Get Your India Pilot License
Complete DGCA India guide for PPL — Schedule II / CAR Section 7: cost, hours, theory exams, medical, and how to convert from foreign licenses. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Cost & key data
| PPL — Schedule II / CAR Section 7 cost | ₹6 – 10 lakh (USD $7,000 – $12,000) |
| Minimum flight hours | 40 h |
| Theory study (typical) | 250 h |
| Medical class | Class 2 Medical (IAF / DGCA-empanelled) |
| Knowledge test | DGCA PPL Theory — 6 papers |
| Minimum age | 17 years |
| License validity | Lifetime; class/type rating revalidated every 12 months |
| Working language(s) | English |
| Drone authorisation | DGCA Remote Pilot Certificate (Small UAS) (UAS Rules 2021 — Drone Pilot Certificate (DGCA-DPC)) |
| Average training time | 12 months full-time |
Step-by-step path to your DGCA India license
Average completion: 12 months full-time.
- Step 1Pass the medical
Obtain a Class 2 Medical (IAF / DGCA-empanelled). The medical certificate must be current before you can fly solo.
- Step 2Theory study & ground school
Complete approximately 250 hours of ground theory covering air law, navigation, meteorology, principles of flight, communications, and human factors.
- Step 3Fly the required 40 hours
Log a minimum of 40 flight hours with a certified instructor at an DGCA India-approved flight school. Includes solo cross-country flights.
- Step 4Pass the knowledge test
DGCA PPL Theory — 6 papers — Air Regulation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Aircraft & Engines, Composite, RTR(A); 70% per paper.
- Step 5Pass the skill test (checkride)
Complete an end-of-course practical exam with an DGCA India examiner. Once passed, your PPL — Schedule II / CAR Section 7 is issued.
License classes issued by DGCA India
- Student Pilot Licence (SPL)
- Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
- ATPL
- DGCA Drone Pilot — Nano / Micro / Small / Medium / Large
India drone license under DGCA India
Drone authority
UAS Rules 2021 — Drone Pilot Certificate (DGCA-DPC)
Test format
Theory + practical at a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO); ~7 days; license issued via DigitalSky platform
Maximum altitude
400 ft AGL
Renewal cycle: every 10 years. See the worldwide drone pilot hub for country-by-country comparisons.
How DGCA India compares to FAA & EASA
Compare with other worldwide authorities
DGCA India pilot license — frequently asked questions
How much does a DGCA CPL cost in India?
Total CPL investment is typically ₹35–55 lakh including 200 hours, 6 papers, type-rating preparation, and exams. The PPL stage alone is ₹6–10 lakh.
What is RTR(A)?
Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeronautical) — a separate WPC certificate required to operate aircraft radios in India. Usually taken alongside CPL theory.
Do I need a Drone Pilot Certificate for sub-2kg drones?
Drones in the Nano category (< 250 g) flown below 50 ft are exempt. All other categories require a DPC issued via DigitalSky after training at an RPTO.
Can I convert an FAA CPL to DGCA CPL?
Yes — written conversion exam (Air Regulations + Composite) plus a skill test with a DGCA examiner. Hours and ratings transfer 1:1 for ICAO-compliant licences.
Are DGCA medicals accepted overseas?
DGCA Class 2 follows ICAO Annex 1, so it is accepted as ICAO-compliant. Each foreign authority may still require its own validation medical.
Ready to start training for your DGCA India license?
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