How to Become Cabin Crew / Air Hostess

What the cabin crew role involves

Cabin crew — the term covers all flight attendants regardless of gender — are responsible for passenger safety, emergency procedures, and in-flight service on commercial flights. It is a regulated aviation role: crew must hold a Cabin Crew Attestation (formerly known as the Cabin Crew Certificate) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the civil aviation regulator in India.

This guide covers the general eligibility and process; airlines set their own specific requirements, which vary and can change, so always verify with the airline you apply to.

Typical eligibility criteria

Airlines set their own specific criteria, but commonly required qualifications include:

- Minimum Class 12 (10+2) pass from a recognised board; many airlines prefer or require a bachelor's degree - Proficiency in English (and often Hindi and/or a regional language, depending on the airline and route) - Meeting the airline's physical standards (vision, height, reach, overall fitness) as stated in their official job posting - Age, medical fitness, and other requirements vary by airline and are stated in each recruitment notification

No government-set minimum marks or single national age limit applies; requirements differ between Indian and international airlines. Always read the eligibility conditions in the airline's official job advertisement.

• Minimum Class 12 pass (bachelor's degree preferred by many airlines)
• English proficiency; additional languages an advantage
• Medical and physical fitness as per the airline's official criteria
• Age requirements as stated in the airline's recruitment notification

Training and DGCA attestation

Cabin crew must complete DGCA-approved initial training covering aircraft emergency procedures, safety equipment, first aid, and service protocols. Airlines conduct this training in-house after selection; some candidates also complete pre-joining courses at DGCA-approved aviation training organisations.

After successfully completing initial training, crew are issued a Cabin Crew Attestation by the DGCA, which is required to work on a commercial aircraft. The attestation must be kept current. Training standards and DGCA requirements are published on the official DGCA site at dgca.gov.in.

The airline recruitment process

Airlines typically recruit through their own official career portals or authorised recruitment drives. The selection process generally includes a written or online aptitude screening, a group discussion or interview round, physical assessment, and a final personal interview. Document verification and a medical examination are conducted before a final offer.

Third-party agencies charging fees for guaranteed placement are not authorised by airlines; apply only through the airline's official channels or verified authorised processes. No cabin crew selection process guarantees employment, and requirements vary between airlines and aircraft types.