DGCA ranks flight schools
DGCA introduced a ranking system for approved flying training organisations (FTOs), placing them in Categories A, B and C. In the first ranking, published on 1 October 2025, no FTO reached Category A (The Tribune). In the second phase, released in April 2026, one FTO was placed in Category A, 17 in Category B and 17 in Category C (The Week).
You can filter our flight school directory by ranking: Category A, Category B or Category C. Each school page shows its bases, ownership and DGCA approval details.
Use the ranking as a start, not the answer
A ranking is a snapshot. A school can move up or down in the next phase, and newer schools may not be ranked yet. Use the category to build a shortlist, then visit and ask hard questions.
Questions to ask any school
- How many aircraft are serviceable today, and how many students are flying on them?
- How many hours did students fly last month, on average?
- How long did the last batch take to complete 200 hours?
- Which bases will I fly from, and what is the weather like there across the year?
- What is included in the fee, and what is charged per hour on top?
- How many instructors are on staff full time?
- What happens to my money and hours if the school pauses training?
Compare the full cost, in writing
Ask each school for a written breakdown: flying hours by aircraft type, simulator time, ground classes, exam and licence fees, accommodation and taxes. Fees that look low can grow quickly if extra hours are billed separately.
Check where you will fly
Many schools have more than one base. Our state pages show which schools fly in each state, which matters if you want to train close to home or in a region with more flyable days.
New to the licensing route? Start with how to become a commercial pilot in India.
Common questions
How many flight schools did DGCA rank?
35 approved flying training organisations were ranked. In the April 2026 phase, one was placed in Category A, 17 in Category B and 17 in Category C.
Should I only consider Category A schools?
Not necessarily. Rankings change between phases. Use them to shortlist, then compare aircraft availability, hours flown per month, completion times and the full written cost.
Where can I see each school’s ranking?
AIR BITOLA’s flight school directory shows the DGCA category for every ranked school, with filters for A, B and C.
Sources
- The Tribune: of 35 flight training agencies, none secured top ratings
- The Week: DGCA flying training organisation rankings (25 Apr 2026)
General information, checked against the sources above on the date published. It is not legal, regulatory or medical advice. Rules change, so confirm with DGCA or the relevant authority before acting.