Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Amethi Campus Life

As a current student at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), I feel it's necessary to share a ground-level view of the situation inside this so-called premier flying institute. While IGRUA continues to hold on to its historical reputation, the reality on campus is far from what is advertised. The biggest issues — which affect every student directly — are the severe shortage of aircraft, the critical lack of instructors, and the unacceptable delay in course completion.1. Acute Shortage of AircraftIGRUA once operated with a respectable fleet size of around 25–30 aircraft. Today, on most days, only about 6 to 7 aircraft are flight-ready, and even those are constantly rotating in and out of maintenance. With over 200+ cadets in training, this number is simply insufficient. Flight scheduling has become a nightmare. Cadets often go weeks without flying, even when the weather is perfect, just because there are not enough aircraft to go around. This backlog is not a temporary issue — it's been worsening steadily for the past 2–3 years.2. Lack of Qualified InstructorsThe instructor shortage is equally troubling. The number of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) on campus is far below what is required to train such a large batch of cadets. On many days, sorties are cancelled not due to weather or maintenance — but due to the unavailability of instructors. In some cases, cadets end up flying just once or twice a month. There’s a sense of helplessness among students, as the flying schedule becomes more about luck than progress. Worse, some senior cadets are unofficially guiding juniors on flying basics — a risky practice that reflects the training gap left by this shortage.3. Extended Course DurationPerhaps the most frustrating outcome of these two issues is the massive delay in course completion. A course that is officially marketed as 24 months often stretches to 3–4 years, and in some cases even beyond. Cadets who enrolled in 2019 are still waiting to finish. This is not just a delay — it’s a career setback, especially in an industry where timing and early entry matter. Students are losing crucial years and continuing to pay fees without receiving consistent training in return.

A Parent's Honest Review of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)I am the parent of a student currently in the second year at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), and I feel compelled to share my genuine and deeply disappointing experience with the institution. Once considered one of the most prestigious flying academies in India with a strong brand name and legacy, IGRUA's standards have deteriorated drastically over the last 3–4 years.Key Concerns:Severe Shortage of Qualified InstructorsCurrently, there is an alarming lack of professional flying instructors. In many cases, senior students are unofficially training junior students, which raises serious safety and training quality concerns.Drastic Reduction in Aircraft FleetThe academy once boasted a fleet of around 30 operational aircraft. Shockingly, only 6–7 aircraft are operational today, making it impossible to accommodate the training needs of all enrolled cadets.Unacceptable Delays in TrainingA program that is officially advertised as a 2-year course is stretching into 3–5 years for many. Even students who enrolled in 2019 have yet to graduate, mainly due to the lack of flight slots and resources.Ragging and Student HarassmentRagging continues to be a serious issue. Students are reportedly subject to mental and emotional harassment, both by senior students and, indirectly, by institutional neglect. Fear of retaliation often keeps them silent.Financial and Administrative MismanagementThe institution continues to demand quarterly installment payments, despite the delay in course completion. In return, students are not even provided with basic essentials such as uniforms and textbooks. Even final-year students are waiting for these items.Lack of Transparency and AccountabilityStudents are afraid to speak out due to fear of backlash from the management and seniors. However, any outsider who visits the campus and privately speaks to students will likely hear these same concerns echoed

Excellent institute and best in ASIA for commercial pilot training. Excellent setting and an excellent collection of aircraft for training

Established as the oldest and one of India's premier flying schools, the Indian Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) stands as a beacon for aspiring pilots. Renowned for its esteemed faculty and dedicated staff spanning various departments, this institution offers a gateway to realizing dreams of aviation excellence. The rigorous yet rewarding IGRUA entrance exam serves as a stepping stone toward turning aspirations into tangible achievements. With a legacy of producing skilled aviators and a commitment to excellence, this institution remains an unparalleled choice for those seeking a soaring career in the skies, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in India's aviation education landscape.