You have done your DGCA CPL. The toughest part of pilot training is behind us. Now the decision that will determine in real terms which airline will call you for an interview and which ones won't even look at your application.

There is no single answer to choosing the right aircraft type rating after CPL. Depends on your target airline, your budget, your current hours, and your career timeline. Do it right and you’re in the cockpit in 12 months. Get it wrong and you’ve blown ₹10-35 lakh on a rating that doesn’t reflect the real job market.

This guide cuts through the noise and provides a framework for making decisions that stick.

Why a Type Rating Is Non-Negotiable After CPL

A CPL allows you to fly commercially. A type rating allows you to fly a particular aircraft for hire. That’s two different things, and the airline only cares about the latter one.

Before any of the major Indian carriers - IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Air India Express - will consider you for a First Officer role, you will need to have a DGCA-endorsed type rating on the aircraft they operate. Your CPL is your ticket in. The real door is the type rating.

The approval is restricted to the aircraft. An A320 type rating doesn't give you a B737 or anything else. If you want to change aircraft type later you will need a separate rating or a differences course depending on the variant.

The Three Main Options: What Each Rating Gets You

In India, the practical choice for most CPL holders narrows down to three aircraft:

Airbus A320 Type Rating Course in India

The A320 is the workhorse of Indian commercial aviation . IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express operate extensive A320 family fleets so this is the most direct route to a domestic airline seat. First Officers with A320 ratings are always the most in demand of the three options.

Price: ₹ 18-35 lakh Duration: 2-4 months. Best for pilots targeting IndiGo or Air India and with a budget to match.

Boeing 737 Type Rating in India

The B737 is the second major narrow-body in Indian aviation, and is operated by Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Air India Express. Its biggest advantage over the A320 is global reach – the 737 is one of the most widely operated aircraft around the world, opening doors to international carriers over and above India.

Cost: ₹10-15 lakh (India-based training) Duration: 2-3 months. If international airline options are part of your career plan, better value proposition.

ATR 72 Type Rating — The Overlooked Option for Freshers

The ATR 72 is a turboprop, not a jet – and that difference causes many freshers to dismiss it too soon. It’s the cheapest way to get into a commercial cockpit and IndiGo operates an expanding fleet of ATR 72-600s on regional routes. For pilots with limited hours and limited budget, getting into a commercial cockpit on the ATR and building hours is a wise strategic move before obtaining a jet rating.

Price: ₹12-18 lakh. Duration: 5-6 weeks Once you have 500-1000 hours on the ATR it becomes a lot easier to get a jet type rating.

How to Choose: A Decision Framework

Stop making this choice on the basis of which plane sounds more badass. Build it on these four things:

• Airlines actively hiring in the next 6–12 months and what aircraft they operate
• What is your real budget – not what you hope to get, but what you can actually access?
• How many hours you have on your current profile and how competitive your profile is for a direct entry slot?
• Do you want to build a career mainly in India or do you want the flexibility to work internationally?

Best Type Rating Choice Based on Your Situation

• If your goal is to join IndiGo or Air India: → A320 Type Rating is the strongest choice because both airlines operate large Airbus A320 fleets.
• If your target airlines are Akasa Air or SpiceJet: → B737 Type Rating is the better fit since these airlines primarily operate Boeing 737 aircraft.
• If you are self-funding your training and have a limited budget: → ATR 72 Type Rating is usually the most affordable option compared to A320 and B737 programs.
• If you want maximum international career opportunities: → B737 Type Rating offers excellent global mobility due to the widespread use of the Boeing 737 worldwide.
• If you are a fresh CPL holder with low flying hours: → ATR 72 Type Rating can provide easier entry into regional airlines and generally faces less competition.
• If your priority is getting an airline job as quickly as possible: → ATR 72 often offers the fastest entry path, while A320 can also be a strong option if your budget allows.

What Prerequisites Do You Need Before Starting?

Before you enroll for any DGCA-approved type rating training, make sure you meet the following:

• Valid DGCA CPL(A) or ATPL(A) with Instrument Rating (IR)
• Total time at least 200 hours (100 hours as Pilot in Command)
• Multi-Engine Rating (ME) — required for jet-type ratings
• Valid DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate
• RTR(A) – Restricted Radio Telephone Operator’s Certificate

Some training organizations also recommend a ground course in the pre-type rating before simulator training. Pilots with good aircraft systems knowledge are generally better in simulator assessments, which is important because your skill test performance follows you into airline interviews, but it is not mandatory.

How to Choose the Right DGCA-Approved Type Rating Training Centre

All DGCA approved centres are not same. Regulatory approval sets a baseline; it does not guarantee quality, simulator availability or career prospects. Here’s what to actually judge:

• DGCA Approval Status – Ensure that the training organization and examiner are DGCA approved. For your skill test to be valid for recruitment to an Indian airline, it has to be done by a DGCA examiner.
• Simulator Availability – Check that the institute has its own simulator facilities. Simulator rentals from third parties may experience delays in scheduling, which could extend your training timeframe.
• Batch Size – Ask how many students are in each batch. Smaller batches usually mean more one-on-one time with the simulator, more personal attention and better learning outcomes.
• Airline Placement Track Record – Kindly provide placement data including number of students placed, airlines joined and placement results for last 12 months.
• Cost Transparency – Obtain a detailed fee schedule in writing before you sign up. Some programs have hidden costs for simulator sessions, exams, accommodation, or administrative fees.
• Faculty Credentials – Check the instructors’ experience and background. “Preferably current or recently retired airline pilots with operational flying experience (not just ground instructors).

One thing is worth saying clearly, the cheapest training centre is not always the best value. You’ve paid the fee difference for a centre that has put your training back by three months due to a lack of simulators — in accommodation, lost earning time and missed hiring cycles.

Cadet Program or Self-Funded Type Rating: Which Makes More Sense?

Some airlines have introduced cadet programs with the type rating integrated into the structured training pathway. These are more expensive overall but offer a structured environment and sometimes conditional access to interviews with the sponsoring airline.

Doing your type rating yourself means you have more control, it is normally cheaper, and you can apply to more than one airline as opposed to being tied to one. A lot of self-funded type-rated pilots are getting placed without the cadet route in 2026 when Indian airlines are aggressively hiring.

The honest answer is: If you can get into a cadet program with a credible airline, it’s worth investigating. If you can't do that, then self-funding your type rating and applying directly is a legitimate and well-trodden path.

Pilot Training After CPL: What the Timeline Looks Like

This is a realistic post-CPL timeline for a self-funded pilot aiming for a domestic First Officer position:

• Month 1-2: Research target airlines, confirm fleet type, Source funding for type rating
• Month 2-5: Complete DGCA-approved Type Rating Training (Ground School + Simulator + Skill Test)
• Month 5-6: DGCA endorsement processed and CPL updated with type rating endorsement
• Month 6-10: Apply for FO positions, airline written tests, ADAPT, and interviews. Month 10–14: Airline induction, OJT, line training – flying as a First Officer in a commercial environment

Assuming no exam failures, no simulator delays, and active job applications from the time your rating is endorsed, this is a realistic timeline. One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they think the type rating is the finish line. It’s not, it’s the starting line of the hiring process.

Conclusion

Choose your type rating based on your target airline's fleet, not on what sounds prestigious. Research current hiring patterns before committing ₹10–35 lakh. Pick a DGCA-approved centre with confirmed simulator access — not just a good brochure. And start applying to airlines the moment your endorsement is processed, not months later.

FAQs

1. What is a type rating, and why is it important after completing a CPL?

Type rating is special training which allows a pilot to fly a specific type of aircraft for example: Airbus A320, Boeing 737, ATR 72 etc. Once you have your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) you will need a type rating, as most airlines require that pilots are checked out on the specific aircraft before joining as First Officers.

2. Which type rating is best after CPL in India?

Your career goals and airline opportunities are the best guide to the type rating you need. Today, the Airbus A320 is one of the most popular options in India, with airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express using it extensively. But the Boeing 737 and ATR 72 also have good career prospects depending on market demand and airline hiring trends.

3. How much does a type rating cost in India?

The cost of a type rating in India is generally between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 30 lakh depending on the type of aircraft, the training provider, simulator hours and additional services such as airline prep programs. Don’t just look at the cost. Compare quality of training and placement help.

4. Should I choose a type rating based on current airline hiring trends?

Yes, Airline hiring trends can have a huge impact on your job prospects after your training. Do some research on which aircraft are being added to fleets and which airlines are hiring pilots before you enroll. Choosing a type rating aligned with industry demand can improve your chances of securing a job sooner.

5. What factors should I consider when selecting a type rating institute?

Choose a type rating institute based on DGCA approval, quality of simulators, experience of instructor, success rate, placement assistance and reputation. Also, consider alumni feedback and airline partnerships to help you choose a training provider that aligns with your long-term aviation career goals.