India on Friday, April 24, released the second phase of rankings for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs).
Accordingly, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the FTO ranking system compiled by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is aimed at strengthening training standards, enhancing safety and promoting accountability across flying training institutions.
The first phase of the rankings was published on October 1, 2025.
Notably, the ministry said the data-driven framework enables objective comparison and continuous monitoring of FTO performance, while improving transparency across the pilot training ecosystem.
“My core objective in introducing an FTO ranking system in the country is to make pilot training more transparent and flying a more attractive career option for the youth,” Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said during the launch event.
“Based on my interactions with aspiring cadets and their families, the idea was to institutionalise a system that brings clarity and conviction to their decision-making.”
Highlighting opportunities in the sector, Naidu said, “In the next five years, India’s aviation landscape will expand with 50 more airports, Indian carriers inducting around 500 more aircraft and major Indian airports evolving into transit hubs through our Hub and Spoke Policy.”
historic outlay
“Additionally, with the historic outlay of ₹29,000 crore under Modified UDAN, there is significant scope for regional connectivity. Indian youth who are passionate about aviation have a strong career opportunity, with an estimated requirement of nearly 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade.”
According to MoCA, since the introduction of the FTO ranking system, the Indian aviation training ecosystem has recorded several positive developments, including an increase in training flying hours from 32 per cent to 50 per cent, expansion of aircraft fleets at FTOs and improved training efficiency, reducing the time required by cadets to complete flying requirements for obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Besides, the ministry said the ranking system has enabled aspiring pilots to make informed decisions based on objective performance indicators.
“The broader objective is twofold. First, to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian FTOs by encouraging alignment with international benchmarks. Second, to promote self-reliance in pilot training through a ‘Train in India, Fly in India’ approach,” Naidu said.
He added that the government has introduced reforms including liberalisation of FTO policy, abolition of airport royalties and rationalisation of land rentals.
Furthermore, DGCA has digitised the CPL examination process and introduced a single-window framework under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam for both CPL and Radio Telephone Restricted licence approvals.
Sharing sector progress, Naidu said the number of Commercial Pilot Licences issued has increased by more than 2.5 times over the last eight years, with record issuances in 2024 and 2025.
He added that six new FTOs have been approved over the last 18 months, while six more are currently in the pipeline.
As per the April 2026 rankings, one FTO qualified in Category ‘A’, compared with none in the previous phase.
The number of FTOs in Category ‘C’ declined, while Category ‘B’ institutions increased, indicating an overall improvement in performance standards.
Additionally, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi recorded notable improvement in rankings, alongside gains by several other institutions in operational efficiency, safety compliance and training outcomes.
Published on April 24, 2026