DGCA Exam Eligibility 2025: Know Everything Before Applying

Aspiring aviators share the dream of becoming certified pilots, but are now adjusting to the new guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to the updates on eligibility criteria, the DGCA has recommended eliminating the physics and mathematics requirements for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) applicants.

For DGCA examinations, Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education from recognised boards and institutions. And, students must hold a valid Class II and Class I medical certificate. Before applying for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or any specific DGCA Exam. Whether you’re enrolled in DGCA ground school or nearing the end of your flying hours, this blog will help you explain the revised DGCA exam eligibility, documentation requirements, and what these changes mean for your training journey.

The DGCA Exam: A Complete Guide 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is responsible for directing civil aviation in India and was established under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The DGCA exam is conducted to assess candidates on key aviation subjects, including Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical Systems, and Radio Telephony. 

To successfully pass the DGCA exam, candidates must score at least 70% in each subject to be considered for passing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). For more details on the DGCA eligibility criteria, candidates can visit the official website “PARIKSHA DGCA”.

DGCA Pilot Exam Eligibility 2025

Aspiring students often get confused about the eligibility criteria for the DGCA and miss their opportunity to become a pilot. Below, we are breaking down the essential basic requirements for each DGCA exam so you don’t have to stress yourself:

Nationality Requirements

To apply for the DGCA exam eligibility, a candidate must be an Indian citizen or have a status recognised as equivalent by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. For foreign nationals seeking to obtain a pilot’s license in India, additional regulations and approvals are required from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In such cases, proper documentation and proof of legal stay in India would be necessary.

All candidates—Indian or foreign—must obtain a DGCA Computer Number before registering for any exam. It serves as their unique identification throughout the examination and licensing process.

Age Requirements

Each license comes with specific training milestones and exams you must clear. Below is a detailed breakdown of all major DGCA exams along with their age requirements.

1. Student Pilot License (SPL)

• Age: 16 years
• Purpose: The starting point for all flying training. It enables students to start practical flight instruction under the guidance of an instructor.

2. Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Age: 17 years
• Purpose: Permits non-commercial flying for personal or recreational purposes.

3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

• Age: 18 years
• Purpose: Authorises flying aircraft for commercial purposes such as airline or charter operations.

4. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

• Age: 21 years
• Purpose: Required to act as a pilot-in-command (Captain) on large commercial aircraft in scheduled airlines.

5. Flight Instructor Rating (FIR)

• Age: 18 years (must already hold a CPL)
• Purpose: Certifies a pilot to train student pilots in flying schools.

Educational Background

Aspiring pilots in India are required to complete a 10+2 education certificate, which includes physics and mathematics. Candidates who missed physics and maths have the opportunity to pursue pilot training under the updated guidelines. Students from non-science backgrounds have to complete a bridge course approved by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or an equivalent authority. It is mandatory before appearing for the DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) exam.

Medical Fitness

A key requirement for DGCA pilot exam eligibility is meeting specific physical and psychological health standards. Candidates must pass a Class 2 Medical Examination before applying for a Student Pilot License (SPL) and a Class 1 Medical Examination before applying for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). DGCA-authorised medical examiners conduct these exams and assess candidates’ health, including:

• Vision: Minimum 6/6 vision in one eye, and it should not be worse than 6/9 in the other.
• Hearing: Ability to detect sounds at various frequencies as per aviation standards.
• Cardiovascular Health: No history of severe heart conditions; candidates must have normal heart function.
• Mental Health: Psychological evaluation to assess decision-making ability and stress management.

To start training, you’ll need to clear:

• DGCA Class 2 Medical Tests for SPL
  • URINE
  • Blood sugar, F&PP
  • Liver Function Test
  • USG WHOLE ABDOMEN
  • Electrocardiogram Test (ECG)
• DGCA Class 1 Medical Tests for SPL
  • Medical certificates require renewal every 12 months
  • Neurological evaluations

Pilots must maintain their health throughout their careers, as regular medical checkups are required to keep their licenses valid.

Flying Experience

To achieve a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), candidates must meet specific flying experience requirements set by the DGCA:

• CPL Requirements: Includes a minimum of 200 hours of flying time, with 100 hours as pilot-in-command, 50 hours of cross-country flying, and 5 hours of night flying to demonstrate independent flying skills.
• ATPL Requirements: Higher flying hours with an emphasis on being the pilot-in-command, including 1500 hours of total flying time, 500 hours as pilot-in-command, 100 hours of night flying, and experience on multi-engine aircraft.

Language Proficiency

A frequently overlooked aspect of the DGCA exam eligibility is language expertise, particularly in English, which serves as the global language for communication in aviation. Aspiring pilots must be fluent in both spoken and written English. Clear communication is crucial with air traffic control and other aviation personnel, especially in international airspace. Candidates who struggle with the language need to take additional courses to meet the DGCA exam eligibility requirements.

DGCA Exam Syllabus 

Students need to understand the complete structure of several subjects in the DGCA exam to gain effective preparation results. The syllabus content evaluates candidates through theoretical knowledge exams and understanding of aviation. The key aviation domains include:

• Air Regulations (Air Law): Covers Indian and international aviation laws, rules, and procedures governing air travel.
• Technical General Knowledge: Includes the principles of aircraft systems, engines, instruments, and structures.
• Air Navigation: Focuses on flight planning, air navigation techniques, and the use of modern navigation systems
• Aviation Meteorology: Teaches weather phenomena, their impact on flight operations, and methods for interpreting meteorological data.
• Radio Telephony: Covers protocols for communicating with pilots, interacting with ATC (Air Traffic Control), and other aircraft.

Conclusion

The DGCA pilot exam eligibility standards are crucial for advancing toward a pilot license. According to the 2025 guidelines, students with a non-science background can apply for a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) exam after completing a bridge course. Preparing with the proper DGCA exam syllabus and passing criteria can significantly boost your chances of success. 

Airship Aviation Academy supports your journey with free DGCA ground classes. Our Senior Captains and TRIs, with over 17 years of flying experience and more than 10,000 hours of cockpit time, provide instruction that covers all core subjects, includes chart exercises, and features online DGCA  mock tests. Senior Captains ensure you’re fully prepared to build a confident and booming aviation career. Enroll Today!