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A type rating authorises you to fly a specific commercial aircraft type — the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 are the most common for Indian airline first officers. It's the bridge between your CPL and your first airline job.
IndiGo and Air India Express operate the A320 family. SpiceJet operates the B737. Most Indian first officer jobs require one of these two ratings.
Airline-specificSelf-funded ratings cost ₹12–25 lakhs. Through a cadet programme, the airline typically funds your type rating as part of the sponsorship arrangement.
Cadet route benefitAll type rating flying is done in a Level D full-flight simulator — the highest fidelity available. You'll log 40–50 simulator hours during your rating.
Simulator-basedType rating training must be conducted at a DGCA-approved Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Confirm the school is approved for your intended aircraft type.
ATO approval requiredSystems, limitations, and procedures for your specific aircraft — A320 or B737. Typically 3–4 weeks of intensive classroom and computer-based training.
All type rating flying is done in a Level D simulator. You log 40–50 simulator hours covering normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
A DGCA-authorised Type Rating Examiner assesses you in the simulator. Pass this and the type rating is added to your licence through eGCA.
After joining, you complete a structured set of supervised real-world flights before operating as a fully independent First Officer.
Airlines sometimes prefer to put you through their own ATO. Getting a self-funded type rating can occasionally work against you if the airline's ATO differs. Always confirm with your target airline before committing.
How long does a type rating take?
Typically 6–8 weeks from start to skill test, depending on simulator slot availability and the training programme pace.
Where can I do a self-funded A320 type rating in India?
Several DGCA-approved ATOs offer A320 type ratings — including facilities in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Abroad, Dubai, Singapore, and the UK are popular choices.
Timing it right makes a big difference. Talk to our advisors before you commit.
