The journey to becoming a commercial pilot begins long before you step into a cockpit. It starts with clearing the theoretical exams conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation authority that regulates pilot training and licensing in India.
These DGCA exams cover essential subjects such as air navigation, meteorology, air regulations, aircraft technical knowledge, and other key areas of aviation theory. Together, they build the foundation every pilot needs to understand how aircraft operate, how flights are planned and managed, how weather affects flying, and how aviation rules keep operations safe.
Strong theoretical knowledge not only helps you pass the DGCA exams but also makes flying training smoother and more effective. It ensures that when you eventually take control of an aircraft, you do so with the right understanding, confidence, and decision-making skills.
DGCA ground classes are structured classroom sessions that teach the theoretical subjects required to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in India. These classes follow the official DGCA syllabus and prepare students for the written examinations conducted by the aviation authority.
The training focuses on building conceptual understanding, solving exam-oriented questions, and developing the precision needed to clear each subject. During ground classes, you learn how to read aviation charts, interpret weather information, plan flight routes, follow air traffic regulations, and understand the working of different aircraft systems.
Think of ground classes as the academic foundation of your pilot training. Just as a building needs a strong base before construction, every pilot needs solid theoretical knowledge before stepping into the cockpit.
Here’s a breakdown of the main subjects you will study during your CPL ground classes.
This subject covers the rules, laws, and standard operating procedures that govern the aviation industry. You’ll learn about airspace classifications, licensing requirements, flight rules, air traffic control services, and international conventions that maintain safety and order in the skies.
Air Navigation focuses on how pilots plan and follow a flight path from one location to another. It includes navigation techniques, map reading, use of instruments, position fixing, radio aids, and calculations involving distance, time, speed, payload, and fuel.
Weather plays a major role in aviation safety. This subject helps you understand the atmosphere, weather patterns, cloud formation, pressure systems, wind behavior, and how to interpret meteorological charts and reports used in flight planning and operations.
Technical General introduces you to the structure, systems, and functioning of aircraft. You’ll learn about engines, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, flight instruments, and basic aerodynamics, all essential for understanding how an aircraft operates.
Technical Specific focuses on the systems, performance, and limitations of the particular aircraft type, like Cessna 172, Piper Archer, Cessna 152, or Diamond DA-42, you will train on during your flying course. This subject ensures you understand the unique features, handling characteristics, and performance of the aircraft you’ll operate.
RTR focuses on standard radio communication procedures used between pilots and air traffic controllers. You’ll learn correct phraseology, communication protocols, and practical radio skills essential for safe and efficient flight operations.
Note: Students planning to complete their flying training abroad and convert a foreign licence into an Indian CPL are required to clear four DGCA subjects.
Air Navigation
Aviation Meteorology
Air Regulations
Radio Telephony (RTR)
However, students who plan to complete their training in India must clear all DGCA ground training subjects.
Before you start your ground classes and register for DGCA exams, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements. Meeting these conditions is the first step toward becoming a commercial pilot in India.
You must have completed 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board.
Note: DGCA is planning to remove the mandatory requirement of having Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. However, this proposal is still in draft stage and pending approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation at the time of writing.
You must be at least 16 years old to begin pilot training and 18 years old to apply for a Commercial Pilot License.
Before you can appear for DGCA exams, you must obtain a Computer Number from DGCA.
A Computer Number is a unique identification number issued to every student pilot by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It acts as your permanent reference ID for all DGCA exams, results, and licensing records throughout your aviation career. You will use this number whenever you register for written papers or submit documents related to your pilot licence.
The application for a Computer Number is submitted online through the DGCA Pariksha portal. You’ll need to upload academic documents, identity proof, photographs, and signature samples for verification. It’s a one-time process, and once issued, the number remains valid for life.
Tip: SkyPro Aviation recommends completing your Class 2 Medical before you start preparing for DGCA exams. Getting medically tested ensures your overall health meets standards and helps avoid delays later in training.
Each commercial pilot training subject has a defined syllabus and pattern set by DGCA.
Note: The syllabus for Radio Telephony (RTR) is currently being updated. It was previously conducted by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, but the responsibility has now shifted fully under DGCA.
All DGCA ground exams are conducted digitally at designated examination centres. Students are assigned a computer at the centre, where the questions appear on screen and answers are submitted electronically. Each subject is tested separately, and you can appear for them individually based on your preparation.
Computer-based online test at authorised DGCA centres
Multiple choice
70% in each subject
No limit on the number of attempts
| Subject | Approx. No. of Questions | Duration | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Regulations | 50 | 2 hours | 2 | 100 |
| Air Navigation | 100 | 3 hours | 1 | 100 |
| Meteorology | 50 | 1.5 hours | 2 | 100 |
| Technical General | 100 | 2.5 hours | 1 | 100 |
| Technical Specific | 50 | 1.5 hours | 2 | 100 |
All DGCA ground exams are conducted digitally at designated examination centres. Students are assigned a computer at the centre, where the questions appear on screen and answers are submitted electronically. Each subject is tested separately, and you can appear for them individually based on your preparation.
| Subject | Approx. No. of Questions | Duration | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Regulations | 50 | 2 hours | 2 | 100 |
| Air Navigation | 100 | 3 hours | 1 | 100 |
| Meteorology | 50 | 1.5 hours | 2 | 100 |
| Technical General | 100 | 2.5 hours | 1 | 100 |
| Technical Specific | 50 | 1.5 hours | 2 | 100 |
One of the most common doubts aspiring pilots have is whether they need to give all DGCA exams for CPL, and the answer depends on where you plan to complete your flying training.
If you choose to complete your flying training in India, you must clear all six DGCA ground subjects before applying for a Commercial Pilot Licence. This includes:
If you plan to do your flying training abroad and then convert your foreign licence into an Indian CPL, the requirements are slightly different. You are required to clear only four DGCA subjects before or during the conversion process.
Note:- The syllabus and exam pattern for Radio Telephony are currently being updated. As per available information, RTR will be conducted in two parts:
If you complete your flight training in a Commonwealth country (such as South Africa, New Zealand, or Canada) or the Philippines, you are only required to appear for Part 2.
If you complete your training in a non-Commonwealth country (such as the USA), you must clear both Part 1 and Part 2.
Ground classes are the starting point of every pilot’s journey. They build the theoretical foundation you’ll rely on during flight training and throughout your career. Completing them before stepping into a cockpit is highly recommended.
Here’s why completing DGCA ground classes before flying training is so important
Choosing the right DGCA ground school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your pilot training journey. At SkyPro Aviation, we focus on building strong fundamentals, exam readiness, and real-world understanding so that you can start your flying training fully prepared and confident.
Here’s why SkyPro is the trusted choice for DGCA ground classes: