DGCA Computer Number Application: Step-by-Step Guide for New Candidates (2026)

A DGCA Computer Number is your permanent ID in India's flight-crew exam system. Without it you cannot sit DGCA theory papers for a Private or Commercial Pilot Licence. This guide walks through what it is, how new candidate registration on Pariksha works, what changed with DigiLocker from 16 December 2024, and the hard-copy step that still trips people up.

Rules and document lists change. Treat this as orientation and always confirm on Pariksha and the latest Flight Crew User Manual before you apply.

Stuck on documents or DigiLocker? Get free one-to-one guidance. A counsellor can help you check your paperwork before you submit. Under 18? Please involve a parent.

What is a DGCA Computer Number?

It is the unique number allotted by DGCA's Central Examination Organisation (CEO) so you can register for flight-crew licence examinations. Pariksha's own FAQs explain that it is used across the relevant flight-crew exam categories once allotted.

Important: it is not auto-generated the moment you click submit. After online submission (and the hard-copy process for new candidates), CEO scrutinises your application. If approved, you are informed of the allotted Computer Number—typically by email to the address you registered with. If rejected, the portal/email path lets you correct the issues and re-apply as described in the FAQs.

Education rules: CPL vs PPL

Under DGCA eligibility for crew exams (CAR Section 7, Series B, Part I, copy) and Pariksha FAQ guidance:

• CPL (and most non-PPL flight-crew categories): you need 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board or university, or an equivalent exam.

• PPL category: the education bar is lower—Class X (or equivalent) is the typical minimum stated for that path. The airline career route, though, needs a CPL.

If you are still clearing Physics and Maths (for example via NIOS), see Pilot eligibility: PCM, NIOS, age and medicals. For how the Computer Number sits in the wider exam path, see DGCA exams explained.

DigiLocker integration (from 16 December 2024)

DGCA's public notice dated 13 December 2024 (File No. DGCA-19012/47/2019-CEO-DGCA) states that DigiLocker was integrated with Pariksha with effect from 16 December 2024 so candidates can fetch issued Class X / XII mark sheets or certificates from DigiLocker into the Computer Number application after giving consent (official DigiLocker notice on Pariksha).

Key point: for X and XII documents fetched from DigiLocker, a Board Verification Certificate (BVC) is not required to be uploaded. That is the main practical change for many Indian-board students.

If your board documents are not available through DigiLocker, follow the current User Manual for attestation, BVC and equivalency rules (including AIU equivalency for some international qualifications—see Pariksha FAQs).

How new-candidate registration works (high level)

Exact screens and file sizes are in the Pariksha User Manual and change over time. In outline:

1. Create / use your Pariksha account as a new candidate for flight-crew Computer Number allotment.

2. Enter personal details exactly as on your Class X certificate or passport (see name-match tip below).

3. Upload photograph and signature to the current size and format specs in the FAQs/User Manual.

4. Upload education and ID documents—or fetch X/XII via DigiLocker where available.

5. Complete final submission. You should receive a PDF application / confirmation on your registered email.

6. Print that form, paste the same passport photo you uploaded, attach the listed documents in the stated sequence (self-attested / attested as required), and send the hard copy.

Hard copy to CEO DGCA (still required for new candidates)

Pariksha FAQ Nos. 19–20 are clear: new candidates must send a hard copy. Take a print of the PDF form emailed to you, paste a recent passport-size photograph matching the upload, attach the uploaded documents in the same sequence, and post it by Speed Post or Registered Post to:

Central Examination Organization (CEO)
O/o Director General of Civil Aviation
East Block-III, Level-III, R.K. Puram
New Delhi – 110066

Follow the current User Manual / notices for the deadline after online submission (commonly cited as within 10 days—confirm the latest wording on Pariksha before you rely on it). Keep the postal tracking slip.

Foreign nationals have additional security-clearance paperwork (Annexure A) that also goes to the same CEO address—see the FAQs.

Name must match Class X or passport

Name mismatches are one of the most common rejection reasons. Use the same spelling and order as on your Class X certificate or passport, and keep that spelling consistent on Pariksha, eGCA, medical forms and later licence applications. If you have legally changed your name, follow the document path in the User Manual before you submit.

Follow the current photo and signature size rules on the Pariksha FAQs before you upload.

What happens after scrutiny

• Approved: you receive communication of the allotted Computer Number (check your registered email and Pariksha login). That number becomes your exam identity.

• Rejected: you are told the reasons; you log in with your registered email, fix the listed issues, and resubmit as per FAQ guidance—you do not start from a brand-new identity unless CEO instructs otherwise.

You only need one Computer Number. Do not create duplicate registrations with different emails “just in case.”

After you get the number: next steps

1. Keep your login credentials private and note the Computer Number safely.

2. Plan theory papers using the current exam programme on Pariksha—overview in DGCA exams explained.

3. Start medical planning early: DGCA Class 1 vs Class 2 medical. A medical is not required to apply for the Computer Number, but it is required before you invest heavily in flying training.

4. Sketch the full path in How to become a pilot in India after 12th.

Want a document checklist for your board (CBSE, state, NIOS or international)? Get free one-to-one guidance.

Common mistakes

• Waiting for an “instant” number and missing the hard-copy posting window.

• Uploading Class XII docs manually when DigiLocker would have removed the BVC step.

• Different spellings of name or date of birth across Class X, passport and Pariksha.

• Sending documents in the wrong order, or without the printed form and photo.

• Sharing one mobile/email across friends’ applications (Pariksha FAQs warn against this).

Frequently asked questions

Is the DGCA Computer Number generated automatically online?

No. After online submission and scrutiny (and the hard-copy process for new candidates), CEO allots the number. You are informed when it is approved—typically by email. Confirm the current process on Pariksha.

Do I still need a Board Verification Certificate if I use DigiLocker?

DGCA’s 13 December 2024 notice says that for Class X and XII documents fetched from DigiLocker, BVC need not be uploaded. If DigiLocker cannot supply your documents, follow the User Manual for BVC/attestation.

Where do I send the hard copy of my Computer Number application?

By Speed Post or Registered Post to CEO, O/o DGCA, East Block-III, Level-III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066, as stated in Pariksha FAQs.

What education do I need for a Computer Number for CPL exams?

Except for the PPL category, Pariksha/FAQ guidance and the eligibility CAR require 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent). PPL uses a Class X-level education requirement. Always confirm on Pariksha.

Can I sit DGCA exams before getting a Computer Number?

No. The Computer Number is required to apply for flight-crew theory exams on Pariksha. Get it allotted first.

How long does allotment take?

Timelines vary with scrutiny load and whether your hard copy and DigiLocker/BVC documents are complete. Track status as described on Pariksha and keep your email inbox (and spam folder) checked.

Wrap-up

Apply on Pariksha as a new candidate, use DigiLocker for X/XII where you can, post the hard copy to CEO R.K. Puram promptly, and keep your name identical across documents. Once the number is allotted, you can plan papers, medicals and training with a clearer timeline.

Get free one-to-one guidance on your Computer Number application. Students under 18, please involve a parent.

Related: DGCA exams explained · Pilot eligibility · Pilot Journey home

General information only, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules, fees and dates change; always confirm with DGCA (dgca.gov.in), the Pariksha portal and the institution concerned. No training route guarantees employment.