How to Apply for the DGCA Exam in India?

• By yadavcapt@gmail.com
• 11 July 2025
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Becoming a pilot is one of the most exciting and ambitious career goals; many students in India dream of flying airplanes and building an aviation career. However, the road to becoming a professional pilot is not only about dreams—it also requires dedication, training, and clearing official exams conducted by the aviation authority in India.

To fly legally and safely in Indian airspace, a person must obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). These licenses are issued only after passing the DGCA exam, which is organized and regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This blog will guide you step by step on how to apply for the DGCA exam in India, what requirements you need to fulfill, the subjects you must study, how to prepare, and what to expect after the Exam. Understanding this process is the first step toward a successful aviation career.

What Is DGCA and Why Does It Matter

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the Indian government authority responsible for regulating civil aviation. It sets all the rules and standards for airlines, pilots, flying schools, aircraft, and air safety.

For aspiring pilots, DGCA plays a critical role because it:

1. Approves flight training organizations (FTOs) across India
2. Sets the medical and educational criteria for pilots
3. Conducts exams for different pilot licenses, such as CPL and ATPL
4. Issues pilot licenses after training and exams are complete
5. Ensures that all pilots meet international safety standards

Without passing the DGCA exam, no one can get a valid pilot license in India. That’s why every pilot must understand and follow DGCA’s guidelines strictly.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the DGCA Exam

Choose a DGCA-Approved Flying School

The first step to becoming a pilot is joining a DGCA-approved flying school. These schools offer the required ground and flight training as per DGCA standards. Only after completing training at an approved school can you sit for the DGCA exams.

To find a suitable school:

1. Visit the DGCA official website
2. Look for the list of approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs)
3. Compare schools based on location, fees, aircraft availability, and facilities
4. Check reviews and success rates of past students
5. Or explore schools like Top Crew Aviation for guidance

Your flying school will train you in two main parts:

1. Ground school (theory subjects and exam preparation)
2. Flight training (real flying with instructors and simulators)

Complete Ground and Flight Training

Before applying for the DGCA exam, it’s essential to complete both ground school training and flight training from a DGCA-approved flying school. Ground school focuses on teaching aviation theory and rules, including subjects like meteorology, navigation, technical systems, human performance, and flight planning. This theoretical foundation prepares you for the written DGCA exams.

Alongside theory, you must also complete practical flight training, which includes actual flying with an instructor, solo flights, simulator sessions for handling emergencies, night flying, and cross-country navigation. These activities are crucial for gaining real-world flying experience and building the required flying hours. To be eligible for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you must complete a minimum of 200 hours of total flight time.

Ground School Training covers:

1. Aviation theory and rules
2. Meteorology (weather science)
3. Navigation (using charts and instruments)
4. Aircraft technical systems
5. Human body performance in flight
6. Flight performance and planning

Flight Training includes:

1. Dual flying with instructors
2. Solo flying practice
3. Simulator-based emergency handling
4. Night flying and cross-country flying

Register on the eGCA Portal and Apply for the Exam

Once you’ve completed both your training and medical exams, the next important step is to register on the eGCA portal, which is the official online system managed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India. This portal is used for all pilot licensing services, including exam applications. To apply for the DGCA exam, you must create an account on eGCA, upload the required documents, select your exam subjects and center, and make the fee payment online. After successful submission, you will receive an admit card, which you must carry on exam day.

Here are the steps to register and apply for the DGCA exam on the eGCA portal:

1. Go to the official eGCA portal.
2. Create your student pilot account.
3. Fill in your personal and contact information.
4. Upload the following documents:
   • a. Recent passport-size photograph
   • b. 10th and 12th mark sheets (for verification of educational qualifications)
   • c. A valid Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate
   • d. Training completion certificate from your DGCA-approved flying school
5. Choose the exam subjects you want to appear for
6. Select your preferred exam center and exam date
7. Pay the examination fee online using net banking or UPI
8. After submitting the form, download your admit card and keep it safe for exam day.

Important DGCA Medical Requirements

Medical examinations are a crucial part of the pilot selection and licensing process. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requires all student pilots and CPL applicants to pass medical tests to ensure they are fit to operate an aircraft. These tests are not done just once—they need to be renewed regularly based on your license level. There are two main categories of medical examinations: Class 2, which is required before you begin your flying training, and Class 1, which is compulsory before applying for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL). These medicals are conducted only by DGCA-approved doctors or centers and assess both physical and mental health conditions.

Here are the key points to understand about DGCA medical requirements:

Class 2 Medical:

1. Must be done before joining any flying school
2. Required for student pilots at the initial stage
3. Includes basic checks: vision, hearing, height, weight, and general physical health
4. Conducted by DGCA-authorized doctors
5. Usually valid for 2 years

Class 1 Medical:

1. Required before applying for CPL or appearing for the DGCA skill test
2. Involves detailed medical examinations like ECG, chest X-ray, blood tests, and mental health evaluation
3. Conducted only at DGCA-approved medical centers/hospitals
4. Usually valid for 1 year

Key Health Areas Checked in Both Medicals:

1. Eyesight and color vision
2. Hearing ability
3. Blood pressure and heart function
4. Lung function and respiratory health
5. Mental and emotional fitness
6. General body condition

Tip: If you fail any part of the medical test, contact a DGCA-approved specialist to find out how to correct the issue and reapply.

Complete DGCA Exam Syllabus Overview

To become a licensed pilot in India, you must pass the DGCA exams conducted for various subjects related to aviation theory. These exams are computer-based and consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The syllabus is designed to test your knowledge in essential areas such as navigation, meteorology, technical systems, regulations, and more. For Commercial Pilot License (CPL) candidates, the syllabus includes core subjects that form the foundation of flying knowledge. For those applying for the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), there are additional advanced topics. A strong understanding of the entire syllabus is critical to clear the exams with confidence.

Here is a breakdown of the DGCA syllabus for CPL and ATPL candidates:

CPL Subjects (Commercial Pilot License):

1. Air Navigation: Charts, headings, compass use, navigation equipment
2. Meteorology: Weather systems, pressure zones, cloud types, storms
3. Air Regulations: Aviation laws, pilot responsibilities, international rules
4. Technical General: Aircraft engines, systems, fuel management, hydraulics
5. Technical Specific: Knowledge of specific aircraft models used in training
6. Human Performance & Limitations: Effects of altitude, stress, fatigue
7. Radio Telephony: Communication protocols with ATC using aviation phraseology
8. Flight Planning & Performance: Fuel calculation, alternate routes, aircraft performance

Additional ATPL Subjects (Airline Transport Pilot License):

1. Advanced Air Navigation
2. Operational Procedures
3. Flight Safety and Emergency Handling

Tip: Even though the exams are not designed to trick you, they do require deep conceptual understanding and consistent preparation. Referring to DGCA-approved books and mock tests is highly recommended.

Tips to Prepare for DGCA Exams Effectively

Preparing for the DGCA exams takes time, focus, and the right approach. Most students need around four to six months to get fully prepared, depending on how much time they can give each day. It’s important to follow a proper study schedule, where you divide your time across all subjects and revise regularly. Tougher topics like Navigation and Meteorology should be given extra attention. Using DGCA-approved books, reliable notes, and video lectures can make a big difference in understanding concepts instead of just memorizing facts.

Practicing previous year question papers is another helpful method to become familiar with the exam pattern and improve your speed. Along with that, mock tests help you identify weak areas and build confidence before the actual Exam. If you feel self-study is not enough, joining a coaching institute like Top Crew Aviation can give you expert support, structured guidance, and help in challenging subjects. Lastly, never ignore your health. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking care of your mental well-being will help you concentrate better and stay consistent in your preparation.

Conclusion

Applying for the DGCA exam is one of the most important steps in your journey to becoming a commercial pilot in India. While the process might seem complicated at first, it becomes much easier when you have the correct information, proper guidance, and a clear plan. It begins with choosing a reliable DGCA-approved flying school, followed by completing your medical examinations and ground school training. Studying all subjects thoroughly using the right study materials and preparing through mock tests can significantly increase your chances of passing the exams. Once you’re ready, registering on the eGCA portal and applying for the Exam is a straightforward process. Staying disciplined, focused, and healthy throughout your training is just as important as academic preparation. If you are passionate about flying and ready to work hard, then clearing the DGCA exam will open the door to a rewarding and successful aviation career. With expert support from institutions like Top Crew Aviation you can confidently take your first step toward becoming a licensed pilot.