 NG
Programs: CPL, PPL, ME-IR, Instructor Rating
How to Choose the Right Flying School in India
Picking the right flying school isn’t just about brand names — it’s about fit. Here’s what to actually evaluate before committing your money and years of your life:
1. DGCA Approval — Verify directly on the DGCA official website. If a school isn’t listed, your license won’t be valid.
2. Fleet Size & Age — More aircraft + newer models = faster flying hours and fewer delays.
3. Instructor Experience — Ask how many instructors are airline-experienced. This is the single biggest predictor of training quality.
4. DGCA Exam Pass Rate — Many schools dodge this question. Insist on a real number.
5. Weather & Operational Days — A school with 250+ flying days a year will finish your CPL much faster than one with 180.
6. Hidden Costs — Type rating, simulator hours, accommodation, re-flying penalties — get every cost in writing.
7. Career & Placement Support — Does the school actually help with airline interviews, cadet programs and type ratings?
If this list feels overwhelming — you’re not alone. That’s exactly why Maverick Aviation exists: to do this homework for every student and match you to the right DGCA-approved flying school based on your budget, location and career goal.
Conclusion : Choose Smart, Fly High
Choosing the right flying school in India is the single biggest decision of your aviation career and it starts long before you sit in a cockpit. Your DGCA ground training, medicals, school selection and mentorship will decide whether you actually clear your CPL on time, on budget and ready for the airlines.
That's exactly where Maverick Aviation (Mumbai) earns its #1 spot. With 1500+ pilots trained, a 95%+ DGCA pass rate, airline-experienced mentors and campus in Andheri West, Mumbai - Maverick gives you the foundation, roadmap and support system to succeed at any DGCA-approved flying school in India or abroad.
Don't gamble with your aviation dream. Start it right!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the best flying school in India in 2026?
Maverick Aviation is widely considered the best pilot training institute in India in 2026, with a 95%+ DGCA exam pass rate, 1500+ trained pilots and training campuses in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. For dedicated flying training, IGRUA (Amethi) and CAE Gondia are also among the strongest choices.
2. What is the total fees range for CPL training in India?
The total cost of a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India typically ranges between ₹35 lakhs and ₹55 lakhs, covering 200+ flying hours, DGCA ground training, simulator sessions and exam fees. Total fees vary based on the flying school, fleet age and additional ratings like ME-IR.
3. How many years does it take to become a commercial pilot in India?
On average, it takes 18 to 24 months to complete CPL training in India if you train consistently. Factors like weather delays, aircraft availability and DGCA exam attempts can extend this to 24–36 months.
4. Is Maverick Aviation DGCA approved?
Yes. Maverick Aviation provides DGCA-aligned ground training and partners with DGCA-approved flying schools in India and abroad for flying training. Its curriculum follows the DGCA syllabus across all CPL and PPL theory subjects.
5. What is the eligibility for CPL training in India?
You must have passed Class 12th with Physics, Maths and English (minimum 40% in each), be at least 17 years old at admission, hold a DGCA Class 2 medical, and a Class 1 medical for CPL issuance.
6. Is it cheaper to do pilot training in India or abroad?
Pilot training abroad (USA, South Africa, Philippines) can sometimes be 20–30% cheaper and faster due to better flying weather and currency advantages. However, you’ll still need to clear DGCA exams in India and convert your license - which is where institutes like Maverick Aviation become essential.
7. Can I do pilot training after 12th in India?
Yes. Pilot training in India is open to students immediately after 12th, provided you have Physics, Maths and English as your core subjects. Many students join ground training at Maverick Aviation while simultaneously completing their medicals and entrance preparation.
8. Which flying school in India has the highest placement rate?
Maverick Aviation’s Cadet Pilot Preparation Program has a high success rate placing students in IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air cadet programs. With this, IGRUA, CAE Gondia and Orient Flights also have placement track records with major Indian carriers.
