DGCA “Entrance Exam” Explained: What It Actually Is and How to Register on PARIKSHA

First things first: there is no one “DGCA entrance exam”

For pilots, the DGCA runs subject-wise flight crew theory papers (Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, Technical, etc.) through its online portal PARIKSHA. You get a Computer Number, apply in announced sessions or OLODE (online on-demand), sit papers at DGCA centres, and need 70 percent to pass. The legal basis sits under the Aircraft Rules, 1937 (Schedule II), and the exam workflow is documented on PARIKSHA.

What counts as the “DGCA exam” for pilots?

Flight crew theory papers (CPL, ATPL, etc.) conducted online via PARIKSHA since Oct 2018. The Flight Crew User Manual confirms the online mode and process.
Subjects for CPL include Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical General, Technical Specific (aircraft/system), with ATPL testing advanced Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology and Radio Aids/Instrumentation. The knowledge areas derive from Schedule II and Section 7 CARs.
Pass mark: DGCA result sheets show PASS at 70/100 for flight crew papers (e.g., May 2025 results).

Eligibility — the baseline you’ll see in official FAQs

10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (not required for PPL; required for CPL/ATPL tracks). DGCA’s Flight Crew FAQ states the 10+2 requirement, and there’s no maximum age to register on PARIKSHA.
Rule basis: DGCA conducts Flight Crew Licence exams under Rule 41A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
Heads-up on policy chatter: News reports in May 2025 covered a proposal to broaden CPL eligibility beyond science streams. As of now, treat this as pending until the Ministry formally notifies a change.

Fees, sessions, and OLODE (on-demand)

Regular session fee: ₹2,500 per paper (non-refundable). DGCA’s Flight Crew FAQ and the Computer Number FAQ state the amount.
OLODE fee: ₹5,000 per paper (on-demand exam). Confirmed in DGCA’s Computer Number FAQ; early coverage also noted the higher OLODE fee.
When do sessions happen? DGCA posts windows, centres, and notices on the PARIKSHA Notice Board. Always follow the live notice over third-party calendars.

Centres, schedules, and where to look

Everything time-sensitive—application windows, centre lists, admitted candidates, results—lands on the PARIKSHA home/Notice Board. Keep those bookmarked and refresh around application periods.

Step-by-step: how to register and apply

Create a PARIKSHA account and get a Computer Number
- Fill your profile and upload documents per the Flight Crew User Manual.
- If you studied outside standard boards, keep equivalency proof handy.
- Watch for approval—your Computer Number is your unique ID for all exams.
Track the Notice Board
- Note application windows, exam calendar, and any special instructions for that session.
Apply for papers and pay the fee
- Select your licence category and subject papers, choose preferred centres, and pay via the portal.
- DGCA FAQs confirm ₹2,500 per paper (regular) and ₹5,000 for OLODE. Fees are not refundable.
Download your admit card and carry ID as per instructions.
- Read “Instructions to Candidates” on PARIKSHA carefully before test day.
Sit the exam — online, at the allotted DGCA centre.
- Flight Crew exams have been computer-based since Oct 2018.
Results
- Results are uploaded to PARIKSHA. You’ll see PASS at 70/100 in official result PDFs; plan re-attempts accordingly.

What each CPL paper actually tests?

Air Regulations — rules of the air, licensing privileges/limitations, flight planning responsibilities, standard procedures.
Aviation Meteorology — atmosphere, weather systems, thunderstorms, fog, operational weather interpretation and decision-making.
Air Navigation — planning, dead-reckoning, radio navigation, performance & planning, human factors in navigation decisions.
Technical General — engines, systems, instruments, performance, limitations.
Technical Specific — the actual aircraft you’re training on: systems, limitations, normal/abnormal procedures.

These map to the Schedule II knowledge areas and the detailed syllabi under Section 7/CAR.

OLODE vs regular: which should you pick?

Regular sessions are best if you’re pacing with a batch or coaching schedule.
OLODE can be useful when you’re ready off-cycle and want an earlier attempt—just budget for the ₹5,000 per paper fee and check city availability. Refer to the Computer Number FAQ and current notices before you plan.

Documents and common rejection reasons

Follow the Flight Crew User Manual file specs for photo/signature/ID—mismatches are the most common cause of Computer Number rejection.
Keep 10+2 Physics & Maths proof (or equivalency) crystal clear and legible.
Use the Help Desk → Raise Query link on PARIKSHA if you’re stuck.

Smart prep that actually moves the needle

Study to the rulebook — build your plan around Schedule II topics, then use reliable texts and mocks. The rule text is your anchor.
Aim above the line — target 75–80 percent on mocks before booking; it buffers against topic bias. The pass bar is 70 percent.
Calendar discipline — don’t rely on hearsay; keep the Notice Board tab pinned and set reminders for form windows.

Bottom line

When someone says “DGCA entrance exam,” what they really mean is the flight crew theory system on PARIKSHA. Get your Computer Number, apply in regular sessions or OLODE, budget fees correctly, and study to the Schedule II/Section 7 blueprint. Keep Notice Board alerts on, and you’ll turn a fuzzy phrase into a crisp, verifiable plan.

Want me to proceed to “IndiGo Pilot Requirements (India)” next, with only airline/DGCA pages as the primary sources and a concise comparison for cadet vs direct-entry?

Frequently asked questions

Is there a single “DGCA entrance exam” for pilots?

No. You register on PARIKSHA, get a Computer Number, and sit subject-wise flight crew papers (CPL/ATPL).

Where do I check eligibility rules?

Start with DGCA’s Flight Crew FAQ for the 10+2 Physics & Maths baseline and Schedule II for licence knowledge/experience requirements.

How much is the fee per paper?

₹2,500 per paper for regular sessions; ₹5,000 per paper for OLODE (on-demand). Not refundable.

What’s the pass mark?

DGCA result PDFs show PASS at 70/100 for CPL subjects.

Where do I find dates and centres?

On the PARIKSHA Notice Board: session notices, centre lists, admitted candidate lists, results.

Is the “non-science CPL” headline true?

As of today, it’s a proposal reported by newspapers; it requires formal approval/notification. Treat it as pending until DGCA/MoCA publishes official changes.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, applicants are advised to refer to the official DGCA Pariksha portal and consult authorized professionals or aviation training institutions for guidance tailored to their specific cases. Wing Path and the authors are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from misinterpretation or misapplication of the information provided.