Complete Guide to DGCA Flight Crew License Examinations (Pariksha Portal)

Dreaming of becoming a pilot in India? Whether you’re aiming for a Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or even an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), there’s one thing you can’t skip — the examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These tests are the official gateway to your aviation career.

In the past, applying for exams meant endless paperwork and standing in long queues. Today, things are much simpler. With the launch of the Pariksha.DGCA portal, the entire process has gone digital. From registration to admit cards, everything is managed online. That means fewer errors, less waiting, and more transparency.

But here’s the catch — many first-time applicants find the Pariksha portal confusing. The steps, the requirements, and even the documents can feel overwhelming. Miss a single rule, and your application could get rejected.

That’s why this blog is here. Think of it as your step-by-step survival guide. We’ll walk through everything: registration, eligibility, exam application, payments, refunds, and even what to do if your application gets rejected. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to navigate the DGCA’s Pariksha system with confidence.

So if your goal is to clear DGCA exams and move one step closer to your pilot license, keep reading. This guide will save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

Understanding the DGCA Pariksha Portal

The Pariksha.DGCA portal is the official online system for managing flight crew license examinations. It was designed to make the entire process easier and more transparent.

What It Does

• Handles new registrations for candidates
• Maintains a digital profile and Computer Number
• Accepts exam applications for all license categories
• Provides admit cards and results online
• Enables digital payments via Bharatkosh

Why It Matters

• Cuts down paperwork
• Reduces errors in applications
• Tracks every step digitally
• Makes the process faster and fair

License Categories Covered

1. Private Pilot License (PPL)
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
4. Flight Dispatcher (FDEG)
5. Flight Engineer (FE)
6. Foreign License Conversions (FATA)

In short, the Pariksha portal is your one-stop shop for all DGCA pilot exams.

Eligibility and Document Requirements

Before you start, check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Educational Requirements

• PPL: Must have passed Class 10
• CPL/ATPL: Must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics
• FATA: Must hold a valid DGCA authorization and sponsor letter

Key Documents You’ll Need

• Recent passport-size photograph (under 70 KB)
• Scanned signature (under 20 KB)
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving License)
• Proof of address
• 10th and 12th mark sheets or equivalent certificates
• For CPL/ATPL: Physics and Math proof (AIU certificate if from foreign board)
• For defense candidates: logbook and flying hour details

Technical Requirements

• Reliable internet connection
• Modern browser (Chrome/Firefox)
• Valid email and mobile number for OTPs

Tip: Keep all files properly scanned and within size limits. Applications often get rejected for something as simple as an oversized photo.

Registration Process (New and Old Candidates)

This is where most applicants get stuck, so let’s break it down.

New Candidate Registration (No Computer Number)

1. Go to pariksha.dgca.gov.in.
2. Click New Candidate Registration.
3. Enter details exactly as per your 10th certificate.
4. Verify email and mobile via OTP.
5. Upload photo, signature, and documents.
6. Generate password and complete profile.
7. Wait for DGCA approval and Computer Number (within 15 working days).

Old Candidate Registration (Already Have Computer Number)

1. Select Old Candidate Registration.
2. Enter Computer Number and Date of Birth.
3. Update profile details (email, mobile, address).
4. Set login credentials for the new system.

Tip: Write down your Computer Number and password. You’ll need them for every exam application.

Applying for DGCA Examinations

Once your profile is active, you can apply for exams.

Regular Examinations

• Login with Computer Number and password
• Select Examination Form when the session is open
• Choose category (PPL, CPL, ATPL, etc.)
• Pick exam centre preferences
• Select papers (e.g., Air Regulations, Meteorology, Technical, etc.)
• Review application and submit

Fee Structure

Exam Type	Fee (INR)
Written Paper	2,500
Oral Exam (2nd/3rd attempt)	500

On-Line On-Demand Examinations (OLODE)

• Available only during notified slots
• Allows you to attempt one paper per session
• Higher fee: ₹5,000 per paper

Tip: Apply early, as popular exam centres get filled quickly.

Payment and Refunds

Payments are handled through Bharatkosh, the government payment gateway.

How to Pay

1. After exam form submission, click Pay Fees.
2. You’ll be redirected to Bharatkosh.
3. Choose Net Banking, Debit, or Credit Card.
4. Download and save the payment receipt.

Common Issues

• Transactions may fail if done close to deadline.
• Always pay at least 24 hours before closing.
• Service charges may apply.

Refund Policy

Refunds are rare but allowed for failed transactions where payment was made but the service was not delivered.

Steps to claim refund:

1. Login to Pariksha Portal.
2. Go to Refund Module.
3. Upload failed transaction ID + payment receipt.
4. Submit request (processed within 90 days).

Tip: If payment succeeds but exam form isn’t confirmed, contact support immediately.

Rejections and Appeals

Even careful applicants sometimes face rejection.

Complete Rejection

• Ineligible educational qualifications
• Incorrect details in the form
• Invalid or mismatched documents

Partial Rejection

• Wrong photo or signature
• Blurry or oversized documents
• Minor errors in uploads

What to Do If Rejected

• Partial rejections: Re-upload corrected documents within 15 days (maximum 3 attempts).
• Complete rejections: You must reapply with a fresh application.

Appeal Option

Unhappy with rejection? You can appeal:

• Send an email to ceo.dgca@nic.in
• Visit DGCA HQ in Delhi (Tues/Thurs, 3–5 PM)

Tip: Always check guidelines twice before uploading documents. Most rejections are avoidable.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a licensed pilot in India is exciting but challenging. The DGCA’s Pariksha portal has made the process smoother, but it can still feel complicated if you’re new. From registration and eligibility to exam applications and payments, every step matters.

Key takeaways:

• Always prepare your documents correctly and within size limits.
• Register carefully and remember your Computer Number.
• Apply for exams early to secure your centre of choice.
• Make payments well before the deadline.
• If rejected, don’t panic — fix errors or file an appeal.

Becoming a pilot isn’t just about flying — it starts with clearing these exams. The more prepared you are, the faster you’ll move toward your dream license.

If you’re serious about aviation, bookmark this guide and refer to it whenever you need clarity. Share it with friends in flying schools or training programs. And remember, success begins with preparation — start today and take the first step toward your cockpit seat.