DGCA Exam Syllabus 2025 – Complete Guide for CPL Students in India

Planning to become a commercial pilot in India? One of your first goals will be to clear the DGCA theory exams, a vital step in your journey toward earning a CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence).

But what exactly do you need to study?

In this blog, we’ve covered the complete and latest syllabus for DGCA exams in 2025, including core subjects, exam structure, and important tips for CPL aspirants.

How Many DGCA Exams Are There for CPL?

There are six theory subjects related to your CPL:

1. Air Navigation

2. Air Meteorology

3. Air Regulation

4. Technical General

5. Technical Specific (added later during CPL application)

6. RTR (Aero) (conducted by WPC, not DGCA)

📌 Most students focus first on the 4 core DGCA subjects + RTR.
The Technical Specific paper is required at the time of CPL issue and is based on the aircraft you trained on (e.g., Cessna 172, DA40).

1. Air Navigation – Syllabus

Focuses on route planning, instruments, and aircraft positioning.

Topics include:

• Time-speed-distance calculations

• Wind triangle, magnetic variation, compass deviation

• Charts, navigation logbooks

• Instrument use: VOR, ADF, DME, GNSS

• Flight computers and planning

• ICAO procedures for en-route navigation

Tip: Practice flight computer problems (E6B or CR-3).

2. Air Meteorology – Syllabus

Deals with how the weather affects flight and safety.

Topics include:

• Structure and composition of the atmosphere

• Pressure, temperature, and humidity

• Cloud types and precipitation

• Wind types, jet streams, turbulence

• METAR, TAF, SIGMET decoding

• Thunderstorms, icing, fog, and visibility

Tip: METAR and TAF decoding is often tested.

3. Air Regulation – Syllabus

Focuses on aviation laws, ICAO rules, and flight operations.

Topics include:

• ICAO annexes, Indian Aircraft Rules

• Airspace classifications and VFR/IFR rules

• Minimum safe altitudes and right-of-way

• ATC procedures, wake turbulence

• Flight documentation and pilot licensing rules

• Radio procedures and emergency communication

Tip: This subject is short and highly scoring — finish it first.

4. Technical General – Syllabus

Explains how aircraft systems and engines work.

Topics include:

• Piston vs turbine engines

• Propeller systems, carburettors, ignition

• Fuel, oil, and cooling systems

• Flight instruments and avionics

• Electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems

• Aerodynamics and aircraft structures

• Landing gear, brakes, and fire detection

Tip: Focus on conceptual understanding, not rote memorisation.

5. Technical Specific – Syllabus Overview

This subject is aircraft-specific and required at the time of CPL issue.

You’ll study systems of the actual aircraft you trained on, such as:

• Cessna 152/172

• Diamond DA-40

• Tecnam P2006T

Topics include:

• Detailed aircraft systems

• Emergency procedures

• Limitations and performance

• Checklists and cockpit layout

Tip: Usually covered during or after flight training. Not required in early DGCA exam stages.

6. RTR (Aero) – Syllabus

Although not a DGCA subject, RTR-Aero is essential to hold a CPL. It is conducted by the WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination Wing).

Structure:

• Part 1: Practical radio communication test

• Part 2: Oral viva on procedures and regulations

Topics include:

• Standard ATC phrases

• Radio call formats, distress signals

• Lost communication procedures

• Aircraft station licensing

• Phraseology for departures, arrivals, en route, and emergencies

Tip: Practice daily with real ATC samples or under instructor guidance.

Where to Download the Official DGCA Syllabus PDFs

You can access the latest syllabi from the official DGCA portal: https://dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal

Navigate to:
Training → Pilot Licensing → Syllabus (Subject-wise PDFs)

Always verify that your books and classes match the official outline

Cracking DGCA exams requires focus, correct material, and smart preparation. With 6 subjects to handle (4 core + RTR + Technical Specific), planning your study timeline early is key.

At Skylok Aviation, we ensure our students are:

• Taught strictly as per the DGCA syllabus

• Trained with regular MCQ practice

• Guided for RTR and Technical Specific as well

If you're just starting out, begin with the 4 main subjects, schedule RTR prep separately, and let TS come in once your flying starts.

Your CPL journey starts with the syllabus, but finishes with discipline.