![Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy - [IGRUA]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/col7144.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akadami (IGRUA), Rae Bareli is a Government of India premier aviation training institute established on 7 November 1985 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is widely described as the "IIT of aviation" for pilot training in India. IGRUA operates from its own independent airfield at Fursatganj, Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh, with three training bases across India: Fursatganj (primary), Gondia (Maharashtra), and Kalaburagi (Karnataka).
IGRUA does not participate in NIRF rankings, as pilot training academies are not covered by NIRF’s framework. It is a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO) regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India.
The residential campus spans 239 acres at Fursatganj Airfield, featuring a 6,080-foot runway, hangars, flight simulators, navigation aids, and full residential facilities. The fleet comprises Diamond DA40 single-engine and Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft. IGRUA achieved 19,110 flying hours in 2021-22, a record for the academy.
- Ab-initio to Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL): 125 seats, 36-month residential programme, DGCA-approved
- Integrated AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) and B.Sc Aircraft Maintenance: 30 seats, 3-year residential programme
- B.Sc (Aviation): concurrent academic degree awarded by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Faizabad
- Certificate in Crew Resource Management (CRM): short-duration programme for licensed pilots
The total fee for the 36-month CPL programme is INR 45,00,000. AME and B.Sc Aircraft Maintenance fees are INR 5,02,000 for 3 years. Hostel fees are up to INR 1,80,000 per year.
IGRUA CPL graduates are recruited by major domestic airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. Approximately 75 to 80% of CPL graduates secure airline cadet or First Officer positions after completing type rating.
IGRUA Admission Dates 2026
IGRUA 2026-27 admissions have concluded for both CPL and AME programmes. The entrance exam was held on 3 May 2026 and courses began in July 2026. The 2027-28 cycle is expected to open in February 2027.
| Event | 2026 Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | February 16, 2026 | Concluded |
| Application Last Date | April 13, 2026 | Concluded |
| IGRUA Entrance Exam (CPL and AME) | May 3, 2026 | Concluded |
| Course Commencement | July 2026 | Commenced |
| Next Cycle Application (Tentative) | February to April 2027 | Upcoming |
IGRUA runs only one admission cycle per year. Both CPL and AME programmes follow the same application and exam window. There is no management quota or direct admission route at IGRUA.
IGRUA Courses and Fees
IGRUA offers DGCA-approved aviation training programmes. The flagship programme is the Ab-initio to CPL, which trains students from zero flying hours to a full Commercial Pilot Licence over 36 months.
| Programme | Duration | Seats | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ab-initio to CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) | 36 months | 125 | INR 45,00,000 |
| AME and B.Sc Aircraft Maintenance Engineering | 3 years | 30 | INR 5,02,000 |
| B.Sc (Aviation) concurrent degree | 3 years | Included with CPL/AME | INR 60,000 (academic component) |
| Certificate in Crew Resource Management (CRM) | Short duration | Limited | INR 10,000 |
The CPL fee of INR 45,00,000 covers training, flying hours, simulators, and accommodation. It is an all-inclusive residential programme. The B.Sc (Aviation) degree is concurrently awarded by Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University and does not carry a separate programme fee beyond the CPL package. Hostel fees are additional at up to INR 1,80,000 per year.
IGRUA Admission Process
All IGRUA admissions are through the IGRUA Entrance Examination only. IGRUA does not accept CUET, JEE, or any external exam score. There is no management quota.
CPL (Ab-initio) Admission
- Eligibility: Class 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English with minimum 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- Age: 17 to 28 years (General and EWS), 17 to 31 years (OBC), 17 to 33 years (SC/ST)
- Marital status: Must be unmarried at the time of application
- Medical: DGCA Class I Medical Certificate mandatory from a DGCA-approved medical examiner before admission
- Entrance: Online Written Exam (Physics, Mathematics, English, General Awareness, Reasoning) followed by Pilot Aptitude Test for shortlisted candidates
- Final merit: Based on written exam score and aptitude test result
AME and B.Sc Aviation Admission
- Eligibility: Class 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (or Engineering Diploma), minimum 50% (45% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- Entrance: IGRUA Written Entrance Exam (Physics, Mathematics, English)
- No separate Pilot Aptitude Test for AME. Selection is based on written exam merit alone.
Both programmes are entirely residential. Candidates must apply at igrua.gov.in during the annual application window (typically February to April each year).
IGRUA Placements and Career Outcomes
IGRUA does not hold conventional campus placement drives. CPL graduates obtain their Commercial Pilot Licence from DGCA and then pursue type rating on specific aircraft types (Boeing 737, Airbus A320, ATR 72, Q-400) at partner facilities such as the Flight Simulation Technique Centre (FSTC), after which they are eligible to apply for First Officer positions at Indian airlines.
Approximately 75 to 80% of IGRUA CPL graduates secure airline employment as First Officers or Cadet pilots. Confirmed recruiters include Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. IGRUA also trains pilots for the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Security Force (BSF), making its alumni base well-distributed across civil and defence aviation.
| Career Pathway | Entry Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPL Holder (fresh) | Commercial Pilot Licence from DGCA | Type rating required before airline entry |
| First Officer (Domestic Airline) | Post type rating, 200 to 250 hours PIC | Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air etc. |
| Defence Services (IAF/Navy/Coast Guard) | Short Service Commission route | IGRUA trains defence pilots on contract |
| AME Graduate | DGCA AME Licence, Category B1/B2 | Airlines, MRO facilities, DGCA-approved organisations |
IGRUA Scholarships
The CPL programme fee at IGRUA (INR 45,00,000) is substantial. Candidates can explore the following financial support options.
| Scheme | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | SC/ST/OBC/Minority students with income eligibility | Central post-matric scholarship, apply at scholarships.gov.in |
| Education Loan (Public Sector Banks) | All admitted students | Banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda offer aviation education loans |
| Ministry of Civil Aviation Schemes | Per annual notifications | Check dgca.gov.in and the Ministry portal for sector-specific schemes |
Candidates are encouraged to apply for education loans early, as aviation programmes carry high fees. SBI’s Scholar Loan and specialised aviation loan products from major public sector banks are commonly used by IGRUA students.
IGRUA Campus and Infrastructure
IGRUA’s main campus is at Fursatganj Airfield, Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh, spanning 239 acres. The airfield features a 6,080-foot paved runway, full ATC facilities, navigation and landing aids (ILS, DVOR, DME), hangars, an aviation fuel station, and fire-fighting equipment meeting ICAO standards.
The training fleet comprises Diamond DA40 single-engine aircraft and Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft, both glass-cockpit equipped. IGRUA also operates advanced flight simulators, a Boeing 737 procedures trainer, and a full motion simulator. In collaboration with CAE Inc. (since 2007), flight operations management follows global standards. The Boeing partnership (2022) focuses on safety and quality enhancements.
The residential campus includes separate hostels for male and female students (capacity approximately 200 combined), a swimming pool, gymnasium, sports ground, and outdoor courts. The academic block houses multimedia-equipped classrooms and a meteorology and navigation lab. IGRUA also hosts a secondary training base at Gondia (Maharashtra) and Kalaburagi (Karnataka).
IGRUA vs NFTI Gondia vs Indamer Aviation
Candidates aspiring to become commercial pilots often compare IGRUA with the National Flying Training Institute (NFTI), Gondia, and Indamer Aviation Academy, two other DGCA-approved flying training organisations in India.
| Parameter | IGRUA, Rae Bareli | NFTI, Gondia | Indamer Aviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1985 | 2009 | Private, est. 1970s |
| Type | Government of India | Government (AAI) | Private (DGCA-approved) |
| CPL Seats | 125 | ~50 | Limited batch size |
| CPL Total Fee | INR 45,00,000 | INR 40,00,000 approx. | INR 40,00,000 to 55,00,000 |
| Airfield | Own airfield (Fursatganj) | Own airfield (Gondia) | Shared (Hindon, Delhi) |
| Government Status | Ministry of Civil Aviation | AAI subsidiary | Private |
IGRUA has the strongest government backing, the largest CPL intake among Indian aviation academies, and the most established industry tie-ups including CAE and Boeing. NFTI Gondia is a newer government academy with a smaller intake. Private flying schools offer flexibility in scheduling but vary in infrastructure quality and fleet availability.
IGRUA FAQs
Ques. What is IGRUA and why is it called the "IIT of aviation"?
Ans. IGRUA (Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akadami) is a Government of India premier aviation training institute under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, established in 1985. The Press Information Bureau refers to it as the "IIT of aviation" for its status as India’s most prestigious government-run pilot training academy.
Ques. What is the total fee for CPL training at IGRUA?
Ans. The total fee for the 36-month Ab-initio to CPL programme at IGRUA is INR 45,00,000 (45 lakhs), covering all training, flying hours, simulators, and accommodation. Hostel fees are additional, up to INR 1,80,000 per year. Fees are subject to revision. Confirm at igrua.gov.in before applying.
Ques. What is the eligibility for IGRUA CPL admission?
Ans. Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Mathematics, and English with minimum 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS). The maximum age is 28 years for General category (31 for OBC, 33 for SC/ST). Candidates must be unmarried and must hold a valid DGCA Class I Medical Certificate.
Ques. When does the IGRUA 2027 admission cycle open?
Ans. The 2026-27 admission cycle has concluded. The 2027-28 cycle is expected to open in February 2027 at igrua.gov.in. IGRUA conducts one admission cycle per year covering both CPL and AME programmes.
Ques. What aircraft does IGRUA train on?
Ans. IGRUA’s training fleet comprises Diamond DA40 single-engine and Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft, both glass-cockpit equipped. The academy also operates flight simulators and a Boeing 737 procedures trainer. Type rating on Boeing 737, Airbus A320, ATR 72, and Q-400 is conducted at partner facility FSTC after CPL graduation.
Ques. What are the career outcomes for IGRUA CPL graduates?
Ans. Approximately 75 to 80% of IGRUA CPL graduates secure airline employment as First Officers or Cadet Pilots. Confirmed recruiters include Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. Graduates complete type rating independently after obtaining their DGCA CPL. IGRUA also trains pilots for the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.
Ques. Is there management quota or direct admission at IGRUA?
Ans. No. IGRUA is a Government of India institution and does not offer any management quota or direct admission. All 125 CPL and 30 AME seats are filled through merit in the IGRUA Entrance Examination only.
Comments
Found 19 Comments
Yes, to apply for pilot CPL license and B.Sc Aviation course, you need to visit the official page of IGRUA Rae Bareilly.
The total fees for IGRUA Rae Bareilly course is INR 38,00,000.
IGRUA Rae Bareilly doesn’t offer scholarship to the students.
The total fee structure for BSc Aviation course is INR 38,00,000 for 3 years.
The total fee structure for the above-mentioned course is iNR 38 lakhs.
Yes, even if you have passed graduation then also you can apply for the courses at IGRUA Rae bareilly based on written test followed by VIVA.
The total fee for the BSc Aviation course is INR 3,800,000 at IGRUA. You can register and download the brochure for detailed information about the course.
Intermediate (10+2) graduate with English, Physics, and Maths with 55% aggregate marks in Physics and mathematics. The age limit is 17 years old at IGRUA.
To get admission at IGRUA Raebareilly, you need to have passed 10+2 with 55% or more and then appear for the pilot aptitude test conducted by the Institute followed by viva and personal interview.
Unfortunately, in that case, the brochure ay not be available and you may apply for it when it gets updated in the page.
The classes at IGRUA Raebareilly will start from 4th April 2023 for the first semester of 2023.
Yes, IGRUA Raebareilly offers B.Sc Aviation course and you can check out the details for the same like admission, eligibility and total fees at IGRUA Raebareilly B.Sc Aviation Course.
You need to present medical certificate with validity of not more than 6 months. Yes, you will be eligible for PPL, SPL as well as CPL after the Aviation course at IGRUA RaeBareli.
The total fee for the 3-years course including first year admission fees is INR 38,00,000.
You will have to apply for NDA examination and upon passing the exam, you need to complete the 3 year course and flying training for becoming a pilot.
The IGRUA Rae Bareilly entrance test is scheduled for April 2023. Admission will be followed by Interview and Psychometric test.
Yes, for aviation course, you need to appear for IGRUA Rae Bareilly written test followed by personal interview to get admission.
IGRUA, Rae Bareli does not consider medical examination while shortlisting candidates for admission to B.Sc in Aviation.
To get into B.Sc Aviation at IGRUA you have to pass 10+2 and secure minimum 55% marks in Mathematics and Physics taken together. In the case of reserved category candidates, minimum 50% marks are required. The admissions process is a three-tier selection procedure i.e. : i.) Online Written Test ii.) Viva/Interview iii.) Pilot Aptitude Test. You can check here to know more. IGRUA Admission