DGCA exam eligibility is a mandatory requirement for anyone planning to pursue a pilot course in India and obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) defines strict criteria including age, education, and medical fitness. This article covers DGCA exam eligibility, syllabus, fees, application process, and preparation tips in detail.
DGCA Exam Eligibility at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (from a recognized board) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years (Student Pilot License), 18 years (CPL Exam) |
| Medical Requirements | DGCA Class 2 medical test → DGCA Class 1 medical certificate |
| Nationality | Indian citizens or foreigners with DGCA approval |
| Passing Marks | Minimum 70% in each DGCA exam paper |
Educational Qualification for DGCA Exam
To meet the DGCA exam eligibility:
- Candidates must have 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Students from Commerce/Arts streams can qualify by completing Physics and Math through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or recognized boards.
- This is the most common doubt for those asking “how to become a pilot after 10th” — you need to first complete 12th with Physics and Math.
DGCA Exam Age Limit
- 17 years → Eligible for Student Pilot License (SPL).
- 18 years → Eligible for the DGCA CPL exam.
- There is no strict upper age limit, but candidates must pass medical tests.
DGCA Medical Requirements
Flying requires excellent health standards. DGCA ensures this through:
- DGCA Class 2 Medical Test (initial screening) – eyesight, hearing, ECG, BMI, blood tests, etc.
- DGCA Class 1 Medical Test – mandatory before beginning CPL flight training.
Without these medical clearances, candidates cannot appear for DGCA exams.
👉 To explore a detailed list of the Top Pilot Training Institutes in India with Fees, you can check our in-depth guide here.
DGCA Exam Subjects and Syllabus
The DGCA pilot exam syllabus covers both theory and practical knowledge.
CPL Exam Subjects:
- Air Navigation
- Air Regulation
- Meteorology
- Aircraft Technical (General & Specific)
- Radio Telephony (RT) – conducted separately by WPC
ATPL Exam Subjects (Airline Transport Pilot License):
- Advanced Navigation
- Advanced Meteorology
- Radio Aids & Instruments
👉 Passing Marks: 70% in each subject.
Many students join DGCA ground classes in Delhi, where institutes like Top Crew Aviation (TCA) stand out for their structured teaching, experienced instructors, and high success rates.
DGCA Exam Pattern
- Mode: Computer-based (online).
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Duration: 2–3 hours per subject.
- Passing Score: 70%.
DGCA Exam Fees
- ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 per subject.
- Including medical tests and formalities: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000.
- Additional costs apply for pilot course fees in India, which are separate from exam fees.
How to Apply for DGCA Exam
- Obtain a DGCA Computer Number from the official DGCA portal.
- Upload required documents (10+2 certificate, ID proof, photo, medical fitness).
- Select exam session and subjects.
- Pay exam fees online.
- Download admit card and appear for the exam.
DGCA CPL Requirements
To obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India, candidates must:
- Log at least 200 flying hours at a DGCA approved flying school in India.
- Clear all DGCA CPL exam subjects.
- Hold valid DGCA Class 1 & Class 2 medical certificates.
DGCA Approved Flying Schools in India
Some of the top flying schools in India approved by DGCA are:
- NFTI Gondia (CAE)
- Capt. Gopi Aviation, Bangalore
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Flight Training, Chennai
- Government Flying Training School, Karnataka
👉 However, when it comes to DGCA ground training, Top Crew Aviation (TCA) has earned a superior reputation. With expert instructors, updated study material, and personalized mentoring, TCA helps students clear DGCA CPL exams in fewer attempts compared to many other institutes.
Pilot Course Fees in India
The commercial pilot course fees in India vary by school and program:
- Commercial Pilot License Course: ₹35–50 lakhs
- Indigo Cadet Pilot Program Fees: ₹80 lakhs – ₹1.5 crore
- Aviation Courses after 12th (non-flying): ₹2–6 lakhs
Flight schools abroad may cost more, but many offer faster training completion.
How to Prepare for DGCA Exam
- Enroll in DGCA ground classes or CPL ground classes in Delhi.
- Study from DGCA-approved books and previous DGCA exam papers.
- Use mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Keep up with DGCA updates on syllabus changes.
- Stay physically fit to clear medical tests without issues.
👉 Among all training options, Top Crew Aviation (TCA) stands out as one of the most trusted and result-driven institutes for DGCA exam preparation. You can learn more about their programs at Top Crew Aviation.
Aviation Courses After 12th
For students not ready for flying yet, there are several aviation courses after 12th:
- Aviation Management
- Cabin Crew Training
- Airport Ground Staff Training
- Aviation Safety and Security
These aviation course fees range from ₹2–6 lakhs depending on specialization.
Conclusion
The DGCA exam eligibility is the foundation for anyone planning to build a career in aviation. From educational qualifications to medical fitness, every requirement is crucial for becoming a licensed pilot in India. With proper preparation, guidance from DGCA approved training institutes, and commitment, you can successfully clear the DGCA exams and move forward toward your dream of flying.
FAQs
Q1. What is DGCA exam?
It is an exam conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for pilot licenses in India.
Q2. What is the DGCA exam eligibility?
10+2 with Physics & Math, minimum age 18 years, and DGCA Class 1 & 2 medical fitness.
Q3. What is the DGCA exam age limit?
17 years for Student Pilot License, 18 years for CPL.
Q4. How much is the DGCA exam fees?
₹2,500 – ₹3,000 per subject, total around ₹25,000 – ₹40,000.
Q5. How to clear DGCA exam?
By studying the prescribed syllabus, joining ground classes, solving past papers, and scoring 70% in each subject.
