DGCA Pariksha Preparation Guide for Aspiring Pilots

DGCA Pariksha is a term which will be prevalent throughout your flying training and career in India. Hence it is important to be familiar with it right from the beginning of your aviation journey.

The first time you engage with the DGCA examination process as a student can be perplexing. You need to learn about various terms such as Computer Number, Flight Crew Examination, Pariksha portal, sessions, papers, admit card, results, examination history, and subjects (technical and theoretical). It is important that you become familiar with all these elements, to be able to plan and structure your preparation.

DGCA abbreviates to Directorate General of Civil Aviation. This organization takes care of civil aviation in India and also plays an important role in regulation and legislation of civil aviation in India.

Pariksha Portal is the website developed by the Central Examination Organization, to integrate both VIMAN and UDAAN systems, for online registration and examination for the Flight Crew and AME examinations.

In this booklet, the procedure for registration, preparation, and other important information related to the examination, has been discussed in detail, to the best of the knowledge of the author.

The DGCA is India’s Civil Aviation Authority. It is the organization that manages the regulation of Air transport Services within the country and licenses commercial pilots. For aspirants interested in pursuing a career in flying, DGCA becomes an important body in their professional journey.

Aviation being a regulated industry, training a professional pilot to operate an aircraft requires knowledge of various components of the industry, including regulations, navigation, and meteorology.

Knowledge components are assessed by means of various theoretical examinations.

With respect to flying training, it is important for students to understand the following:

• Types of training
• Theoretical examinations
• Medical Standards
• Licensing procedure
• Flight experience
• Other aspects of flying training

Ultimately, the objective of the entire flying training is to acquire a license to fly.

What is DGCA Pariksha?

Conducting examinations is a part of the functions of DGCA. Through its online system, DGCA conducts various examinations for Flight Crew and AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) licenses. The examinations are conducted by the Central Examination Organization, DGCA. The official website of DGCA provides extensive information about various aspects of flight crew examinations and registration. The information is available in English, Hindi and other regional languages. The website pariksha.dgca.gov.in provides information relevant to flight crew registration and examinations.

When users search for Pariksha DGCA or DGCA Pariksha exam, they are primarily interested in knowing about the process of DGCA exams (i.e. application process, sample papers, question papers, schedule, fee, result etc.).

Understanding DGCA Pariksha

Learning to fly is certainly more involved than mastering the art of flying an aircraft.

In the process of becoming a pilot, a student is required to acquire extensive theoretical knowledge of various fields including, inter alia, airstream and weather, air navigation, radio, communications and meteorology, the principles and procedures of flight, human performance, and the legal aspect of aviation and of the enforcement of the law.

The student is also required to acquire knowledge of various aircraft systems, structures and instruments, principles of aircraft flight, and the systems and structure of power plants.

The student is required to have thorough knowledge of the general and national flight rules and regulations, the procedure for flight planning, flight performance and navigation.

The examination is conducted as per the requirements of the specific DGCA license/ratings. However, students must familiarize themselves with the latest DGCA notifications, the syllabus and other requirements.

Prior to applying for the exam, candidates have to read the latest User Manual and notices available on the official site.

The Concept of DGCA Pariksha

Students often view DGCA Pariksha as a single unitized examination.

However, it is better understood as a multi-step process.

The student journey for a pilot’s license looks like this:

Each of the steps above are crucial.

We will analyze them in detail.

Step 1: Know Your Pilot’s License and Examination

Prior to using the Pariksha Portal, know the licensing/examination pathway for which you are preparing.

Be aware of the terminology.

Not all terminology is interchangeable.

Preparing for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) requires understanding the theoretical knowledge required for the CPL, and not preparing for a pilot’s license by reviewing miscellaneous pilot subjects.

A student’s authorized training organization or flight training organization is best placed to identify the required examinations for a student’s training pathway.

Step 2: Meet the Educational/Eligibility Requirements

Prior to undertaking an examination, determine the conditions/eligibility for which you are preparing.

The official Flight Crew FAQ states that, except for the PPL category, an applicant must have passed 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board or university or its equivalent. Candidates should refer to the applicable User Manual for detailed requirements.

Students should not rely on old articles or social posts to support their application for a DGCA medical.

Different rules and regulations may apply to different types of licenses issued by the DGCA. Hence, before applying for a medical or a license, the applicant should go through the latest DGCA instructions relevant to the license applied for.

3. Understand the Concept of a ‘Computer Number’

One of the terms and concepts that aspirants need to understand before beginning their DGCA Flight Crew examination journey is ‘Computer Number’.

According to the current DGCA Flight Crew FAQ, a Computer Number is a unique ID allotted to a candidate after the candidate’s application for the Computer Number is approved by the CEO, DGCA.

A candidate is authorised to have only one Computer Number, and the Computer Number has lifetime validity. The same Computer Number is applicable across the different categories of Flight Crew examinations conducted by DGCA.

This makes the Computer Number an important part of a candidate’s aviation examination record. Candidates should keep their Computer Number and associated login information secure and ensure that the personal and qualification details maintained in their Pariksha profile remain accurate.

Students should understand that the same Computer Number can be used for different Flight Crew examination categories, although candidates may need to update their profile qualification or licence details accordingly.

Computer Number Auto-Generation in 2026

The DGCA has introduced an auto-generation facility for Computer Numbers for eligible Flight Crew candidates through the Pariksha portal. The facility was initially implemented for candidates whose Class 10 and 12 records could be verified through DigiLocker and has subsequently been extended to candidates from remaining recognised boards whose data is available in DigiLocker, subject to successful verification.

As per the DGCA public notice dated 27 April 2026, the auto-generation facility applies to eligible Flight Crew candidates who have passed both Class 10 and 12 examinations from recognised boards whose data is available in DigiLocker, subject to successful verification through DigiLocker.

Eligible candidates must ensure that the Aadhaar number entered on the Pariksha portal exactly matches the data available in DigiLocker. Details such as name, date of birth, marks, address and other particulars may be auto-fetched from DigiLocker.

The recent uploaded photograph must meet the requirements specified by DGCA, including the applicable photograph matching requirement, and the uploaded signature must comply with the instructions in the Flight Crew User Manual.

All mandatory fields must be completed correctly, and supporting documents must be uploaded wherever required. Any mismatch or discrepancy may lead to non-generation of the Computer Number by the system.

Because the Computer Number process has evolved, candidates should always check the latest DGCA public notice and Flight Crew User Manual before applying instead of relying on an older Computer Number procedure.

4. Register on DGCA Pariksha Portal

To access the DGCA Pariksha portal, visit the following web address: pariksha.dgca.gov.in

The portal provides Flight Crew registration and login facilities. The current portal provides options for New Candidate Registration, Old Candidate Registration and Candidate Login.

Candidates are requested to carefully read instructions available on the portal while completing the online registration process.

The current New Candidate Registration form asks for details including the candidate’s name as per the 10th certificate, mother’s name, father’s/guardian’s name, date of birth as per the 10th board certificate, gender, Aadhaar number, mobile number and email ID.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

A number of documents may be required to support an applicant’s registration. Accurate and complete information should be submitted on the registration form.

Applications for an aviation related examination are not the place to make an ‘informed guess’.

The following information should be completed on the registration form.

• Name
• Date of birth
• Educational qualification
• Identification document
• Contact Information
• Supporting documents

The information should also be complete and accurate.

For eligible candidates using the DigiLocker-based Computer Number auto-generation process, the information available through DigiLocker is used for verification and relevant details may be auto-fetched by the system.

Candidates should ensure that their Aadhaar details, educational records and other information match the information required by the Pariksha portal.

The official FAQ states that after the final submission of the application, no additional document can be uploaded. That is the reason for the emphasis on reviewing the submitted application.

Candidates should note the following during the application process.

There is a significant amount of underestimation by candidates regarding this step of the process.

Navigational issues occur frequently because candidate’s documentation is not in order. Similarly, meteorological issues occur when a candidate does not upload the correct documentation to support their case.

Candidates should carefully follow the latest instructions applicable to their specific registration pathway.

1. Know the Upcoming Examinations

The DGCA posts examination schedules and other notices.

The Pariksha portal currently provides an Exam Calendar 2026 along with examination notices and other information for prospective candidates.

Students need to locate this information on their own because coachers will not post it.

Notice should be taken of all DGCA notices.

There may be varying requirements for each examination session.

According to the DGCA Examination Manual, Examination Application forms will only be available during the time period stated in the public notice.

It is, therefore, important for students to apply for the examination application forms during the prescribed time.

Candidates should check the official Pariksha portal before every examination session because dates, application windows, examination modes, available seats and other requirements may change.

2. Complete the Relevant Examinations

When the application period opens, candidates may apply for the examination papers of their choice.

Students should have a plan for the examination papers they wish to write.

It is not necessary to write the papers that your peer group is planning to write.

You need to write the papers that relate to your future as an aviation employee.

The current Flight Crew FAQ identifies Flight Crew examination categories including FATA, FDEG, FE, FN and Pilot. Candidates should determine the examination and papers applicable to their intended licence or rating and verify the latest syllabus and requirements before applying.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Various DGCA Preparatory Manuals

Prospective pilot students are required to know several different areas of knowledge to prepare for their DGCA examinations.

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Since the details of what is required vary from one license to another and from one DGCA syllabus to another, the exact areas a student should cover in his/her preparation are left to the student to decide.

However, some of the theory areas related to flying are as follows:

Air Regulations

This subject presents before a student the legal side of flying and the framework of the international and national regulations governing civil aviation.

The topics which are covered in this area include (but are not restricted to) the following:

1. Laws and regulations
2. Licensing
3. Procedures and Services
4. Air Traffic Control
5. Flight Crew Member obligations
6. Other obligations and responsibilities
7. Compliance
8. Flight operations
9. General obligations

This subject involves more than just memorizing unrelated sentences. A pilot should be able to interprete the practical implications of a given regulations to flying.

Air Navigation

This subject deals with the methods and techniques employed by a pilot in flying an aircraft from one location to another and is one of the more important subjects for a student of piloting. This includes methods of plotting and maintaining position on a route.

This subject encompasses (but is not restricted to) the following:

1. Graphs and Charts
2. Position and track
3. Direction and heading
4. Speed and Time
5. Flight distance
6. Wind and Correlated Navigation
7. Communications and Navigation
8. Flight planning
9. Navigation
10. Obstacle navigation

If a student relies on rote learning of navigation, he or she is bound to have problems.

The concept of each of the navigational methods and the rationale for the use of each is important to a student of piloting.

Aviation Meteorology

Meteorological conditions influence flying and a knowledge of the basic principles of meteorology is necessary for the pilots to appreciate the environmental conditions which might affect their flights.

Some key elements of weather prep include:

• Departure conditions
• En route conditions
• Weather at destination
• Atmospheric conditions (stability and turbulence)
• Cloud cover
• Visibility
• Weather systems and fronts
• Aviation weather reports

At first, some aspects of weather and meteorology may seem abstract. To apply what you learn to the real world, consider how various phenomena would affect the operation of a flight you are conducing.

For example, instead of just identifying a specific weather situation, also consider:

• Would this weather cause a delay?
• Would this weather affect takeoff?
• Would this weather cause a diversion?
• Would this weather affect landing?

For more information you can visit out dedicated page for aviation meteorology
https://70knotsaviation.com/course-details/aviation-meteorology

Aircraft General Knowledge

Knowledge of the technical aspects of aircraft can increase a candidate’s understanding when learning to fly. Knowledge of the following areas can be used as part of the training for the issue of a Flight Crew License:

• Airframe
• Engine
• Systems
• Equipment
• Instruments
• Controls
• Systems Integration
• Performance

There are numerous books available describing the principles of flight and other associated areas. Students should ensure they consult the most recent and relevant publications, instruction and directions in preparing for their flight training.

Principles of Flight

The principles of flight cover the theoretical aspects of flight. An understanding of the principles of flight is necessary to gain a full understanding of how an aircraft flies. Some of the principles of flight are counter-intuitive.

Key concepts you will learn to identify and explain include:

• Lift and Drag
• Thrust
• Weight
• Airflow
• Stability and Control
• Stalls
• Aircraft performance
• Aerodynamics

Although learning the above listed topics will give you a clearer understanding of flying, the experience of flying will further enhance your understanding.

It is very important to develop understanding about the concepts related to flying even before taking flying lessons, as this understanding forms the basis of flying an aircraft.

Preparing for DGCA’s Pariksha

Once you go through the subjects, create a course plan reflecting the available time and momentum.

For students looking for structured guidance, DGCA Pariksha exam preparation can help organize subject preparation, revision, question practice, and overall examination planning.

Don’t plan with

“I’ll study all subjects in the next 7 days.”

Preparing for the pilot’s license exam requires you to study the subjects over a period of time.

Divide your preparation into segments of

• Studying the subjects
• Preparing for the tests
• Practicing tests

This provides insight into:

• What you’ve learned
• Which problems you can do
• Which ideas are fuzzy
• What you need to study further

Don’t consider an incorrect response as an overall deficit.

Understanding the reasoning for a mistake in a practice answer is helpful.

Phase 4: Revision

You should begin revising before you believe you’ve finished studying.

Make brief points to memorize:

• Short/long/cryptic phrases
• Terminology
• Legislation
• Navigation/approaches
• Weather
• Aircraft Systems
• Etc.

Your notes should significantly smaller than your study materials.

Stage 10: Examination Application and Fee

During the stipulated time, candidates must submit an online application to the examination authority through the Pariksha portal.

The form for the exam would be available for a certain duration as mentioned in the Public Notice.

According to the current DGCA Flight Crew FAQ, the fee for a Flight Crew Licence online examination is ₹2,500 per paper.

The fee could change; hence, candidates need to check the exact amount being charged as mentioned in the latest Public Notice.

It would always be better to ensure the cost of the exam before making the payment.

Candidates should also retain the relevant application and payment records after completing the examination application.

Stage 11: Admit Card and Examination Preparation

Candidates should become familiar with the procedures concerning their admissions tests and admission of their applications.

Preparing for an admission test means preparing for more than the academic content.

Consider the following:

1. The date and location of the test.
2. The type of ID you will bring.
3. Items you can bring to the test.
4. Your Admission Test permit or Admission Card.
5. The instructions and format of the Test.
6. What you should do when you arrive at the Test Center.

It is better to obtain this information as far in advance as possible.

The day before your test should not be the day you find out that you do not have something that you are required to bring.

The Pariksha portal publishes examination-related notices and admit-card information for applicable sessions. Candidates should check the official portal for the latest instructions applicable to their examination session.

Stage 12: The Examination Day

You must be able to read the instructions. You must be able to manage your time.

Don’t let one hard question ruin your test.

If you get stuck on a question that involves several parts, you can leave it and come back to it later if you think it is allowed.

You must be precise in your answers for science and math questions.

The smallest mistake with any of the following can cause an incorrect answer.

• Units
• Signs
• Decimal Places
• Directions
• Formulae
• Conversions

Practice doing problems with a watch to see how quickly you can do problems is a good way to prepare.

After an admission test, you will be able to see the results of the test and the test history on the Pariksha website.

After logging on to the website, you will be able to see your test history, according to the Flight Crew FAQ.

Your testing history is valuable because it aids in determining which papers you need to prepare, which remain, the status of your prior test attempts, and your overall testing history. Your testing history helps to identify the areas which need work.

Don’t solely rely on captured images which you’ve stored on your phone.

Stay organized with your official examination records.

What happens if you don’t pass a paper?

Not achieving a paper does not automatically discontinue your aviation training/career.

It requires reevaluation of your preparation strategy.

Consider possible reasons for the deficiency, for example:

Did you not understand a concept? Was it poor discipline, and/or distraction, while taking the test? Were your calculations incorrect? Were you not adequately prepared? Was the study material incorrect? Did you suffer from test anxiety? Did you attempt too many subjects? Were you not adequately practicing the types of questions that you’ll see on the test?

Based on the reason for your underachievement, plan and adjust your preparation accordingly.

For example, if your deficiency is in Navigation, it’s likely more practice calculations will assist you. However, if your deficiency is in Meteorology, creating charts and/or diagrams may assist. If your deficiency is in Air Law, it may assist to create a more organized study chart rather than continuing to read the study material.

How to Prepare for DGCA Pariksha if you have no Prior Knowledge

It is understandable to feel overwhelmed with the quantity of information available if you have no prior training or knowledge.

Start with the basics.

Know what type of licence you intend to pursue (PPL, CPL, or ATPL, etc.) and the associated regulations.

Step 2: Know the important requirements

Get familiar with the current DGCA notifications and instructions to the candidates.

Step 3: Know your subjects

Get acquainted with your study areas.

Step 4: Attend formal ground training if needed

Attending formal training can address knowledge gaps.

Step 5: Organize your time

Study consistently and avoid long, unproductive study sessions.

Step 6: Prioritize Question Practice

Don’t procrastinate question practice. Do it daily.

Step 7: Learn from your mistakes

Keep a copy of the questions you get wrong.

Step 8: Cover the study material extensively

Go over the difficult topics.

Step 9: Keep yourself informed

Examine the latest notifications before submitting your application.

Antiquated documents (websites, PDFs, screenshots, social media posts, etc.) may contain outdated information.

The Pariksha website directly tells candidates to disregard archaic information and refer to the latest User Manuals and circulars.

How 70Knots Aviation Assists You With Your DGCA Pariksha

One of the major advantages of enrolling in an online training program is the ability to maintain control over your studying and interact with an unlimited peer group to answer your questions and clarify your doubts.

We, at 70Knots Aviation, are determined to counsel and educate aspiring aviators about various opportunities available in this field.

We help students understand the rationale and logical concepts underlying the field of aviation.

Students will become equipped to address the following during the preparation for their aviation career:

• Aviation laws
• Air Navigation
• Aeronautical Meteorology
• Aircraft Systems
• Principles of Flight
• Other Related Topics
• Clarification of Concepts
• Preparation for the Examinations
• Revision of Concepts
• Practice for Examinations
• Structured Ground Preparation

The objective of the preparation should be to grasp and assimilate the topics which will be helpful in the long run.

A candidate’s knowledge of aviation should extend beyond the four walls of an examination hall.

This knowledge will prove to be beneficial during the candidates’ flight training and will equip the candidate to safely navigate the regulated airspace as a professional aviator.

Become an expert on a single topic.

2nd Block: Question Practice

Once you have learned a topic, practice associated questions.

Always mark questions you answer wrong.

3rd Block: Revision

At the end of the day, review what you studied that day.

4th Block: Error Analysis

Carry a small notebook with you to write down common mistakes you make.

For example:

Navigation

• Using the wrong formula
• Wind correction
• Unit conversion

Meteorology

• Use of confused terminology
• Incomplete process
• Chart interpretation

Regulations

• Similar provisions
• Definition

This book can help you the most while preparing for the exam.

How Long Should the DGCA Pariksha Preparation be?

No set preparation period can work for all students.

Preparation time is determined by:

• Number of subjects covered by examination
• Difficulty level of subject
• Number of hours you study everyday
• Support provided by ground school
• Preparation time in case of repeat attempt
• Understanding of Aviation industry
• Quality of preparation and revision

Students preparing for examination from the beginning need not take same preparation time as students preparing in the end.

Preparation should be aimed at understanding the examination system and covering the syllabus.

Preparing for the DGCA Pariksha (Examination) When Applying for Pilot Training

If you have decided to take pilot training recently, the various examinations may seem daunting.

You do not need to understand the entire system immediately.

Fundamentals of various subjects are sufficient at this stage.

Understand: What is DGCA?

Understand: What is DGCA Pariksha?

Understand: What is Computer Number?

Understand: What license am I doing?

Understand: What are the subjects for my exam?

Understand: What is the scope for improvement for each subject?

This structure will be followed through out the course.

The course is designed for students to learn and understand one aspect of aviation at a time. This structure incorporates everything required to understand and prepare for your long-term career as a pilot.

This course is designed to answer your questions about DGCA Pariksha, however, you will agree that preparing for this examination is an integral part of your pilot training, because it answers legal and regulatory questions essential for your career as a pilot.

This course is designed to build your foundation to become a professional pilot.

Understand: What is DGCA?

Understand: What is DGCA Pariksha?

What is a DGCA Computer Number?

As stated in the official Flight Crew FAQ, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) allots a unique identification number to Flight Crew candidates as Computer Numbers upon approval of the candidates’ applications by the CEO, DGCA. Each candidate is authorized to hold only one Computer Number and the Number is valid for a candidate’s lifetime.

For eligible candidates, DGCA has also introduced an auto-generation facility using DigiLocker-based verification. Candidates should follow the latest public notice and Flight Crew User Manual applicable to their application.

Which subjects should a pilot candidate study for the DGCA exam?

Students should study subjects pertaining to Air Laws and Regulations, Air Navigation, Meteorology and other subjects as determined by the DGCA. Pilot candidates should study the subjects pertaining to Aviation as determined by the DGCA.

Where should students access the latest DGCA instructions, User Manual, and Syllabus?

Students should visit the DGCA Pariksha website (www.pariksha.dgca.gov.in) to access the latest instructions, user manual and syllabus pertaining to DGCA exams.

The official Pariksha portal currently provides the 2026 examination calendar, syllabus information, Flight Crew registration, candidate login and examination-related notices. Candidates should use the latest official information for their specific examination session.

Important 2026 DGCA Pariksha Updates

The DGCA Pariksha system continues to evolve, so students preparing in 2026 should pay attention to official changes rather than following procedures copied from older guides.

One important development is the introduction and expansion of DigiLocker-based Computer Number auto-generation for eligible Flight Crew candidates. As per the DGCA public notice dated 27 April 2026, the facility has been extended to Flight Crew candidates who have passed both Class 10 and 12 examinations from all remaining recognised boards whose data is available in DigiLocker, subject to successful verification.

Eligible candidates must ensure that the Aadhaar number entered in the Pariksha portal exactly matches the data available in DigiLocker. Name, date of birth, marks, address and other particulars may be auto-fetched from DigiLocker. Candidates must also comply with the requirements relating to photograph, signature and other mandatory fields.

Any mismatch or discrepancy may lead to non-generation of the Computer Number by the system.

The current Pariksha portal also provides an Exam Calendar 2026 and continues to publish session-specific examination notices, admit-card information and results. Candidates should therefore check the official portal before applying for an examination rather than depending on older schedules.

The current Flight Crew FAQ confirms that a candidate can have only one Computer Number, that the Computer Number is valid for the candidate’s lifetime, and that the same Computer Number applies across Flight Crew examination categories.

The current Flight Crew FAQ also states that, except for the PPL category, an applicant must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board or university or its equivalent, with detailed requirements subject to the applicable User Manual.

The current FAQ states that the fee for a Flight Crew Licence online examination is ₹2,500 per paper. Candidates should nevertheless verify the applicable fee in the latest Public Notice before making payment.

DGCA also continues to publish information regarding examination schedules, centres, admit cards, results and other examination processes through the Pariksha portal and DGCA website.

For this reason, students should treat the latest DGCA User Manual, Public Notices, examination calendar and instructions on the official Pariksha portal as the primary source of current information.

Understand the process.

Know your goals.

Work your Computer Number.

Register for what you need.

Read your exam papers.

Prep for the right stuff.

Do practice makes perfect?

Be exam alert.

Be ready to apply.

Be ready to push.

Be prepared. Most important, remember, aviation is your profession and discipline is rewarded.

Memorizing some answer to a few questions for an exam doesn’t help in the long run and doesn’t serve the purpose of preparing for the career you’ve set your heart on. Prepare for your career with discipline and serve the reward aviation has in store for you.

70Knots Aviation understands your passion and has committed itself to serving aviation aspirants with ground preparation for a career in aviation.

Purpose is the foundation for your first steps towards the career you’ve set your sights on. Prepare yourself for it on the ground.