How to Clear DGCA Exams in First Attempt

• By yadavcapt@gmail.com
• 16 July 2025
• No Comments

Becoming a commercial pilot is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers. You get to fly high in the sky, visit different places, and earn a good salary. But before you wear that pilot uniform, there’s an important exam you must pass — the DGCA exam.

This exam is conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India. It is a written exam that checks how much you know about flying, weather, aircraft systems, air rules, and more. Many students worry about passing this exam. But the truth is — if you prepare well, you can clear the DGCA exam on your first attempt.

This blog will explain how you can prepare smartly, what topics to focus on, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to build a strong study routine. If you follow the steps carefully, you’ll be ready to pass the DGCA exam with confidence.

What Is the DGCA Exam?

The DGCA exam is a series of online tests that a student pilot must pass to get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) in India.

These exams are not based on flying skills. Instead, they focus on aviation theory. They check your understanding of:

• Navigation
• Meteorology (weather)
• Aircraft technical systems
• Aviation rules and laws
• Communication with ATC

DGCA exams are conducted online through the Pariksha portal, and each subject has multiple-choice questions (MCQs). You need to score at least 70% in each subject to pass. These exams are held several times a year, and you can choose which subjects you want to attempt in each session.

DGCA Exam Subjects – What You’ll Study

Before you start preparing, it’s important to understand the syllabus. The DGCA exam includes six main subjects:

1. Air Navigation: This subject teaches you how to plan your flight path. You learn how to read maps, calculate distances and directions, understand time zones, and use navigation instruments. Navigation helps pilots stay on track during flights.
2. Aviation Meteorology:The weather is a big factor in flying. In this subject, you learn about wind patterns, clouds, storms, rain, fog, air pressure, and how different weather conditions affect the aircraft. Understanding the weather helps pilots fly safely.
3. Air Regulations: Air regulations are the rules pilots must follow while flying. This subject includes Indian and international aviation laws, airspace rules, safety procedures, and air traffic control systems.
4. Technical General: In this subject, you study the technical parts of the aircraft. You learn how engines work, what different instruments do, how the fuel and hydraulic systems function, and how the airplane reacts to other conditions.
5. Technical Specific: This subject is about the specific aircraft you are flying for your training. It includes the layout, engine type, performance details, and checklists related to that aircraft.
6. Radio Telephony (RTR):Communication is very important in aviation. This subject teaches you how to talk to Air Traffic Control (ATC) using aviation language, radio phrases, emergency calls, and correct pronunciation.

All these subjects are theoretical but very important for becoming a professional and safe pilot.

DGCA Exam Pattern – How the Test is Conducted

Understanding how the exam is conducted will help you prepare better. Here are the key details:

Exam Feature	Details
Mode of Exam	Online (Pariksha DGCA Portal)
Question Type	MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
Language	English
Passing Marks	70% in each subject
Exam Duration	1.5 to 2 hours per subject

You can appear for one or more subjects in each session. Once you pass all required subjects, you can continue your flying training and apply for the CPL.

DGCA Exam Eligibility – Who Can Apply?

Before applying for the exam, make sure you meet the DGCA eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification:

• You must have passed 12th grade (10+2) from a recognized board.
• Subjects must include Physics and Mathematics.
• If you don’t have these subjects, you can complete them through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling).

Age Limit:

• Minimum age to apply: 17 years
• Minimum age to get CPL: 18 years
• There is no upper age limit, but airlines usually prefer younger candidates.

Medical Fitness:

• You need a Class 2 Medical Certificate to start flight training and give the DGCA exams.
• Before applying for CPL, you must upgrade to a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• Tests include vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. These are done by DGCA-approved doctors.

Passport:

• A valid passport is required for DGCA registration. It is used as ID proof and may also be needed for international training or license conversion.

How to Apply for DGCA Exam – Step-by-Step Process

Applying for the DGCA exam is simple and can be done online. Here’s how:

1. Register on the Pariksha DGCA Portal
   • Visit https://pariksha.dgca.gov.in
   • Create your student profile with name, email, mobile number, passport details, etc.
2. Upload Documents
   • 10+2 mark sheet
   • Passport
   • Medical Certificate (Class 2)
   • Passport-sized photo
3. Choose Exam Subjects
   • Select the subjects you want to appear for in the current session.
4. Pay Exam Fees
   • Pay using online methods (debit card, UPI, etc.). Each subject has a separate fee.
5. Download Admit Card
   • Once approved, download your admit card before the exam date.
6. Appear for the Exam
   • Go to your selected exam center on time with the required documents.

How to Prepare for DGCA Exam – Easy and Effective Tips

Now that you know the subjects and exam process, let’s talk about how to prepare effectively.

1. Use the Right Study Material

Choosing the correct books and resources is very important. Use study material that matches the DGCA syllabus. Some good options are:

• Oxford Aviation Series
• Air Navigation by A.C. Kermode
• Jeppesen Meteorology
• Technical manuals by aircraft manufacturers
• DGCA-approved question banks and solved papers.

You can also watch videos on YouTube that explain topics in an easy way. These videos help you understand complex subjects like navigation or aircraft systems.

2. Make a Daily Study Plan

A study routine helps you stay consistent. Here’s how to plan:

• Study for 3–4 hours every day
• Start with difficult topics in the morning
• Break your syllabus into small topics
• Revise weekly to keep things fresh
• Use calendars or planners to track your progress

Avoid last-minute cramming. Studying regularly is more effective.

3. Understand, Don’t Memorize

Many students try to memorize everything. That doesn’t work well in the long run. You should:

• Focus on understanding concepts
• Ask questions like “Why does this happen?” or “How does this work?”
• Use diagrams and real-life examples
• Solve practice questions based on understanding

This method helps you solve tricky questions easily in the exam.

4. Practice with Mock Tests

Mock exams are very helpful. They help you:

• Get used to the actual exam format
• Practice managing time
• Find your weak areas and fix them
• Gain confidence before the real exam

You can take mock tests online or join a ground school that offers regular practice exams.

5. Revise Smartly

Good revision is key to passing. Try:

• Making short notes for every subject
• Using flashcards for definitions and formulas
• Studying with friends and teaching each other
• Creating weekly revision schedules

Revising again and again helps you remember better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes while preparing for DGCA exams:

• Starting late: Begin your preparation at least 2–3 months in advance.
• Skipping mock tests: Practice is just as important as theory.
• Not asking questions: If you have doubts, ask your instructor or join a coaching class.
• Studying too much without breaks: Your brain needs rest. Take breaks to stay fresh.
• Overconfidence: Never stop revising, even if you feel ready.

Join DGCA Ground Classes for Expert Help

If you want extra support, join a DGCA ground school like Top Crew Aviation. These schools offer:

• Structured classes that follow the DGCA syllabus
• Expert instructors with real flying experience
• Regular mock tests and progress tracking
• One-on-one help for doubts
• Motivation and career advice

A good institute can make a big difference in your preparation.

Career After DGCA Exam – Jobs and Salary

Once you clear your DGCA exams and complete your flying hours, you can apply for a CPL. Here are the jobs you can get:

Career Option	Salary Range (Monthly)
Commercial Pilot	₹1.5 lakh – ₹5 lakh
Flight Instructor	₹70,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
Drone Pilot	₹40,000 – ₹1 lakh
Government Inspector	₹60,000 – ₹2 lakh

As you gain more flying experience, your salary increases. Pilots flying international routes or bigger aircraft earn even more.

Final Tips to Clear the DGCA Exam in First Attempt

• Start early and stay consistent
• Use trusted books and materials
• Make a simple study schedule and follow it daily
• Understand concepts, don’t just memorize
• Solve mock tests and revise regularly
• Take care of your health and sleep well
• Join a ground school if you need expert help

Conclusion

Clearing the DGCA exam on your first attempt may seem challenging, but it is absolutely possible with the right preparation. Thousands of aspiring pilots in India have successfully passed this important milestone—and so can you. All it takes is a smart study plan, consistent effort, and a positive mindset.

Begin by understanding the complete DGCA syllabus and exam pattern. Choose the right study materials, such as DGCA-approved books, question banks, and video lessons. Build a practical study routine, stick to it daily, and revise regularly. Break complex topics into smaller parts, and take mock tests to measure your progress.

Whether you aim to become a Commercial Pilot, a Flight Instructor, or a Drone Operator, the DGCA exam is your first big step. It is the foundation of your aviation journey, and clearing it opens doors to exciting career opportunities. Stay focused, ask for help when needed, and don’t give up—every step forward brings you closer to your dream.

Remember, every great pilot started with a simple decision: to begin. Let that decision be yours today.

Start preparing now—because the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.