DGCA Exams Explained: Subjects, Eligibility, eGCA, RTR and How to Prepare

The DGCA theory exams are where many aspiring pilots spend months, and where poor planning quietly adds cost and delay. This guide explains which papers a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) candidate sits, how the Pariksha and eGCA portals fit in, what changed with RTR(A), and how to choose between ground school and self-study.

Exam rules and fees change. Treat this as an orientation and always confirm on the official Pariksha portal before applying.

Planning your exam order? Get free one-to-one guidance. A counsellor can help you sequence papers around your training.

The two portals: Pariksha and eGCA

• Pariksha (pariksha.dgca.gov.in) is DGCA's examination portal. You apply for your Computer Number here and register for theory papers.

• eGCA (DGCA eGCA login) is DGCA's online licensing platform. It is used for medical assessments, licence applications and many other licensing services, including RTR-related services after the handover from WPC.

Use the same name, date of birth and documents on both. Mismatches are a common source of delay.

Step zero: the DGCA Computer Number

Under DGCA's eligibility CAR (Section 7, Series B, Part I, copy), a CPL exam candidate needs a Computer Number allotted by DGCA's Central Examination Organisation and must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent). Apply online through Pariksha and follow the user manual there for current documents.

If you are still clearing Physics and Maths (for example via NIOS), see Pilot eligibility: PCM, NIOS, age and medicals.

The CPL theory subjects

DGCA's CPL syllabus is set out in CAR Section 7, Series B, Part IV (copy of the syllabus CAR), which states that the topics conform to ICAO Annex 1 knowledge requirements. In practice, CPL (aeroplane) candidates prepare for:

Air Navigation

Charts and map projections, the earth and time, magnetism and compasses, dead reckoning, radio navigation aids and flight planning. Students often describe it as the most calculation-heavy paper.

Aviation Meteorology

The atmosphere, pressure, winds, clouds, fronts, thunderstorms, icing, turbulence, and reading aviation weather reports and forecasts.

Air Regulations

Indian aviation law, rules of the air, air traffic services, licensing and operational rules. Expect detail. Read the actual rules, not only summaries.

Technical General

Principles of flight, airframes, engines, aircraft systems and instruments.

Technical Specific

Questions on the specific aircraft type you train on (its systems, limitations and performance). Usually taken once you know which type you will fly.

DGCA also publishes guidelines for candidates on the Pariksha portal, including what materials are permitted in the exam hall. Read them before every session.

RTR(A): what changed

The Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) – Aeronautical licence, RTR(A), is required to use aircraft radio. It used to be run by the WPC Wing of the Department of Telecommunications. DGCA took over RTR examinations and issuance with effect from 1 December 2025, and WPC-issued RTR certificates were to be accepted by DGCA only until 15 July 2026 (DGCA notification dated 1 July 2026, summarised by TeamLease RegTech). The move was planned as a single-window system for pilot aspirants (The Hindu, 10 June 2025).

If you hold an older WPC-issued RTR or are unsure what applies to you, check the current DGCA RTR notices on Pariksha/eGCA.

When are the exams held? (2026)

DGCA's Programme of Examinations 2026 (official PDF) lists:

Session type

2026 dates (tentative)

Regular sessions

10–14 Mar, 16–20 Jun, 22–26 Sep, 15–19 Dec

OLOD (On-Line On-Demand)

21–23 Jan, 4–6 Feb, 22–24 Apr, 20–22 May, 15–17 Jul, 19–21 Aug, 28–30 Oct, 18–20 Nov

DGCA marks these dates as tentative and says candidates should check their notice board on Pariksha. Application windows close well before each session. For example, the OLOD Session 05 notice set a portal window of 29 June–3 July 2026 for a 15–17 July exam (DGCA public notice). That notice also listed the cities with OLOD centres.

Regular and OLOD sessions have different fees and centre coverage. Check the current fee on Pariksha before applying.

Not sure whether to target the next Regular session or an OLOD slot? Get free one-to-one guidance.

Ground school vs self-study: which is better?

Both routes produce passes. The right choice depends on you.

Ground school may suit you if:

• you want structure, a timetable and someone to answer doubts;

• you struggle with Navigation calculations or Meteorology concepts;

• you want regular mock tests;

• you are fresh out of Class 12 and not used to studying alone.

Questions to ask a ground school: Who teaches each subject, and what is their background? Are materials updated for current DGCA rules? Are mock tests in a computer-based format? What happens if you need to repeat a module? Is the fee refundable? Do not rely on claimed "pass rates" unless they can show how those numbers are calculated.

Self-study may suit you if:

• you are disciplined and comfortable with maths and physics;

• you are working, or training abroad, and need flexibility;

• your budget is tight.

Make self-study work by: downloading the syllabus CAR and using it as your checklist; reading primary sources for Air Regulations; doing timed practice; and joining a study group.

Many students mix the two: self-study for some subjects and short coaching for the hardest ones.

A sensible order of papers

There is no single official order. Many students:

1. start with Air Regulations and Meteorology while waiting for medicals and admission;

2. take Air Navigation once their maths and chart work are solid;

3. take Technical General, then Technical Specific once their training aircraft type is known;

4. plan RTR(A) around their flying progress.

If you plan to train abroad, ask whether doing some DGCA papers before you leave will help your later conversion. See Flight training abroad and DGCA conversion.

Common mistakes

• Applying with mismatched names or dates of birth across documents.

• Missing the application window because only the exam date was noted.

• Studying from outdated question banks instead of the current syllabus and rules.

• Booking too many papers in one session without preparing properly.

• Not budgeting for re-attempt fees. See CPL cost in India vs abroad.

Frequently asked questions

How many subjects are there in the DGCA CPL exam?

CPL (aeroplane) candidates sit Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General and Technical Specific, plus the RTR(A) radio licence exam. Confirm current requirements on the Pariksha portal.

What is the DGCA exam date in 2026?

DGCA's 2026 programme lists Regular sessions on 10–14 March, 16–20 June, 22–26 September and 15–19 December, plus several OLOD sessions. Dates are tentative, so check Pariksha.

Who conducts the RTR exam now?

DGCA took over RTR examinations and issuance from the WPC Wing with effect from 1 December 2025. Check current DGCA RTR notices for the process.

What is eGCA?

eGCA is DGCA's online licensing platform. Pilots use it for medical assessments, licence applications and related services. Pariksha is the separate examination portal.

Can I write DGCA exams before joining a flying school?

Many students start theory papers before or during flying training once they have a Computer Number. Check current DGCA eligibility rules for each paper.

Is ground school compulsory for DGCA exams?

Check current DGCA rules for your situation. Many candidates prepare through self-study and others prefer a ground school. Choose based on your learning style, budget and timeline.

Wrap-up

Get your Computer Number sorted early, put the official calendar and application windows in your phone, and choose a study method you will actually stick with.

Get free one-to-one guidance on DGCA exam planning. Students under 18, please involve a parent.

Related: How to become a pilot in India after 12th · 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.