India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented a bi-annual ranking system for all Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) in the country starting October 1, 2025. This initiative aims to improve transparency, safety, and training quality in India's pilot training sector, which has been widely criticized for inconsistent standards and delays in cadet progression.
The first rankings are scheduled to be released on October 1, 2025. The ranking system considers key parameters such as safety records, regulatory compliance, and the average time taken by students to complete 200 flying hours, a key requirement for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The goal is to help aspiring pilots choose reliable training institutions and encourage FTOs to improve their standards.
The ranking tiers are as follows: * A++: 85% and above * A+: 70% to 84.99% * A: 50% to 69.99% * B: Below 50% (Category B schools will receive notices for performance review and improvement)
As of today, September 30, 2025, the first ranking has not yet been released. However, according to a DGCA communication, if an FTO scores below 50%, it will receive a notice for self-analysis and performance improvement.
Several flying schools in India are approved by the DGCA for CPL training. These include:
- Dunes Aviation Academy, Bhavnagar & Bhilwara
- National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), Gondia, Maharashtra
- The Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Amethi, Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC), Indore & Bhopal
- Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd (AAAL), Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (RAGAAT), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Orient Flights Aviation Academy, Mysuru, Karnataka
The DGCA will verify the data provided by the FTOs through audits and inspections. FTOs must submit performance data within a defined timeline; failure to do so, or submission of false data, may result in regulatory action. The rankings will be published twice a year, on April 1 and October 1.
This ranking system is expected to bring clarity, accountability, and transparency to the decision-making process for aspiring pilots and their families. It will also ensure training quality and standardization and assess the performance of FTOs based on uniform and objective criteria.
