SCHOOL FOR AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING

The School for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (SAME), established by InterGlobe Education Services, continues to be a premier destination for aviation enthusiasts in 2026. Located in the industrial hub of Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, it offers world-class training under the approval of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

• Establishment: Part of the InterGlobe Group (IndiGo promoters).
• Location: Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
• Approval: DGCA approved under CAR-147 (Basic) for B1.1 and B2 categories.
• Training Partner: Close ties with IndiGo for practical experience.
• Campus: State-of-the-art hangar and specialized workshops.
• Industry Connectivity: Situated near the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar), providing massive future employment potential.

The institution specializes exclusively in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME), focusing on high-demand technical streams. The 2026 curriculum is updated to meet the latest EASA and DGCA standards.

• AME Category B1.1 (Aeroplane Turbine): Focuses on jet engine aircraft, mechanical systems, and airframes. This is the most popular choice for students aiming for commercial airline roles.
• AME Category B2 (Avionics): Covers aircraft electrical systems, instrumentation, navigation, and communication systems.
• Short-term Certification Courses: Specialized modules for working professionals and engineering graduates looking to pivot into aviation technical management.

Admission for the 2026 academic session is based on merit and performance in the entrance examination. Applicants must meet specific medical and academic criteria set by the DGCA.

• Eligibility: Minimum 50% aggregate in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
• Entrance Exam: Students must qualify for the SAME Scholarship cum Admission Test (SSAT) 2026.
• Medical Fitness: A certificate from a registered medical practitioner is mandatory, confirming no color blindness and general physical fitness.
• Important Dates: Application window opens in January 2026; SSAT Phase I in April 2026; Counseling begins in June 2026.

Students at SAME often highlight the practical nature of the course and the professional environment. Reviews from the 2025-2026 batch emphasize the following:

• Practical Exposure: "The hands-on training in the on-campus hangar is exceptional. We get to work on actual aircraft components which is vital for our license exams."
• Location Advantage: "Being in Greater Noida puts us near the heart of North India's aviation growth. The proximity to Delhi-NCR's corporate offices is a plus."
• Faculty Support: "Instructors are former Air Force or senior airline engineers who bring real-world problem-solving scenarios into the classroom."
• Infrastructure: Some students mention that while the campus is focused and compact, the lab equipment is the best in the region.

Cutoffs for SAME are determined by the volume of applications and performance in the SSAT. For 2026, the expected trends are:

Note: Meeting the cutoff is the first step; final admission depends on the interview and medical clearance.

While AME institutes are not typically ranked by standard NIRF tables, SAME holds a prestigious position within the aviation industry.

• Industry Reputation: Ranked as the #1 Private AME Institute in North India by various aviation industry surveys in 2025.
• Placement Excellence: Recognized for having the highest conversion rate from trainee to Licensed Engineer within the InterGlobe ecosystem.
• DGCA Compliance: Consistently rated 'Grade A' during regulatory audits for infrastructure and training quality.

Placements for the 2025 batch saw a significant surge due to the expansion of domestic carriers and the operationalization of new regional airports.

• Top Recruiters: IndiGo (Primary recruiter), Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and GMR Aero Technic.
• Average Starting Stipend: ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month during the apprenticeship phase.
• Post-License Salary: Once the DGCA modules and experience requirements are met, salaries can range from ₹8 LPA to ₹15 LPA.
• Placement Rate: Approximately 90% of eligible students secured apprenticeships or junior technician roles in 2025.

To promote excellence and diversity in aviation, SAME offers several scholarship schemes for the 2026 session:

• Merit-Based Scholarship: Up to 50% tuition fee waiver for students scoring above 90% in 10+2 PCM.
• SSAT Topper Scholarship: Special grants for the top 10 performers in the pan-India entrance test.
• Girl Student Scholarship: A dedicated 10% fee concession to encourage more women to enter the aircraft maintenance field.
• Wards of Aviation Employees: Concessions for children of employees working in the aviation sector.

The core offerings at SAME are designed to align with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR-66) of India.

• B1.1 Aeroplane Turbine: This course prepares students to maintain heavy aircraft powered by jet engines. It includes study of airframes, powerplants, and mechanical systems.
• B2 Avionics: This course focuses on the electronic 'brain' of the aircraft, including radar, autopilot, and digital cockpit displays.
• Bridge Courses: For B1.1 holders to gain B2 qualifications and vice-versa, enhancing employability.

The fee structure for 2026 reflects the high cost of aviation equipment and specialized instruction. Fees are typically paid in semester installments.

Fees include tuition, lab charges, and uniform, but exclude hostel and DGCA examination fees.

When comparing SAME with other AME institutes in India like IIA Group or JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, several factors stand out:

• Industry Linkage: SAME has a direct lineage to the InterGlobe Group, giving it an edge in practical training and placements at IndiGo compared to standalone institutes.
• Location: Greater Noida is a superior hub compared to smaller cities, offering better access to the Delhi IGI Airport ecosystem.
• Infrastructure: SAME's facilities are often cited as more modern, with a dedicated hangar that mimics actual airline working conditions better than many older government-aided institutes.

The application process for 2026 is conducted primarily online to facilitate students from across India.

1. Visit the official SAME website and register for the SSAT 2026.
2. Fill out the application form with academic details and upload the required documents (10th/12th marksheets, ID proof).
3. Pay the application fee of ₹1,000 via the online payment gateway.
4. Download the admit card for the entrance exam.
5. Post-result, attend the counseling session at the Greater Noida campus for document verification and medical check-up.

The campus is designed to look and feel like an aviation maintenance facility rather than a traditional college.

• Hangar: A large, well-equipped hangar housing actual aircraft and engines for student practice.
• Specialized Labs: Includes Battery Shop, NDT Lab, Composites Lab, and Electrical Shops.
• Digital Library: Access to international aviation journals, maintenance manuals (AMM), and regulatory documents.
• Smart Classrooms: Equipped with audio-visual aids to explain complex aerodynamic and mechanical theories.
• Hostel: Tie-ups with nearby residential facilities in Knowledge Park for safe student housing.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Mechanical Systems: Responsible for B1.1 training, focusing on airframes and engines.
• Department of Avionics & Electronics: Manages B2 training, covering radio, navigation, and instrument systems.
• Department of Quality & Regulatory Affairs: Ensures all training meets DGCA standards and manages examination cells.
• Department of Practical Training: Oversees hangar activities and industry internships.

Students pursuing AME at SAME in 2026 may also benefit from these supplementary online certifications:

• Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS): Available through IATA or Coursera.
• Drone Pilot Certification: With the rise of UAVs, this is a valuable add-on skill.
• Project Management (PMP): Useful for those aiming for Maintenance Planning roles.
• Technical Writing for Aviation: Essential for documenting maintenance logs and reports.

The faculty at SAME comprises industry veterans with decades of experience in the Indian Air Force and major commercial airlines.

• Chief Instructor: Usually a senior licensed AME with over 20 years of experience.
• Technical Instructors: DGCA-approved instructors who hold current or former licenses in specific aircraft types like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.
• Guest Lecturers: Senior engineers from IndiGo and other airlines visit frequently to provide insights into current industry practices.

While AME is primarily a hands-on field, SAME offers hybrid modules for certain theoretical components:

• CAR-66 Regulatory Module Prep: Online coaching for students preparing for DGCA license exams.
• Aviation English: A specialized course to help students meet the ICAO language proficiency requirements.
• Basic Aerodynamics: Introductory online modules for prospective students.

Graduates of SAME are currently working in various capacities across the global aviation landscape.

• Licensed Engineers: Many alumni now hold full AME licenses at IndiGo, maintaining the A320 Neo fleet.
• Maintenance Managers: Former students who have transitioned into planning and management roles in MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) like Air Works.
• International Placements: Several alumni have moved to the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways) after gaining experience in India.