DGCA Exam Date 2026: Complete Official Calendar, Apply Dates & Important Deadlines

The dream of becoming a commercial pilot in India starts long before you pull back on the yoke of a Boeing or Airbus. It begins at a computer desk, facing the DGCA Ground Exams. For 2026, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has released a robust examination calendar to match the massive hiring surge in the Indian aviation industry.

If you are an aspiring pilot, missing an exam registration date isn’t just a minor mistake—it can delay your flying career by months. In this guide, we break down the official 2026 schedule, the application process, and the deadlines you absolutely cannot miss to ensure you stay on the fast track to the cockpit.

Official DGCA Exam Calendar 2026: Mark Your Dates

The DGCA conducts Pilot Knowledge Exams (PKE) in several formats: Regular Exams (held quarterly), On-Demand Examinations (OLODE), and special sessions for ratings like FIR/AFIR. For 2026, these sessions remain the most critical for CPL, PPL, and ATPL aspirants.

2026 Exam Schedule

According to the official 2026 program, there are four major exam windows. To clear these, many students enroll in specialised DGCA ground classes at a reputable aviation training academy to ensure they are prepared for the high 70% passing threshold.

On-Demand & Oral Exams (OLODE)

In addition to the main sessions, the DGCA holds On-Demand (OLODE) sessions almost every month (e.g., April 22–24 and May 20–22, 2026). These are excellent for students who need to clear a single remaining paper quickly before starting their Airbus A320 type rating course.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for DGCA Exams

The days of physical paperwork are long gone. In 2026, all interactions with the regulator happen via the eGCA and Pariksha portals. Here is the practical roadmap to getting your admit card.

Step 1: Obtain Your Computer Number

Before you can sit for an exam, you must have a “Computer Number.” This is your permanent digital identity.

• The Process: Register as an “Aspirant” on the eGCA portal using your 10th and 12th mark sheets.
• Verification: While auto-generation is now available for certain boards (such as Maharashtra), it typically still takes 30–45 days for others. Apply for this immediately.

Step 2: Profile Update & Medicals

Ensure your profile is updated on the Pariksha portal. As of February 2, 2026, the DGCA introduced an “Auto-Profile Update” for those moving from CPL to ATPL. Also, verify that your Class 2 or Class 1 Medical is valid, as a lapsed medical can block your exam application.

Step 3: Filling the Exam Form

When the registration window opens (usually 3–4 weeks before the exam):

• Log in to the Pariksha DGCA portal.
• Select the desired session (e.g., June 2026).
• Choose your subjects (Navigation, Meteorology, etc.) and your preferred city.

Conversion Considerations: Exams for Foreign Pilots

If you have completed your flight training abroad, such as in the USA or South Africa, you must “convert” your license to an Indian CPL. This requires passing specific DGCA conversion exams during the sessions listed above.

The Required Conversion Papers

Foreign-trained pilots usually do not need to take all five papers. Instead, they focus on:

1. Air Regulations: To learn the specific laws of Indian airspace.
2. Composite Paper: A specialised exam combining Navigation and Meteorology.

Why Speed Matters

Airlines are currently on a hiring spree. Clearing your conversion exams quickly allows you to move directly into an Airbus A320 online training, which is the final step before joining a major airline like IndiGo or Air India. Missing the March or June 2026 sessions could mean you miss a major hiring window and face extra costs for “recency” flying in India.

Read More: The 2026 Indian Aviation Boom: Why Now is the Best Time to Finish Your Pilot Training

Conclusion & Next Steps

2026 is a massive year for Indian aviation. With record aircraft deliveries and the opening of new airports underway, the demand for licensed pilots is unprecedented. Missing a DGCA exam date is more than just a scheduling error—it’s a delay in your professional career.

Your Immediate “Pre-Flight” Checklist:

1. Check eGCA Status: Log in today to ensure your Computer Number and Medicals are “Active.”
2. Mark the June Session: If you aren’t ready for March, set June 16–20 as your non-negotiable target.
3. Enroll in Ground School: Don’t gamble with self-study; join DGCA ground classes at a trusted aviation training academy to master the new scenario-based questions.
4. Plan Your Rating: If you are nearing 200 hours, start researching your Airbus A320 type rating course options to be job-ready the moment your license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the last date to apply for the March 2026 Exam?

A: Registration usually closes 2–3 weeks before the exam. For the March 10 session, the portal typically closes by late February. Check the Pariksha Notice Board for the exact cut-off.

Q: Can I apply for the exams if I am still in 12th grade?

A: You can apply for a Computer Number, but you must have your final 12th mark sheet (Physics and Maths) to be eligible to sit for CPL exams.

Q: What are the passing marks for DGCA exams in 2026?

A: The passing criteria is 70%. The 2026 pattern is heavily scenario-based, focusing on real-world decision making.