How to Become a Certified Pilot
Understand the complete 11-step pilot training journey, required documentation, examinations, medicals and licensing process in India and abroad.
Your Step-by-Step Journey to Becoming a Certified Pilot
Understand the complete pilot training journey, required documentation, examinations, medicals and licensing process in India and abroad.
Class II Medical Examination
Prerequisite for Class I Medical & Pilot Registration
A Class II medical is a mandatory step that must be completed before one can apply for a Class I Medical, which is needed for Commercial Pilot Training. It is an initial medical certification required for all aspiring pilots before obtaining their Private Pilot License. To apply for a Class II medical you can visit the official DGCA Medical Portal and choose an empanelled DGCA Class II Medical Examiner from your preferred city or location. Thereafter you can schedule an appointment with the selected examiner. You will be asked about any pre-existing medical conditions and undergo a color vision test, BMI check, and a general health assessment. Only upon successfully passing this Class II medical test can you proceed to apply for your Class I medical, which is essential for CPL training.
Class II Medical Examination
Prerequisite for Class I Medical & Pilot Registration
A Class II medical is a mandatory step that must be completed before one can apply for a Class I Medical, which is needed for Commercial Pilot Training. It is an initial medical certification required for all aspiring pilots before obtaining their Private Pilot License. To apply for a Class II medical you can visit the official DGCA Medical Portal and choose an empanelled DGCA Class II Medical Examiner from your preferred city or location. Thereafter you can schedule an appointment with the selected examiner. You will be asked about any pre-existing medical conditions and undergo a color vision test, BMI check, and a general health assessment. Only upon successfully passing this Class II medical test can you proceed to apply for your Class I medical, which is essential for CPL training.
Ground Classes
Core DGCA Theoretical Knowledge & Syllabus
As per DGCA regulations, every aspiring pilot must successfully clear the required theory subjects and complete 200 hours of flying before being eligible for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Solid theoretical knowledge is crucial before you begin your Commercial Pilot Training. This is where Ground Classes play a vital role. The core CPL ground subjects include Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Technical General, Technical Specific, Air Navigation, and Radio Telephony (RTR). Ground classes ensure that you understand the principles of flight, aviation rules, aircraft systems, and communication protocols. All this equips you with the confidence and knowledge needed before you step into the cockpit.
10th & 12th Board Verification Certificate
Educational Document Authentication
The 10th and 12th Board Verification Certificate is an essential document required at various stages of a pilot’s journey, from applying for the DGCA Computer Number to obtaining the Commercial Pilot License. It is issued by the respective education board and verifies that the marks mentioned in your mark sheets are authentic. The process of obtaining this certificate varies depending on the board. For CBSE students, it is a simple and quick process, as the certificate can be obtained online. However, students from other boards must refer to their board’s official website to understand the specific procedure.
Computer Number
Unique DGCA Examination Registration Identifier
The Central Examination Organisation issues a Computer Number which is a unique identification number and is mandatory for every aspiring pilot in India. To apply for a Computer Number, candidates must register on the DGCA's Pariksha portal and submit all required documents, including the crucial Board Verification Certificate. Right from applying for DGCA theory exams to the final issuance of your CPL, Computer Number is essential at every stage. The entire process typically takes 1–2 months, so it is strongly advised to apply well in advance to avoid delays in your pilot training schedule.
SPL – Student Pilot License
Initial Permit to Begin Flight Training
The Student Pilot License SPL is the first step in your how to become a pilot journey. To obtain an SPL, candidates must appear for an oral examination conducted by a DGCA-authorized representative, covering subjects such as Air Regulation, Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, and Aircraft Technical (General & Specific). It is a prerequisite to obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and must have passed the 10th standard or equivalent from a recognized board. Once these conditions are fulfilled, the flying academy issues the SPL.
FRTOL – Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License
Aviation Radio Communication Authorization
Flight Radio Telephony Operator’s License is essential for operating radio communication systems onboard Indian-registered aircraft. Restricted and Non-Restricted are the two categories. A Non-Restricted FRTOL is mandatory for obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). To acquire this, candidates must pass the RTR (Radio Telephony Restricted) exam conducted by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of India, along with a written examination conducted by the DGCA. Alternatively, RTR licenses from ICAO-recognized countries such as the UK or New Zealand can be converted to an Indian FRTOL.
CPL – Commercial Pilot License
Official License for Professional Commercial Flying
The Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is the final milestone in a pilot’s training journey, allowing them to pursue a professional flying career. To be eligible for a CPL, a candidate must complete at least 200 hours of flying training and clear five written examinations conducted by the DGCA. These include subjects related to navigation, meteorology, air regulation, aircraft technical knowledge, and radio telephony. A CPL equips students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to operate as a commercial pilot and marks the official entry into the aviation industry.
Class I Medicals
Advanced Medical Standards for Active CPL Holders
Candidates can only apply for a Class 1 medical after the successful completion and verification of their Class 2 medical, upon which a Permanent Medical Record number is generated. It is the final step in the pilot medical examination process in India and is mandatory for the issuance of a CPL. It is conducted at Indian Air Force medical centres or at one of the two DGCA-approved private hospitals listed on the DGCA website. This comprehensive check ensures that aspiring pilots meet the highest medical standards required for commercial flying.
Police Verification Certificate (For Abroad)
Character & Legal Background Clearance
It is a document issued by your local police station or passport office confirming that you have no criminal record and are of good character. This certificate is important at many stages of your pilot training journey especially when you're applying for a visa to train abroad or submitting documents for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India. The validity of a PVC can vary depending on the state, and in many places, it can now be applied for online.
Visa Medicals and Applications (For Abroad)
International Student Visa Compliance
For aspiring pilots planning to pursue flight training abroad, visa medicals are often a mandatory step before a visa is granted. These medicals are entirely separate from DGCA’s Class I or II medicals and are governed by the requirements of the destination country. You must refer to the official visa website of the country for the specific medical tests and the list of accredited hospitals. Once the visa medical is completed and all necessary documents are submitted, the visa application process begins. Most candidates apply for a student visa, and depending on the country, the visa may be processed either online or through an in-person appointment at the visa office.
License Conversion for Foreign Trained Pilots (For Abroad)
Converting Foreign ICAO CPL to Indian DGCA CPL
Candidates who have completed their flight training from ICAO-recognized foreign countries must fulfill certain DGCA-mandated criteria to convert their foreign CPL into an Indian CPL.
DGCA Exam Eligibility & Requirements
Comprehensive guide to DGCA examination requirements for flight training programs in India and abroad.
Flight Training In India
Candidates pursuing 200 hours of commercial flying within DGCA-approved flying clubs in India must clear 5 core DGCA theoretical written exams plus WPC RTR.
Mandatory Written Examinations:
Flight Training Abroad
DGCA examination requirements for converting a foreign CPL depend on whether flight training was completed in a Commonwealth or Non-Commonwealth country.
Required DGCA Conversion Subjects:
Required DGCA Conversion Subjects:
Clearing the Skies of Your Doubts
Find clear answers to common questions about DGCA medicals, ground classes, NIOS qualifications, and CPL flight requirements.
Yes! Non-science students (Commerce / Arts) can become commercial pilots by clearing 10+2 level Physics and Mathematics examinations through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or recognized open schooling boards while pursuing ground training.