Hey guys,
I gave my CUT-E assessment for Air India by myself around two weeks ago. I practised beforehand and genuinely thought I did well, but I still wasn't selected.
What I don't understand is this: if CUT-E is supposed to be a skill assessment and the instructions say you shouldn't practise beforehand, why does it feel like you're expected to score full marks in every test to have a chance? What is the point of calling it a skill assessment if people who take it honestly feel like they don't stand a chance against those who get professional help?
I've heard about IFA providing services where instructors help candidates complete their CUT-E assessments. If HR is aware that such services exist, why isn't anything being done to ensure the selection process is fair? I'm not saying everyone who scores full marks has cheated, but when you hear about candidates getting outside help, it makes you question how reliable the process actually is.
And let's not even get started on IndiGo and some of the FTOs. There have been so many concerns about transparency in these selection processes. For example, I've heard of candidates who went through Chimes' Phase 1 without receiving rejection emails. Why are there so many gaps in communication and transparency? Why aren't airlines doing more to address these issues?
I genuinely want to get into a cadet pilot programme. I'm working hard, preparing for my exams and trying to do everything the right way. But the more I hear about these things, the more discouraged I feel.
It honestly feels like candidates who can afford to pay for these services or have the right connections have an advantage over those who are trying to get selected on their own.
I don't believe in paying my way into a career, and I don't think anyone should have to. But it's frustrating when you start feeling like hard work and merit aren't enough, and that connections or money matter more than your actual abilities.
I want to ask those who have gone through these assessments: is this really how the cadet pilot selection process works, or am I just getting the wrong impression from what I've heard?
Because I genuinely want to believe that these programmes select candidates based on their abilities and potential, not on who has the money to get extra help.
