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Ground school

Ground school is the classroom side of becoming a pilot. You study how flying works, then pass DGCA written exams. You need them to get a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

Your steps

  1. 1Get a Class 2 medical
  2. 2Get your eGCA Computer Number
  3. 3Study
  4. 4Book your DGCA exam
  5. 5Pass

You need a Computer Number at age 16 or older before you sit the written papers. It is not needed for the Student Pilot Licence (SPL).

Source: CAR Sec 7 Series B Part I, Issue III Rev 2, §6.1

A Class 2 medical is what you need for the SPL and to start training. You need a Class 1 medical for the CPL.

Source: CAR Sec 7 Series C Part I, Issue II Rev 7, §2.4.1–2.4.2

The 5 CPL papers

Air Navigation

Aviation Meteorology

Air Regulation

Technical General

Technical Specific

Pass mark is 70% in each paper. Passes stay valid for 5 years for a CPL.

Which paper first?

Aircraft & Engines (Technical) must be passed before the skill test.

Source: Aircraft Rules 1937, Schedule II Sec A ¶6(b)

Air Navigation and Aviation Meteorology must be passed before solo cross-country flights, which are an SPL privilege.

Source: Aircraft Rules 1937, Schedule II Sec B

Source: CAR Sec 7 Series B Part I, Issue III Rev 2, §5.1(e), §5.6, §6.7

Radio licence (RTR-A)

RTR(A): the radio licence

You need it when your CPL is issued. DGCA now runs it under the RTR Rules 2025. Written exam: pass at 70%, valid 3 years. Practical exam: pass at 50%.

Source: Needed at CPL issue: Aircraft Rules 1937, Schedule II Sec J ¶1(g). RTR now under DGCA: CAR Sec 7 Series G Part VI, Issue I; RTR Rules 2025 (GSR 413(E))

English

English Language Proficiency

Pilots need ICAO Level 4 (Operational) at minimum.

Source: CAR Section 7 Series G Part III (Aviation English)

Where to study

Study online with SkyBrief: coming soon. Not available yet.

Many flying schools also run ground classes.

See the flying school directory
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