Becoming a pilot is not just about flying skills — it’s also about being healthy enough to handle the physical and mental demands of flying an aircraft. In India, before you can even start your pilot training, you must obtain medical clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
DGCA follows international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to make sure every pilot is fit to fly. This is done through two main types of medical certificates:
In this guide, we’ll break down each certificate, its step-by-step application process, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to pass smoothly.
A DGCA Medical Certificate is an official document confirming that you meet the medical fitness requirements to fly. It ensures you can handle:
Without it, you cannot:
Think of it as your license to train and fly — no matter how good your flying skills are, without this clearance, you cannot take off.
| Feature | Class 2 Medical Certificate | Class 1 Medical Certificate |
| Purpose | First step for aspiring pilots before SPL/PPL | Mandatory for CPL holders and airline pilots |
| When to Get | Before starting flying lessons | After Class 2 or directly if eligible |
| Who Conducts | DGCA-approved Class 2 medical examiners | DGCA-approved centers / IAF medical boards |
| Validity | 2 years (<40 years), 1 year (40+ years) | 1 year (<60 years), 6 months (60+ years) |
| Tests | Basic physical, vision, hearing, ECG, urine/blood tests | urine/blood tests Advanced eye, heart, lung, ENT, psychological evaluations |
Example: Imagine you’re in 12th grade and have decided to become a pilot. Your first step is Class 2 medical to get SPL/PPL. Once you’ve progressed to CPL training, you’ll need Class 1 medical for commercial flying.
Why: DGCA maintains a list of approved doctors across India. Only they can conduct valid Class 2 medicals.
How: Visit DGCA’s official site → Medical section → “List of Class 2 Medical Examiners”.
Why: Many examiners have limited slots, so booking early saves time.
Tip: Ask about required documents, fees, and any pre-test instructions.
Why: This is DGCA’s official online platform for pilot licensing and medical records.
Process: Create an account → Fill in details → Apply for Class 2 medical assessment.
Tests usually include:
Step 6: Approval & Certificate
The examiner uploads your results to eGCA. DGCA reviews them and issues your certificate within 1–3 weeks.
Popular centers:
Step 2: Book Well in Advance
Why: Slots for Class 1 medicals often fill 2–3 months ahead.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Step 4: Medical Examination
Tests are more advanced than Class 2 and include:
Step 5: Review & Certificate
A medical board reviews your results before DGCA uploads the certificate to eGCA.
The cost of obtaining a DGCA medical certificate in India can vary depending on whether you are applying for a Class 1 or Class 2 medical assessment.
It’s important to note that these fees are paid directly to the DGCA-approved medical examiner or hospital. Prices may also change depending on the city and the complexity of the tests. If you are starting commercial pilot training in India, remember to factor in the cost of both initial and renewal medical certificates in your budget.
The validity period of DGCA medical certificates depends on the type:
Renewal Process:
Maintaining an active medical certificate is mandatory for all pilots in India — without it, you cannot legally operate an aircraft.
Passing the DGCA medical exam is essential for your pilot career in India. Here are some proven tips to ensure success:
A well-prepared candidate is far more likely to clear the DGCA medicals on the first attempt.
The DGCA medical certificate is not just a formality — it is the foundation of your pilot career in India. From understanding the costs, knowing the validity and renewal timelines, to following the right preparation tips, every step matters. Whether you are aiming for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), your medical fitness will determine your eligibility to fly.
By staying informed, maintaining good health, and keeping your documents updated, you can ensure a smooth journey through DGCA medical requirements and focus on what truly matters — your aviation training and flying career.
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The DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate is required for commercial pilots in India, ensuring that they meet the highest health standards for operating an aircraft. The Class 2 Medical Certificate is for private pilots and has slightly less stringent health criteria but still ensures basic fitness to fly.
To get the DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate, you need to undergo a medical examination conducted by a DGCA-approved aviation medical examiner. The exam includes tests for vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and mental fitness. Once you pass, the medical certificate will be issued.
The cost for obtaining a DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate in India typically ranges from INR 8,000 to INR 15,000, depending on the medical center and the tests required. Additional fees may apply if extra evaluations are needed.
The salary of a pilot in India varies depending on experience, airline, and type of aircraft. Commercial pilots typically earn between INR 1.5 lakh to INR 3 lakh per month at the beginning of their careers. Experienced pilots flying for major airlines can earn significantly higher salaries, ranging up to INR 5-10 lakh per month or more.
There are no specific limits on the number of attempts for the DGCA exams (CPL or ATPL) as long as the candidate meets the medical and educational requirements. However, candidates must pass the medical exams and ensure their fitness to take the flying tests.
The Class 1 Medical Certificate is valid for 1 year for pilots under 50 years of age and 6 months for pilots over the age of 50. After that, a renewal is required to ensure continued medical fitness for flying.
To book an appointment for the DGCA Class 1 Medical Examination, you need to visit a DGCA-approved medical center and contact them for an appointment. You can find a list of approved centers on the DGCA website or contact them directly for assistance.
For the DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate, the required visual acuity is 6/6 in each eye, with or without correction (glasses or contact lenses). For Class 2 Medical Certificate, visual acuity must be at least 6/9 in each eye, again with or without correction. Color vision must be normal as well.
To pass the DGCA Medical Test, ensure that you are in overall good health. Focus on maintaining:
If your Class 1 Medical Certificate expires, you are not permitted to fly commercially until it is renewed. If your medical certificate expires, you must undergo a fresh medical examination with a DGCA-approved examiner to renew the certificate. It’s important to keep track of your medical certificate’s validity to avoid disruption in your flying duties.