This page explains the DGCA exam for pilots: Who must appear for it, how registration works, which subjects it covers, and how sessions are announced. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sets and conducts these examinations. As of August 2026, confirm requirements on the DGCA Pariksha portal.
What is the DGCA exam for pilots?
The DGCA exam for pilots is the Flight Crew Licence examination conducted by the Central Examination Organization of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Passing the prescribed papers is one stage of licensing, alongside medical fitness, flight training and the skill test. See how to become a commercial pilot in India.
Who needs to appear for the DGCA exam?
Any candidate seeking a Commercial Pilot Licence, or another flight crew licence in India through the DGCA route, appears for the papers prescribed for that licence. This includes candidates for a Commercial Pilot Licence programme, and those pursuing a Flight Instructor Rating (FIR) or Foreign Licence Conversion.
What does DGCA prescribe for the flight crew examinations?
The Central Examination Organization states it conducts these examinations for issue of Flight Crew licences in accordance with Rule 38 and Schedule II of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and to the standards in CAR Section 7. Examinations are generally conducted online at designated centres.
The same source states the schedule and centres are published on the Pariksha portal and the DGCA website.
Who is eligible to register for the DGCA exam?
Applicants other than PPL candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board or university, or an equivalent qualification. The DGCA Pariksha portal states the minimum registration age is 16 years, with no maximum age limit.
International or non-standard board qualifications require an Association of Indian Universities equivalency certificate.
What documents do you need to register with DGCA Pariksha?
Registration allots a Computer Number, the unique identification number that identifies a candidate through the DGCA online examination process. A candidate may hold only one, and DGCA Pariksha states its validity is lifetime. Prepare all of these documents before you apply.
- Board Verification Certificates, mandatory for new candidates
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets with pass certificates
- Association of Indian Universities equivalency certificate, if applicable
- Photograph and signature to portal specification
- Passport, mandatory for foreign nationals
How do you apply and appear for the DGCA exam?
Never guess when an examination is coming. Every session, whether a quarterly regular session or a monthly on-demand session, is formally announced by official public notice. Track those on the DGCA Pariksha Flight Crew notice board rather than any other source.
- Register as a Flight Crew candidate and obtain your Computer Number.
- Monitor the Flight Crew notice board for session notices and the calendar.
- Apply within the portal window stated in that notice.
- Choose your slot, allotted first come, first served.
- Attend the examination online at the designated centre.
- Apply separately for RTR(A) preparation through the DGCA
When are DGCA exams held?
DGCA's Programme of Examinations 2026 lists four regular sessions, held in March, June, September and December, and eight Online On-Demand Examination sessions in the months between them. FIR and AFIR sessions run roughly monthly. All dates are published as tentative.
On-demand sessions are the faster route to clearing a paper, with one catch. Seat capacity at designated centres is limited and slots go first come, first served, so book the moment the window opens.
Which subjects does the DGCA exam for pilots cover?
DGCA publishes the subject areas and study material references through the Pariksha portal. The papers cover air navigation, aviation meteorology, air regulations and technical subjects, with the combination depending on the licence applied for. DGCA advises candidates to follow the syllabus prescribed in the applicable CAR.
Papers and syllabus may undergo revision. Confirm the current list before buying study material.
How does ARCA Aviation prepare students for the DGCA exam?
ARCA Aviation is a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisation at Begumpet Airport (VOHY), Hyderabad, with digitally enabled smart classrooms. The division of responsibility is clear. Arca Global Aviation manages day-to-day ground and flight training for flight crew cadets, through its DGCA ground classes at ARCA.
DGCA directs the academic standard by framing the core syllabus, conducting the examinations and declaring the results.
| DGCA | ARCA Aviation | |
|---|---|---|
| Sets the syllabus and papers | Yes, through the Central Examination Organization | No |
| Conducts and marks the examination | Yes, online at designated centres | No |
| Announces sessions and results | Yes, on Pariksha | No |
| Delivers preparation teaching | No | Yes, in its ground classes |
Local detail sits DGCA ground classes in Hyderabad.
How long does it take to prepare for DGCA exams?
There is no fixed timeline, and no flying training or coaching organisation can honestly guarantee one. Every candidate arrives with a different academic background and trains in different circumstances, so the time needed to become exam-ready varies widely. Five factors decide your own timeline.
- Academic background. A strong science background makes Air Navigation and Technical concepts quicker to absorb. Without it, allow extra time on the foundational mathematics and physics.
- Ground school alongside flying. Studying while clocking flying hours stretches preparation compared with working through the theory first.
- Session strategy. Attempting all papers in one session demands more preparation than taking one or two per session.
- Wait between sessions. Regular sessions run quarterly and on-demand sessions monthly, so a missed or re-attempted paper moves you to the next window.
- Individual learning pace. Candidates absorb weather charts and flight computer work at different speeds. Track your own progress, not someone else's.
What does the DGCA exam cost?
DGCA charges a fee per paper for the Flight Crew Licence online examination, and DGCA Pariksha states the fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstances. Check the current amount on the portal when you apply. Ground training tuition is separate, charged by the training organisation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing registration with application. A Computer Number does not enrol you in a session.
- Confusing Pariksha with eGCA. One handles examinations, the other licensing.
- Missing the portal window. Windows are short and stated in the notice.
- Treating coaching-website calendars as authoritative. Only the portal and dgca.gov.in carry the schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Who conducts the DGCA exam for pilots?
The Central Examination Organization of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation conducts the Flight Crew Licence examinations, in accordance with Rule 38 and Schedule II of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 and the standards in CAR Section 7. They are generally conducted online at designated centres.
What is the DGCA Computer Number?
The Computer Number is a unique identification number allotted by DGCA that identifies a candidate through the online examination process. A candidate may hold only one, and DGCA Pariksha states its validity is lifetime. It is obtained by registering as a Flight Crew candidate.
What qualification do you need to register for the DGCA exam?
Applicants other than PPL candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board, or an equivalent qualification. International or non-standard board qualifications require an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities, per DGCA Pariksha.
Is there an age limit for the DGCA exam?
DGCA Pariksha states the minimum age to register as a Flight Crew candidate is 16 years, with no maximum age limit. Registration age is separate from the licensing age DGCA prescribes in the Aircraft Rules, which you should confirm for your licence.
Is there a composite paper for defence applicants?
DGCA's Central Examination Organization has notified a composite paper option under CAR Section 7, Series G, Part IV. Defence applicants are advised to select CPLCG for the Commercial Pilot Licence (Military Conversion) Composite Paper, or ATPCG for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (Military Conversion) Composite Paper, while applying on Pariksha.
How often is the DGCA exam held?
DGCA publishes examination sessions and calendars on the Pariksha portal and the DGCA website, including Online On-Demand Examination sessions announced by public notice. Frequency and windows vary by session and candidate category, so check the Flight Crew notice board rather than assuming a fixed pattern.
Is RTR(A) the same as FRTOL?
RTR(A) and FRTOL are related to aeronautical radio-telephony privileges but should not be treated as interchangeable terms without reference to the applicable DGCA licensing requirement.
Following the Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence Rules, 2025 and the DGCA CAR Section 7, Series G, Part VI, effective 1 December 2025, the Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence examination is conducted by DGCA through the DGCA Pariksha system. The examination was transferred from the WPC Wing of the Department of Telecommunications to DGCA from the December 2025 examination session onwards.
Accordingly, students should follow the latest DGCA requirements applicable to their licence and examination, rather than relying on older information referring to the WPC-conducted RTR(A) examination.
For current CPL applicants, ARCA Global Aviation will guide students regarding the applicable RTR examination and Flight Radio Telephone Operator's Licence requirements in accordance with the latest DGCA rules, CARs and procedures.
Official regulatory sources
- DGCA Pariksha. Registration, Computer Number, applications, results.
- Flight Crew notice board. Session notices, calendars, portal windows.
- eGCA. eGCA ID registration and licensing services.
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Aircraft Rules, 1937, CARs, FCL circulars.
Next regulatory review: On any relevant DGCA regulatory change, or at least every 3 months.
Technical review: ARCA Aviation Training Department
Regulatory requirements can change. This page is for general guidance. Candidates must verify current requirements with DGCA and with ARCA's admissions team before making financial or training commitments.