BharatCares and IndiGoReach Launch Programme to Empower Women Through Aviation Careers
Young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India now have an opportunity to pursue their dream of becoming commercial pilots through “Giving Wings to Fly”, a national aviation career initiative jointly implemented by BharatCares (CSRBOX) with support from IndiGoReach, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of IndiGo.
The programme aims to create pathways for aspiring women aviators by providing comprehensive financial and professional support for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training. Implemented through Shri Mahakal Education and Charitable Trust (SMEC), the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity by enabling talented candidates to access one of India’s fastest-growing professional sectors.
As India’s aviation industry continues its rapid expansion, the initiative is expected to contribute towards increasing women’s participation in commercial aviation while addressing the growing demand for qualified pilots.
A National Initiative Focused on Women’s Empowerment
The “Giving Wings to Fly” programme has been conceptualised with the objective of empowering women through education, skill development, and employment in the aviation industry.
Recognising that pilot training remains financially inaccessible for many deserving candidates, the initiative seeks to remove economic barriers that prevent talented young women from entering the profession.
The programme focuses particularly on candidates belonging to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) households, ensuring that financial limitations do not become obstacles to pursuing careers in commercial aviation.
By combining financial assistance with structured mentorship and professional development, the initiative aims to prepare candidates for long-term careers in India’s expanding civil aviation ecosystem.

Comprehensive Commercial Pilot Training Support
Selected candidates will undergo professional pilot training at Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA), a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO).
The programme provides extensive support covering multiple stages of aviation training, enabling candidates to focus entirely on their professional development without worrying about financial constraints.
Among the key benefits offered under the programme are:
- Full financial support for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training.
- Support for ATR Type Rating training.
- Accommodation throughout the training period.
- Meals during the duration of the programme.
- Mentorship from experienced aviation professionals.
- Structured career guidance and exposure to the aviation industry.
- Professional development support to enhance employability within India’s commercial aviation sector.
The initiative has been designed not only to help candidates obtain flying qualifications but also to prepare them for successful careers with airlines and aviation organisations.
Structured Selection Process
Applications for Batch 1 of the programme are currently open.
The selection process has been designed to identify candidates demonstrating strong academic performance, aptitude, commitment, and motivation to pursue aviation careers.
Applicants will undergo a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process comprising:
- Application screening.
- Aptitude assessments.
- Personal interviews.
- Final shortlisting.
The organisers have stated that the process aims to ensure transparency while selecting candidates with the highest potential to successfully complete pilot training and build sustainable careers in aviation.
Applications are Now.
Apply Now: https://scholarsbox.in/scholarship/giving-wings-to-fly-airline-ready-pilot-training-programme-
Programme Brochure: https://tinyurl.com/IndiGoGWF
Helpline: +91 8401019730
Email: indigoreachgwf@scholarsbox.in
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The programme welcomes applications from eligible candidates meeting the following requirements:
- Must be an Indian female citizen.
- Must be between 18 and 35 years of age as of 1 May 2026.
- Must have completed Higher Secondary (10+2) with English, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Must have secured a minimum of 51 percent marks individually in English, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Must belong to an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) household as per Government of India guidelines.
Candidates fulfilling these eligibility conditions are encouraged to submit their applications within the stipulated deadline.
Building Careers Beyond Financial Support
Beyond funding pilot training, the programme places strong emphasis on mentorship and career development.
Participants will receive guidance from experienced aviation professionals who will help them understand airline recruitment processes, professional expectations, industry standards, and career progression opportunities.
Such mentorship is expected to strengthen candidates’ confidence while providing valuable insights into professional aviation environments.
The initiative also seeks to create a supportive ecosystem where aspiring women pilots can develop technical competence alongside leadership skills and professional ethics.
Exclusive Application Through Official Portal
Organisers have clarified that applications will be accepted only through the official ScholarsBox portal.
Applications submitted through third-party agencies, intermediaries, unofficial websites, or external links will not be considered during the selection process.
Applicants are therefore advised to carefully complete their online applications through the authorised platform before the deadline.
For application-related assistance, candidates can contact the programme team through the official email support system or helpline provided by the organisers.
Encouraging Greater Representation of Women in Aviation
Although women’s participation in aviation has steadily increased over the years, commercial pilot training remains financially challenging for many aspiring candidates.
Initiatives such as “Giving Wings to Fly” represent an important step towards improving gender representation in aviation by making professional training more accessible to deserving women from economically weaker backgrounds.
The programme also reflects growing collaboration between corporate social responsibility initiatives and skill development programmes aimed at creating meaningful employment opportunities.
By investing in aspiring women pilots today, the initiative contributes to building a more diverse, inclusive, and future-ready aviation workforce.
Creating Pathways to the Skies
“Giving Wings to Fly” is more than a scholarship programme—it represents an opportunity to transform aspirations into professional careers.
Through financial support, structured aviation training, mentorship, and career guidance, BharatCares and IndiGoReach aim to equip young women with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in India’s rapidly evolving aviation sector.
As applications remain open for the first batch until 7 July 2026, the initiative offers eligible candidates a unique opportunity to pursue careers that may once have seemed beyond reach.
For many aspiring pilots, the programme could become the first step toward fulfilling a lifelong dream of flying professionally while contributing to the future of Indian aviation.
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