DGCA Exam Syllabus: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Pilots in India

DGCA Exam Syllabus 2025, Subject-Wise CPL & PPL Syllabus

✈️ What is the DGCA Exam?

If you're dreaming of becoming a commercial or private pilot in India, the DGCA exams are your first major milestone. Conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), these exams test your theoretical knowledge before you take command in the cockpit.

There are different exams for:

• CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence)

• PPL (Private Pilot Licence)

• ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot Licence)

In this blog, we'll focus on the CPL and PPL syllabi, which are the most common starting points.

🧠 DGCA CPL Exam Syllabus (Commercial Pilot Licence)

The DGCA CPL exams are divided into the following five core subjects:

1. Air Navigation

This subject tests your ability to plan and manage flight routes.

• General Navigation

• Radio Navigation

• Instrumentation

• Flight Planning

• Use of navigation charts

• Position plotting and ETA calculation

• Compass systems

2. Air Regulations

Focuses on rules and regulations that govern aviation.

• ICAO rules

• DGCA rules

• Airspace classification

• VFR & IFR operations

• ATC procedures

• Licensing requirements

3. Meteorology

Understanding the weather is essential for every pilot.

• Atmospheric composition

• Pressure systems

• Wind patterns

• Fronts and clouds

• Thunderstorms and icing

• METARs and TAFs

• Weather interpretation and decision-making

4. Technical General

This subject covers aircraft systems and basic aerodynamics.

• Aircraft structures and controls

• Principles of flight

• Electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems

• Landing gear and brakes

• Aircraft instruments

• Jet engines and propellers

5. Technical Specific

This varies based on the type of aircraft you're training on.

• Systems and performance of your training aircraft (e.g., Cessna 172, Diamond DA40)

• Emergency procedures

• Flight manual knowledge

• Fuel system and electricals specific to the aircraft

6. RTR(A) – Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical)

Although not conducted by DGCA, this WPC exam is essential. It has:

• Part 1: Written & practical (radio transmission)

• Part 2: Viva (ATC phraseology, aviation communication)

🛩️ DGCA PPL Exam Syllabus (Private Pilot Licence)

The PPL exam has similar subjects but in a simplified form.

Subjects:

1. Air Navigation – Basic flight planning, compass use, maps.

2. Air Regulations – Rules for private flying and VFR operations.

3. Meteorology – Focused on basic weather reading and decision-making.

4. Technical General – Understanding of piston aircraft systems.

5. Aircraft and Engines – Type-specific questions on aircraft used in training.

Note: PPL students also need to clear the RTR(A) exam.

Recommended Books to Prepare

We’re not promoting any specific brands, but here are the types of books and study materials that help:

• DGCA previous year question papers

• ICAO and DGCA regulations handbooks

• Meteorology and Navigation textbooks

• Aircraft POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook)

• Online practice platforms (or courses like Skylok Ground School)

📅 DGCA Exam Pattern and Passing Marks

• Mode: Online (computer-based test)

• Questions: Objective (MCQs)

• Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours per paper

• Passing Marks: Minimum 70% in each subject

🧭 Tips to Approach the Syllabus

1. Follow a structured study plan – Don't mix subjects randomly.

2. Practice MCQs regularly – DGCA repeats question patterns often.

3. Use mind maps and visual charts – Especially for Navigation and Weather.

4. Focus on concept clarity – Rote learning won’t help in oral exams.

5. Stay updated – Rules and procedures may change, so always refer to the latest DGCA circulars.

💡 Did You Know?

Many students ignore Technical Specific until the last moment. But this subject is aircraft-specific, and scoring well here shows your understanding of the actual aircraft you fly.

🧑‍🏫 Skylok Aviation Ground School – For Serious Aspirants

If you're looking for structured online coaching, exam strategy, or help with any weak subject, Skylok’s Ground School has custom modules for each subject. You can explore it at skyave.graphy.com

📌 Final Thoughts

The DGCA syllabus is vast but not impossible. With proper planning, the right books, and consistent practice, you can clear all subjects on your first attempt. Understanding the syllabus is the first step toward your pilot journey.

Fly high, stay focused, and prepare smartly.