Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Rae Bareli Campus Life

About Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy - [IGRUA] Rae Bareli

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), established in 1985, is a premier public pilot training institute located at Fursatganj Airfield, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. It operates as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, and is governed by a dedicated council to oversee aviation training standards.

IGRUA holds recognition from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and offers key programs such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training and B.Sc. in Aviation. The academy boasts a strong placement record with over 90% of its graduates recruited by leading domestic and international airlines. It maintains a fully residential campus with modern aviation infrastructure and a faculty comprising experienced military and commercial pilots.

Key Highlights

Overview

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), established in 1985, is a premier public pilot training institute located at Fursatganj Airfield, Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. It operates as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, and is governed by a dedicated council to oversee aviation training standards.

IGRUA holds recognition from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and offers key programs such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training and B.Sc. in Aviation. The academy boasts a strong placement record with over 90% of its graduates recruited by leading domestic and international airlines. It maintains a fully residential campus with modern aviation infrastructure and a faculty comprising experienced military and commercial pilots.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) conducts its admission cycle primarily for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training program, which includes a B.Sc. Aviation degree option. Admission is based on an online written entrance exam conducted by IGRUA. The application process and exam dates are officially announced by IGRUA each year on their website.

Admission Process

Admission to Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA) Rae Bareli is primarily through a written entrance test followed by a viva/interview and pilot aptitude test for its aviation programs. Candidates must meet specific academic criteria in 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.

Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with B.Sc (Aviation) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Check eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
2. Apply online on the official IGRUA website before the deadline (usually by early May).
3. Appear for the IGRUA written entrance test conducted in May.
4. Qualify for the viva/interview and pilot aptitude test held in July.
5. Receive final admission results in August.
6. Complete admission formalities and pay the fees schedule.
7. Join the batch induction in August or February the academic calendar.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• 10+2 Marksheet and Certificate
• Entrance Exam Scorecard
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Migration Certificate
• Identity Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)
• Medical Fitness Certificate ( DGCA norms)

Cutoff 2025

The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA) admission process is based on a written test, pilot aptitude test, and interview rather than a national engineering entrance exam like JEE. Therefore, no numerical cutoff ranks or percentiles from JEE or similar exams are applicable for IGRUA admissions. The eligibility criteria require minimum marks in 12th standard with specific subject percentages, but no entrance exam rank cutoffs are published.

Placements 2025

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA), Rae Bareli, maintains a strong placement record with approximately 90% of its graduates securing positions in leading domestic and international airlines. The highest packages offered range between ₹25 to ₹30 LPA, with an average package of ₹12 to ₹18 LPA. Top recruiters include Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, Vistara, Emirates, and Tiger Airline.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

Core Aviation: Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, Vistara, Emirates, Tiger Airline

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), Rae Bareli, is a premier government-owned pilot training institute recognized for its specialized aviation training. It does not appear in the major national or international general university rankings such as NIRF overall, QS, THE, India Today, or Outlook for 2025, reflecting its niche focus rather than broad academic offerings.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): Approved by DGCA, Government of India
• Ministry of Civil Aviation: Operated under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy (IGRUA), Rae Bareli offers scholarships primarily based on merit and financial need, with special focus on reserved categories such as SC, ST, and OBC through government schemes accessible via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Institute scholarships can cover significant portions of the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course fees, while government scholarships support reserved category students meeting income criteria.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• Government Pilot Training Scholarship for SC/ST: Financial aid for SC/ST candidates who have completed 10+2, supporting pilot training costs

Comparison

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) Rae Bareli is compared with Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) and National Flying Training Institute (NFTI) as they are premier government aviation training institutions in India offering pilot training and aviation education under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, sharing similar course offerings and industry relevance.

Key Strengths

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy - [IGRUA] Rae Bareli: Established government pilot training institute with strong industry ties, high placement packages, and NAAC A++ accreditation.
• Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU): Newer aviation university with larger intake capacity and government backing, offering affordable B.Sc aviation courses.
• National Flying Training Institute (NFTI): State-of-the-art flying training infrastructure with modern fleet and simulators, focused on comprehensive pilot training programs.

Campus & Infrastructure

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) is situated at Fursatganj Airfield near Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, encompassing a dedicated aviation training campus with its own airfield, runway, and comprehensive aviation infrastructure. The campus includes residential facilities, sports amenities, and an auditorium, supporting pilot training and allied aviation education.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Specific number of books and e-journals not detailed
• Labs: Not specified
• Classrooms: Not specified

Hostel

Other Facilities

• 6080 feet runway with taxiway and apron
• Air traffic control and navigation aids
• Hangars and aviation fuel station
• Fire fighting facilities
• Hostels and mess facilities
• Sports facilities (specifics not quantified)
• Auditorium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the CPL course at IGRUA?

Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English, securing at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC). The minimum age is 17 years by August 1 of the admission year, with no upper age limit but medical fitness is mandatory.

How is the selection process conducted for IGRUA admissions?

Selection involves an online written test, followed by a viva/interview and a Pilot Aptitude Test (CPAT). Only candidates clearing all stages are admitted.

What is the total fee structure for the CPL course at IGRUA?

The CPL course fee is approximately ₹45 lakhs payable in quarterly installments. Additional costs include ₹17-19 lakhs for type rating and around ₹2.5 lakhs for uniform and equipment. Boarding and lodging are extra.

Are scholarships or fee waivers available at IGRUA?

IGRUA does not offer scholarships; all candidates pay the same fees regardless of category. However, government reservation policies apply for seat allocation.

What is the placement scenario and average package for IGRUA graduates?

IGRUA has strong placement assistance with recruiters like Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express. While exact package figures vary, many graduates secure pilot positions in leading Indian and international airlines.

Which airlines have recruited pilots from IGRUA?

Major recruiters include Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, and Qatar Airways has also recruited through bilateral agreements.

What is the academic curriculum and duration of the B.Sc Aviation degree offered at IGRUA?

The B.Sc Aviation degree is a 3-year program affiliated with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, integrated with CPL training including multi-engine endorsement and instrument rating.

What kind of faculty and training infrastructure does IGRUA have?

IGRUA has experienced flight instructors and state-of-the-art infrastructure including its own airfield, runway, air traffic control, simulators, and well-equipped labs for ground training.

What hostel facilities are available for students at IGRUA?

Separate hostels for boys and girls accommodate around 200 students each, with basic furniture, shared rooms (2 per room), and a secure campus environment.

How is the food quality and mess facility at IGRUA?

The mess provides basic meals; food quality is considered average by students, with limited variety and no special dietary options.

What extracurricular activities and sports facilities are available on campus?

IGRUA offers sports facilities including basketball, football, badminton, squash courts, a gym, and an annual cultural fest called "Full Throttle," though extracurricular activities are limited.

Is there a dress code or uniform requirement for students at IGRUA?

Students are required to wear a uniform during training, which includes specific aviation attire; the cost of uniform is approximately ₹2.5 lakhs as part of additional expenses.

What is the daily commute like for students living off-campus?

IGRUA is located in a rural area near Rae Bareli; most students stay on campus due to limited public transport and distance from the city, making daily commute challenging.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at IGRUA?

Due to the intensive nature of pilot training and strict attendance requirements, part-time jobs are generally not feasible for IGRUA students.

How does IGRUA compare with other pilot training institutes in India?

IGRUA is considered the premier government pilot training institute with autonomous status, extensive infrastructure, and strong government backing, offering better placement prospects than many private academies.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for training at IGRUA?

Though the total cost exceeds ₹45 lakhs, graduates often secure airline pilot jobs with competitive salaries, making the ROI favorable over time compared to private flying schools.

Does IGRUA have a strong alumni network?

IGRUA maintains an active alumni network with many graduates placed in Indian and international airlines, providing mentorship and career support to current students.

Are there any medical fitness requirements for admission to IGRUA?

Candidates must obtain a DGCA Class 2 medical certificate before admission and a Class 1 medical certificate after joining the course to continue training.

How many seats are available annually for the CPL course at IGRUA?

Approximately 120 seats are available each year, with reservations government norms: 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC, and 10% EWS.

Does IGRUA provide training for drone pilots or other aviation-related courses?

Yes, IGRUA offers drone pilot training and English Language Proficiency courses, and collaborates with organizations for remote pilot training schools across India.