DGCA Pilot Ground Exams Explained
India's DGCA tests pilot knowledge through subject-wise theory papers. Here is what each exam covers, how the pass mark works and where to book, written by a DGCA ground instructor.
Written by Nikunj Kariya, DGCA ground instructor at TrueHeading
Updated 9 October 2026
The short version
- DGCA tests pilot theory subject by subject. You clear each paper on its own.
- The pass mark commonly reported by training providers is 70% per subject. Always confirm on the official notices.
- Exams are booked on DGCA's PARIKSHA portal with your DGCA Computer Number.
- CPL candidates take Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General and Technical Specific, plus RTR(A) for the radio licence.
Check the official source. DGCA rules, fees, dates and syllabus change. This guide is a study aid written by a ground instructor, not an official notice. Confirm current details on the official DGCA website and the PARIKSHA portal. Last reviewed 9 October 2026.
DGCA pilot exams at a glance
| Exam | What it covers | How TrueHeading helps |
|---|---|---|
| CPL ground exams | Five subject papers: Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, Technical Specific. | Classes and practice for the first four, and Radio Telephony alongside. |
| RTR(A) | Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical): ICAO radio phraseology and procedures, needed for the radio licence. | The Radio Telephony class covers phraseology, readbacks, radio principles and emergency calls. |
| PPL ground exams | Theory papers at private-pilot level. Check the current DGCA syllabus for the exact papers. | The core ideas overlap with the CPL subjects. Ask Nikunj about your case. |
| ATPL ground exams | Airline transport pilot theory at a higher level than CPL. Check the current DGCA syllabus. | The CPL subjects are a foundation. TrueHeading's classes are built around CPL. |
The DGCA CPL ground exam subjects
The CPL theory exams are five separate papers. Four of them are taught in the TrueHeading course; the fifth is specific to your aircraft type.
Technical Specific covers the specific aircraft type you train on, so it comes from your flying school's type material. TrueHeading does not teach it.
RTR(A): the radio telephony exam
Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical), usually written RTR(A), is the exam for the licence to operate an aircraft radio. It tests standard ICAO phraseology, readbacks, radio principles and emergency communications.
The exam was historically run by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Ministry of Communications. Reports say DGCA took it over from November 2025. Because the process has been changing, check the PARIKSHA portal and the official DGCA website for the current format, dates and registration steps.
Radio Telephony is a spoken skill, so TrueHeading teaches it live. See the Radio Telephony (RTR) class.
How to book a DGCA exam
- Get your DGCA Computer Number. You need it to register for any exam.
- Log in to the PARIKSHA portal. This is where DGCA publishes exam schedules and takes registrations.
- Choose your subject and slot, then pay the fee. Dates, centres and fees are set by DGCA and change, so follow the portal.
Prepare with TrueHeading
Whichever DGCA exam you are taking, the same habit works: learn the idea, practise it by topic, then test yourself on timed papers. These pages help:
Common questions
Which DGCA exams do CPL students take?
CPL candidates clear subject-wise theory papers: Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General and Technical Specific. They also need the RTR(A) radio telephony exam for the radio licence.
What is the pass mark in DGCA ground exams?
Training providers commonly report a pass mark of 70% in each subject, and each subject is cleared on its own. Confirm the current rule on the official DGCA notices.
Where do I book DGCA exams?
DGCA exams are booked through the PARIKSHA portal using your DGCA Computer Number. Dates, fees and centres are published there.
Who conducts the RTR(A) exam?
RTR(A) was historically conducted by the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) wing of the Ministry of Communications. Reports say DGCA took the exam over from November 2025, so check PARIKSHA and the DGCA website for the current process.
Does TrueHeading teach Technical Specific?
No. Technical Specific is about the specific aircraft type you train on, so it is usually learned from your flying school's type material. TrueHeading teaches Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General and Radio Telephony.
Does TrueHeading teach PPL or ATPL subjects?
TrueHeading's classes are built around the CPL ground subjects. Many of the underlying ideas overlap with PPL and ATPL theory, but ask Nikunj before you enrol for a specific licence.