The dream of flying an aircraft professionally starts with one important milestone — the DGCA Flight Crew License (FCL) examinations. These exams, conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), are mandatory for anyone in India who wishes to hold a pilot license, become a flight engineer, flight navigator, or a dispatcher.
Until a few years ago, the registration and application process was complicated. Candidates had to deal with physical forms, attested documents, and manual submissions. With the launch of the Pariksha portal (www.pariksha.dgca.gov.in) in September 2018, the entire system moved online. Today, aspiring aviators can register, upload documents, apply for exams, pay fees, and even request refunds — all digitally.
But while this online system is a blessing, many first-time users find it overwhelming. Forms get rejected, documents bounce back, and deadlines get missed — not because of eligibility, but because of avoidable mistakes.
This guide is written to save you from those problems. It is based on the official DGCA Pariksha User Manual but explained in simple, step-by-step language. Whether you are applying as a new candidate or updating an old registration, by the end of this article you’ll know exactly how to use the portal confidently.
Introduction
The Pariksha DGCA portal is your one-stop platform for all things related to flight crew examinations. It was designed to:
- Bring transparency in the examination process.
- Remove paper-based applications and notary attestation.
- Provide faster communication via email and SMS/WhatsApp.
- Ensure uniformity in document submissions.
All FCL exams are conducted online, and the portal is where every candidate must:
- Create an account (new/old registration).
- Update their personal and professional profile.
- Apply for exams.
- Pay examination fees.
- Download admit cards.
- Track past examination history.
- Request a refund in rare cases where a transaction fails.
The Central Examination Organization (CEO), DGCA, located in New Delhi, is responsible for conducting these exams and maintaining the portal.
Tip: Bookmark pariksha.dgca.gov.in and check the Notice Board section regularly. DGCA publishes exam schedules, deadlines, and important updates here.
Minimum System & Software Requirements & Personal Requirements
Before starting your registration or exam application, make sure you meet the basic technical and personal requirements.
System Requirements
- Use updated browsers like Google Chrome (v12+), Firefox, or Internet Explorer (v12+).
- Have a stable internet connection. Avoid registering using public Wi-Fi networks where connection drops are common.
Personal Requirements
- Unique Email ID and Mobile Number: Each candidate must use their own email and phone number. These are used for sending OTPs, computer numbers, admit cards, and all communication. Shared IDs or numbers lead to confusion.
- Password: Your login password must be strong. It should be at least 8 characters long with:
- One uppercase letter (A-Z)
- One lowercase letter (a-z)
- One number (0-9)
- One special character (!, @, #, $, %)
Scanned Documents Needed
This is the part where many candidates make mistakes. DGCA is very strict about file format, size, and clarity.
Photo:
- 45mm x 35mm (face should cover 70% of the photo).
- White background only.
- JPG/JPEG format.
- Size ≤ 70 KB.
Signature:
- 20mm x 45mm.
- White background.
- JPG/JPEG format.
- Size ≤ 20 KB.
Other Documents (in PDF, size limits apply):
- Date of Birth proof (Class 10 certificate or birth certificate).
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and pass certificates with Physics and Mathematics (for CPL, ATPL, FDEG, FE).
- Proof of address (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
- AIU equivalency certificate (if qualification is from a foreign/International board).
- Logbook pages (if applying under Rule 47A or ATPL experience).
- Passport and Visa (for foreign nationals).
- FATA authorization letter (for FATA candidates).
Pro Tip: Name and date of birth must exactly match your Class 10 certificate. Even small spelling differences cause rejections.
Registration Module
The registration module is the starting point of your DGCA journey. Every candidate appearing for the exam must complete registration. There are two categories:
- New Candidate Registration – for those who never had a DGCA computer number before.
- Old Candidate Registration – for those who had a computer number under the older UDAAN system but are logging in to Pariksha for the first time.
New Candidate Registration
If you’re applying fresh, here’s how to register as a new candidate:
- Visit pariksha.dgca.gov.in.
- Click New Candidate Registration.
- Read the instructions carefully and proceed.
- Enter your personal details (name, father’s name, DOB) exactly as per your Class 10 certificate.
- Provide your mobile number (India-based) and email ID.
- Verify the mobile number with OTP.
- Activate your account using the link sent to your registered email (valid for 24 hours).
- Create a strong password.
- Log in again and fill additional details: addresses, nationality, license details (if any), training and flying details, and education qualifications.
- Upload all documents in the required format.
- Preview the form before final submission.
- Submit — a PDF of your application is automatically generated and sent to your email.
Note: If you are a foreign national or OCI/PIO, you must fill and upload the security clearance form (Annexure A) during registration.
Old Candidate Registration
Candidates who already had a computer number under the UDAAN system but never registered on Pariksha must use this option.
Steps are similar but quicker:
- Select Old Candidate Registration.
- Enter your Computer Number and Date of Birth.
- Verify with OTP sent to your mobile.
- Activate your account via the email link.
- Generate a password.
- Update missing details in your profile.
- Submit — a PDF copy is emailed to you.
Unlike the old days, you do not need to send a hard copy of your form to DGCA. Everything is online.
Update Profile
Once registered, candidates can update their details using the Profile Management option.
Directly Editable (no DGCA verification):
- Address
- Mobile number
- Email ID
Require Verification (with documents):
- Name and date of birth
- Photograph and signature
- License details
- Passport details
- Educational qualifications
- Category (PPL, CPL, ATPL, etc.)
Whenever you request a profile update, the system generates a request ID, and a PDF copy of the update form is emailed to you. DGCA verifies and approves changes based on supporting documents.
Pro Tip: If you got married, changed your name, or studied abroad, keep your supporting documents (like gazette notification or AIU certificate) ready.
Examination Form
When DGCA issues a Public Notice, the examination form opens on the portal for a limited period.
Steps to apply:
- Log in with your computer number and password.
- Select the active session and license category.
- Choose two exam centre preferences.
- Pick the papers you are eligible for (General, Oral, Technical General, Technical Specific, Technical Performance).
- Review your form carefully — no corrections are allowed after submission.
- Proceed to payment.
Fees:
- ₹2500 per written paper.
- ₹500 per oral paper (second/third attempt only).
Payment is made through Bharatkosh (Net Banking, Debit, or Credit Card). After successful payment, you’ll later be able to download your Admit Card.
Important: Fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable, unless it falls under the refund policy.
On Line On Demand Examination (OLODE)
The On-Line-On-Demand Examination (OLODE) is a special option where candidates can appear for exams on specific dates announced by DGCA.
Key points:
- The process is the same as the regular exam form.
- Candidates can apply for one specific aircraft paper per session.
- Fees are higher: ₹5000 per written paper and ₹500 for oral (if applicable).
- Admit cards are generated after successful payment.
- Applications cannot be edited once submitted.
Tip: OLODE is particularly useful if you missed the main exam session or want to attempt a specific subject sooner.
Refund of Application Fee
DGCA has a strict no-refund policy, but there is one exception:
Refunds are granted only if:
- Your payment was successful, but no service was delivered (for example, technical failure where your application did not get registered).
Refunds are not allowed if:
- You uploaded wrong documents.
- You were ineligible.
- You missed your exam.
- You applied incorrectly.
Refund Process:
- Log in to your Pariksha account.
- Go to Examination → Refund of Failed Transactions.
- Select your failed transaction ID.
- Upload the Bharatkosh receipt and ID proof.
- Review and submit the form.
Refunds are processed within 90 days.
Pro Tip: To avoid refund issues, always complete your payment well before the closing date. Payments made close to midnight on the last day sometimes don’t sync in time.
Conclusion
The DGCA Pariksha portal has modernized how flight crew license examinations are managed in India. While the rules and document requirements may seem strict, they are designed to maintain the highest level of safety and fairness.
If you:
- Prepare your documents carefully,
- Double-check your information,
- Keep track of DGCA notices, and
- Apply within deadlines,
then the process becomes smooth and straightforward.
Remember, the exam application process is just the first step in your aviation journey. Patience, attention to detail, and discipline in following the DGCA’s procedures are as important here as they will be in your flying career.
Your future in aviation begins not in the cockpit, but with this portal. Handle it well, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream of flying.
Start your aviation journey with Top Crew Aviation today — expert training, complete DGCA exam guidance, and a clear path to your Flight Crew License.
