DGCA Medicals for Pilots: Complete Guide for Students

If you dream of becoming a pilot in India, the first mandatory step is to clear your DGCA Medical Examination.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensures that every aspiring pilot meets the required health and fitness standards before flying.

At FMS Aviation Academy, we guide students through the entire process—from preparing for DGCA medicals to clearing exams and starting pilot training. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about DGCA Medicals, including eligibility, process, costs, validity, examiners, and preparation tips.

What are DGCA Medicals?

DGCA Medicals are health assessments conducted to ensure that aspiring and licensed pilots are medically fit to operate an aircraft. These tests check physical, mental, and sensory fitness, including vision, hearing, heart, and overall health.

The DGCA mandates two types of medicals for pilots in India:

Class 2 Medical → Required for Student Pilot License (SPL).
Class 1 Medical → Required for Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and higher licenses.

Types of DGCA Medicals

1. DGCA Class 2 Medical

Who needs it? Students applying for SPL.
Where to get it done? Approved Class 2 medical examiners across India.
Tests include:
- Basic physical examination
- Blood & urine tests
- Vision and hearing tests
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Chest X-ray (sometimes required)
Validity: 2 years (up to age 40), then 1 year

2. DGCA Class 1 Medical

Who needs it? Anyone applying for CPL or airline pilot training.
Where to get it done? DGCA empaneled hospitals like AFCME (New Delhi), IAM (Bangalore), MEC (East) Kolkata, and IAM (IAF).
Tests include:
- Detailed physical examination
- Ophthalmology (vision, color perception, depth perception)
- ENT check (hearing, balance)
- ECG & treadmill test (cardiac health)
- Chest X-ray
- Ultrasound abdomen
- Blood sugar, hemogram, liver/kidney function tests
- Psychological evaluation (sometimes)
Validity:
- Under 40 years: 1 year
- Above 40 years: 6 months

Step-by-Step Process of DGCA Medical Examination

Class 2 Medical Process

Book an appointment with a DGCA-approved Class 2 medical examiner.
Carry documents: Aadhaar, 2 passport photos, 10th certificate (for DOB), medical forms.
Undergo basic tests (blood, urine, ECG, eye, ENT).
Examiner uploads results to DGCA portal.
DGCA issues CML (Computer Number Medical Assessment).

Class 1 Medical Process

Apply on DGCA eGCA portal for Class 1 appointment.
Choose an approved DGCA center (AFCME, IAM Bangalore, MEC Kolkata, etc.).
Appear with all medical reports, ID, and Class 2 certificate.
Undergo complete fitness checkup (detailed tests).
DGCA uploads results → If fit, you receive your Class 1 Medical Certificate.

Eligibility for DGCA Medicals

Age: Minimum 16 years for Class 2 (SPL), 18 years for CPL.
Vision: 6/6 (can wear corrective glasses/contact lenses), no color blindness.
Hearing: Normal conversational range.
Fitness: Acceptable BMI, no major chronic illness (like epilepsy, heart disease, psychiatric disorders).
Documents Required:
- 10th/12th mark sheet (DOB proof)
- Aadhaar / Passport (ID proof)
- Passport-size photos
- Previous medical certificate (if renewal)

Cost of DGCA Medicals

Class 2 Medical: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (depending on examiner & city)
Class 1 Medical: ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 (hospital-based)
(Travel and additional tests may cost extra)

Validity of DGCA Medical Certificates

Class 2 Medical:
- Up to age 40 → Valid for 24 months
- Above 40 → Valid for 12 months
Class 1 Medical:
- Up to age 40 → Valid for 12 months
- Above 40 → Valid for 6 months

Pilots must renew medicals on time to keep their licenses active.

DGCA Approved Medical Centers & Examiners

Class 2: Over 50 DGCA-approved private examiners across India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.)
Class 1: Conducted only at authorized DGCA centers like:
- AFCME (Air Force Central Medical Establishment), New Delhi
- IAM (Institute of Aerospace Medicine), Bangalore
- MEC (East), Kolkata

Common Reasons for Rejection in DGCA Medicals

Color blindness
Severe vision defects not corrected with lenses
Hearing loss
Diabetes with complications
Psychiatric disorders (depression, epilepsy, bipolar)
Cardiac issues (abnormal ECG, hypertension)
Drug/alcohol dependence

How to Prepare for DGCA Medicals

✔ Get an eye check-up in advance (especially color vision).
✔ Maintain a healthy BMI (avoid overweight issues).
✔ Avoid alcohol/smoking 72 hours before tests.
✔ Get a routine blood check-up done to rule out surprises.
✔ Carry all necessary documents neatly arranged.

What Happens If You Fail DGCA Medicals?

Temporary Unfit: Minor issues (e.g., overweight, high BP) → You can retest after correction.
Permanent Unfit: Serious medical conditions (e.g., color blindness, epilepsy) → Cannot pursue pilot license.

At FMS Aviation Academy, our counselors guide students through reapplication or alternative aviation careers in case of medical challenges.

DGCA Medicals vs FAA/EASA Medicals

DGCA Medicals: Governed by Indian regulations.
FAA Medicals (USA): Class 1, 2, and 3 (slightly different standards).
EASA Medicals (Europe): Class 1 & 2, similar but stricter in some areas.

How FMS Aviation Academy Helps You

Guidance on booking DGCA medical appointments.
Pre-medical counseling (check vision, BMI, health readiness).
Assistance in documentation and DGCA portal process.
Training roadmap after clearing DGCA Class 2 & 1 medicals.
24/7 student support + webinars for medical prep.

Clearing DGCA Medicals is the foundation of your journey to becoming a pilot in India. With the right preparation, guidance, and support, it can be a smooth process. At FMS Aviation Academy, we ensure our students are medically fit, well-prepared, and confident before stepping into the cockpit.

Ready to start your pilot journey?

Contact FMS Aviation Academy today to get step-by-step guidance on DGCA Medicals and Pilot Training.