IGRUA (Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi), Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh is India's premier government-run flying training institute under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. IGRUA offers a 2-year integrated Commercial Pilot License (CPL) programme. Admission is via IGRUA's own entrance + medical + interview. The intake is limited (~25 seats per batch) and competition is fierce. IGRUA graduates are highly sought after by Indian airlines and many directly transition to first officer roles.
Exam Pattern
Mode:Written exam + Class 1 medical + Personal Interview
Duration:120 minutes (written) + medical + interview
Total Marks:100 + medical + interview
Marking Scheme:+1 for correct, no negative marking
Sections
Mathematics (Class 11-12)
30 Questions•30 Marks
Physics (Class 11-12)
30 Questions•30 Marks
English Language
20 Questions•20 Marks
Aptitude & Reasoning
20 Questions•20 Marks
Syllabus
Mathematics
Class 11-12 NCERT - algebra, calculus, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, statistics
Physics
Class 11-12 NCERT - mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, modern physics
Passed Class 12 with Physics, Mathematics and English with minimum 50% in each
Age 17-25 years
DGCA Class 1 Medical fitness (mandatory - checks eyesight, hearing, cardio, neurological)
Indian citizen
Important Dates
Notification & registration
January 2027 (tentative - confirm on igrua.gov.in)
Written entrance
May 2027 (tentative)
Medical & interview
June-July 2027 (tentative)
Course commencement
August 2027 (tentative)
Application Process
Register on igrua.gov.in
Fill application form, upload documents, pay fee
Take written entrance at designated centre
Qualified candidates undergo DGCA Class 1 medical at DGCA-approved centres
Medically fit candidates attend Personal Interview at IGRUA Rae Bareli
Final selection based on written + medical + interview composite
💡 Preparation Tips
Class 11-12 PCM at NCERT level is sufficient for written
Class 1 Medical is the toughest filter - get eye check, hearing test, ECG done early. Common disqualifiers: colour blindness, severe myopia (correction beyond -2.5D), heart murmurs
Interview probes motivation, awareness of aviation industry, English communication
IGRUA training is intense - 2 years of academics + 200+ flying hours
❓ FAQs
What's the fee at IGRUA?
IGRUA fees are around Rs. 45-55 lakhs for the full 2-year integrated CPL programme - significantly lower than private flying schools (Rs. 60-90 lakhs). The government-subsidised nature makes IGRUA financially attractive.
Are placements guaranteed?
Not formally guaranteed, but IGRUA has strong tie-ups with IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, GoAir, Akasa - most graduates secure first officer positions within 6 months. IGRUA's brand is the strongest among Indian flying schools.
What is DGCA Class 1 Medical?
DGCA Class 1 is the medical fitness standard for commercial pilots. It includes detailed eye exam (visual acuity, colour vision), audiometry, ECG, X-ray, blood tests, neurological exam. Approximately 30-40% candidates fail Class 1 due to undiagnosed colour vision deficiency or vision issues. Get a preliminary medical screening BEFORE applying to confirm fitness.