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How to Apply for DGCA Exam in India

Becoming a pilot is not just a profession; it is a dream career for thousands of young Indians. Flying high above the skies, wearing a crisp uniform, and being responsible for passengers or cargo brings both pride and prestige. However, before you can sit inside the cockpit of an aircraft, there is a mandatory step you must clear—the DGCA exam.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory body for civil aviation in India. It ensures that pilots, aircraft, and airlines follow international standards of safety and training. To become a licensed pilot in India, you need to clear multiple DGCA exams.

Many students who want to join pilot training or apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) often ask:

• How do I apply for the DGCA exam?
• What is the DGCA exam eligibility?
• What documents are required for DGCA exam registration?
• What is the DGCA exam fee in India?
• How can I prepare and succeed in my first attempt?

If you are asking the same questions, you are in the right place. In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about applying for the DGCA exam in India, in simple words, with detailed step-by-step instructions.

What is the DGCA Exam?

The DGCA exam is an online computer-based test that checks your knowledge of aviation subjects such as Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, and Technical General.

These exams are compulsory for anyone who wants to obtain a pilot license in India—whether it is a Private Pilot License (PPL), a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).

Why is the DGCA Exam Important?

The exam ensures that you:

• Understand aviation laws and regulations.
• Know weather conditions and how they affect flights.
• Can navigate an aircraft safely using maps, charts, and instruments.
• Know about the technical systems of aircraft.

Without clearing these exams, you cannot move ahead in your journey to becoming a professional pilot.

DGCA Exam Eligibility in India

Before you apply, make sure you meet the DGCA exam eligibility criteria.

1. Educational Qualification
   • You must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board.
   • Students who completed schooling outside India must get their certificates verified by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

2. Age Requirement
   • Minimum age for appearing in CPL exams: 17 years.

3. Medical Fitness
   • A DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate is compulsory before applying.
   • For flying, you will later need a DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate.

4. Nationality
   • Indian citizens and foreign nationals with valid study permits can apply.

Tip: If you are still in school (10th or 12th), you can start preparing early by studying Physics and Maths well. This will help you during DGCA exams.

DGCA Exam Syllabus You Can Apply For

When you apply, you can choose which exams to appear in. The main subjects are:

• Air Regulations – Rules and laws of aviation, air traffic control, and DGCA guidelines.
• Aviation Meteorology – Weather patterns, thunderstorms, clouds, and how they impact flying.
• Air Navigation – Charts, maps, instruments, time zones, and navigation systems.
• Technical General – Aircraft systems, engine types, fuel systems, hydraulics, and instruments.
• Technical Specific – Subject related to the particular aircraft you will fly.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for DGCA Exam in India

Now let’s go through the DGCA exam application process in detail.

Step 1: Register on the Pariksha DGCA Portal

• Visit the official DGCA exam portal: pariksha.dgca.gov.in.
• Click on New Candidate Registration.
• Enter details like full name, date of birth, mobile number, and email.
• Create a unique login ID and password.

Note: Make sure the details exactly match your 10th/12th certificate to avoid rejection.

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

You need to upload scanned copies of:

• Class 10th Marksheet (Proof of Date of Birth).
• Class 12th Marksheet (with Physics & Maths).
• Passport-size photograph.
• Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID).
• DGCA Medical Certificate (Class 2 or Class 1).

Tip: Keep documents scanned in JPEG/PDF format under 500 KB for smooth uploading.

Step 3: Document Verification

Once uploaded, DGCA will verify your documents. This may take 3–7 working days.

• Without verification, you cannot proceed to apply for exams.
• Always start this process early, before exam notification dates.

Step 4: Apply for DGCA Exam Papers

When exam dates are announced:

• Log in to your Pariksha account.
• Click on Apply for Exam.
• Select the subject(s) you want to attempt.
• Choose your exam center from available cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc.).
• Confirm and move to payment.

Step 5: Pay DGCA Exam Fees

The DGCA exam fees in India are as follows:

SubjectApprox. Fees

Air Regulations ₹2,500 – ₹3,000

Aviation Meteorology ₹2,500 – ₹3,000

Air Navigation ₹2,500 – ₹3,000

Technical General ₹2,500 – ₹3,000

Technical Specific ₹2,500 – ₹3,000

Payment is made online via net banking, debit, or credit card.

Step 6: Download Admit Card

Before the exam, you can download your admit card from the Pariksha portal. It will have:

• Exam date and time.
• Exam center details.
• Candidate photo and signature.
• Rules and instructions.

Step 7: Appear for the DGCA Exam

• Reach the exam center at least 1 hour before the reporting time.
• Carry the admit card + government ID proof.
• Follow instructions strictly.

Format: Computer-based test, multiple-choice questions.

Passing Marks: 70% in most subjects.

DGCA Exam Results

• Results are published within 2–3 weeks after exams.
• Log in to your Pariksha account to check results.
• If you pass, marks are added to your DGCA candidate profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying

• Entering the wrong name or date of birth (different from the marksheet).
• Uploading unclear documents.
• Waiting till the last date of registration.
• Forgetting to download the admit card.
• Selecting the wrong exam center.

Tips to Prepare Before Applying

• Start studying the DGCA syllabus at least 6 months in advance.
• Join a DGCA ground school or use online study material.
• Take mock tests to practice.
• Revise important topics multiple times.
• Stay updated with DGCA notifications.

Final Thoughts

Applying for the DGCA exam in India is the first official milestone in your journey to becoming a pilot. The process may seem confusing at first, but once you understand the steps—registration, document upload, verification, application, payment, and appearing for the exam—it becomes simple.

The DGCA exam is not just a formality; it ensures that only well-prepared and knowledgeable candidates become pilots. With proper preparation and early application, you can clear the exams and move forward to Commercial Pilot License training and eventually, a career with leading airlines.

If you dream of flying as a commercial pilot, private pilot, or airline captain, start today by registering and confidently applying for the DGCA exam.

FAQs About DGCA Exam Application

1. How many times is DGCA exam held each year?

Usually 4 times a year (quarterly).

2. Can I apply for DGCA exam before starting flying training?

Yes, you can clear written exams before flying.

3. What is the passing percentage?

Minimum 70% required in most papers.

4. What if I fail a subject?

You can reapply in the next attempt. There is no limit.

5. Is the DGCA exam challenging?

It requires consistent preparation, but with the right study plan, you can clear it.

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