Start with the medical
Before you spend on training, get your medical done. DGCA-approved medical examiners carry out the assessments, and a commercial licence needs a Class 1 medical. A problem found early costs far less than one found after months of flying.
Register with DGCA
Pilot licensing in India runs through DGCA’s online system, eGCA. You create a profile there, and your exams, medicals and licence applications follow from it.
Theory exams
DGCA tests your knowledge in subjects such as air navigation, meteorology, air regulations and aircraft technical knowledge. Many students prepare at a ground school while they wait to start flying, or alongside it.
The radio licence moved to DGCA
The Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) licence, RTR(A), used to be conducted by the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing of the Ministry of Communications. Responsibility has moved to DGCA, with full implementation reported from November 2025 (AFM). Check the current process on eGCA before you book a slot.
Flying hours
A CPL for aeroplanes needs at least 200 hours of flight time as a pilot, a requirement set in the Aircraft Rules and cited by the Delhi High Court in 2026. Within those hours the rules set minimums for flying as pilot in command, cross-country, instrument and night flying. Your flight school will plan your hours against the current CAR.
Most of these hours are flown at a DGCA-approved flying training organisation (FTO). Our flight school directory lists every approved FTO with its DGCA ranking and bases. Read how to choose a flight school before you sign up.
After the CPL
A CPL alone does not let you fly an airliner. Airline pilots also need a type rating on the specific aircraft, which airlines often arrange through cadet programmes or require you to fund. Some pilots build experience first in instructing, charter or other commercial flying. Our directory of airlines and charter operators shows who flies what in India.
A realistic checklist
- Class 1 medical from a DGCA-approved examiner.
- eGCA profile created.
- Theory exams planned and passed.
- RTR(A) through the current DGCA process.
- At least 200 hours of flight time, with the minimums your FTO tracks for you.
- Licence application through eGCA.
Common questions
How many flying hours are needed for a CPL in India?
At least 200 hours of flight time as a pilot of an aeroplane, with minimum hours in specific categories such as pilot in command, cross-country, instrument and night flying. Check the current DGCA CAR for the breakdown.
Who conducts the RTR(A) exam now?
Responsibility has moved from the Ministry of Communications’ WPC wing to DGCA, with full implementation reported from November 2025.
Does a CPL let me fly for an airline?
Not on its own. Airlines also need a type rating on the aircraft you will fly, and they run their own selection.
Sources
- eGCA, DGCA online services
- Delhi High Court judgment citing the CPL flight-time requirement (2026)
- AFM: DGCA to take over RTR(A) exam from November 2025
General information, checked against the sources above on the date published. It is not legal, regulatory or medical advice. Rules change, so confirm with DGCA or the relevant authority before acting.