Flying for IndiGo
IndiGo is India's largest airline by market share and one of the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world. Based in Gurugram (Delhi NCR), the airline operates over 100 domestic destinations and an expanding international network across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
IndiGo's model is built around efficiency, punctuality, and value — it consistently ranks among the world's most on-time airlines. For cabin crew, this means high pace, disciplined adherence to process, and a significant volume of short-haul domestic sectors per shift. The lifestyle is different from Gulf long-haul: you are home-based in your city of posting, flying domestic turnarounds rather than multi-day international layovers.
For candidates based in India looking to enter aviation, IndiGo is one of the most accessible high-volume entry points — and for many, a strong foundation before applying to Gulf international carriers.
IndiGo requirements
| Requirement | IndiGo standard |
|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 155 cm for women; 170 cm for men (height-based, not reach-based) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height (BMI within healthy range — IndiGo enforces this) |
| Age | Minimum 18 years; maximum 27 at time of application (for fresher roles) |
| Education | 10+2 (HSC) minimum; degree preferred |
| Language | Fluent English and Hindi; regional language is an advantage |
| Tattoos | No visible tattoos in uniform |
| Passport | Required for international postings; preferred even for domestic |
| Medical | Fit to fly; DGCA aviation medical post-selection |
| Appearance | Clean, professional presentation; IndiGo has detailed uniform and grooming standards |
Note that IndiGo (like most Indian carriers) uses height rather than arm reach as its eligibility criterion — this differs from Gulf carriers. The minimum is lower, which makes the role more accessible.
Application process
IndiGo recruits through multiple channels:
- Official careers page at careers.goindigo.in
- Walk-in recruitment drives announced across major cities
- Campus placement at hotel management, aviation, and hospitality institutions
- Recruitment agencies authorised by IndiGo for ground-level selection
Walk-in recruitment is common and is a viable entry point. IndiGo frequently holds drives in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Kolkata.
What to bring to a walk-in or drive:
- Updated CV (one page)
- Passport-style photographs (multiple copies)
- Educational certificates (10+2 marksheet, degree if applicable)
- Government ID (Aadhaar, passport, or PAN card)
- Valid passport (if applying for international postings)
Selection stages
IndiGo's selection process is typically faster and more direct than long-haul international carriers. Most drives complete all stages in one day.
Stage 1: Document and appearance check
Initial screening on arrival. Documents are verified and candidates are assessed for basic eligibility — height, appearance, no visible tattoos. This is a pass/fail gate.
Stage 2: Group discussion
Groups of 8–12 candidates discuss an assigned topic or scenario. For IndiGo the topic is often practically focused — a customer service situation, a safety-adjacent scenario, or a situational judgment question.
What assessors look for:
- Fluent English communication — clearly articulated ideas, professional tone
- Hindi fluency (important for domestic operations)
- Confidence without aggression
- Team participation — neither dominant nor passive
Speak clearly, early, and build on what others say. IndiGo moves candidates through stages quickly, so first impressions at the GD matter disproportionately.
Stage 3: Personal interview
A 10–20 minute one-on-one or panel interview with HR and/or line management. This covers:
- Your background and motivation for IndiGo specifically
- Customer service examples from previous experience
- Situational questions (how would you handle an irate passenger?)
- Language assessment — expect to be asked to switch between English and Hindi
Questions to prepare:
- "Why IndiGo and not a Gulf airline?"
- "Tell me about a time you handled an upset customer."
- "What do you know about cabin crew safety responsibilities?"
- "How do you handle long work hours and rotating shifts?"
Stage 4: Medical assessment
IndiGo conducts a DGCA-required aviation medical post-selection. This includes vision and colour perception, hearing, general fitness, and BMI check. A medical clearance from a DGCA-approved medical examiner is required before joining.
Training
Selected candidates join IndiGo's initial cabin crew training programme, conducted at IndiGo's training facility in Gurugram (Delhi NCR). Duration: approximately 6 weeks.
Training covers:
- Safety and emergency procedures — fire fighting, emergency evacuation, ditching, DGCA regulations
- First aid — in-flight medical response
- Service standards — IndiGo's specific in-flight service model
- Grooming and uniform standards — strictly enforced from training
- English and communication — communication drills for safety announcements and passenger interaction
Assessment is continuous. DGCA exams are mandatory and must be passed to obtain your Cabin Crew Attestation (CCA). Without the CCA you cannot legally operate as a crew member in India.
After training, you are posted to a base city (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or others depending on operational requirements). IndiGo does not guarantee base preference.
Frequently asked questions
What is IndiGo cabin crew salary? IndiGo cabin crew starting salaries are typically in the range of ₹25,000–35,000/month for fresher intake, plus flying allowance (per-hour payment for flight time), meal and layover per diem, and accommodation support for non-base postings. Senior crew, pursers, and lead crew earn significantly more.
Is IndiGo a good starting point before applying to Gulf airlines? Yes, and this is a common career path. IndiGo gives you a DGCA Cabin Crew Attestation, real in-flight experience, and a professional aviation background that Gulf carriers recognise. Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad all accept applications from candidates with Indian domestic experience. Two or three years at IndiGo followed by a Gulf application is a well-trodden route.
What is the age limit? IndiGo's fresher cabin crew roles typically accept candidates up to age 27 at application. Experienced cabin crew from other airlines may be accepted at a higher age — check the specific job posting.
Are there opportunities for international postings? Yes. As IndiGo expands its international network, crew are being posted for international sectors including to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. International posting preference is generally given to senior crew.
How quickly can I get selected at a walk-in drive? If you pass all stages on the day of the walk-in, you can receive a conditional offer within the same day or within a week. Medical and document verification then follows. The process is generally faster than Gulf carrier recruitment.
What is the DGCA Cabin Crew Attestation? The Cabin Crew Attestation (CCA) is the mandatory regulatory licence issued by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Without it, you cannot legally work as cabin crew on Indian-registered aircraft. IndiGo facilitates this through their training programme — you do not need to get it separately before joining.