To become a pilot in India, you need to get two types of medical certificates from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It is the first step to getting a Student Pilot License (SPL), CPL and Join a flying school.
Top Crew Aviation is a pilot training institute in India. We provide all the information and support you need to meet the medical requirements. You Can Join Top Crew Aviation to start your journey towards becoming a skilled and certified pilot.
DGCA Class II Medical Examination
Pilot aspirants need to clear DGCA Class 2 medical as the same is a pre-requisite to get a student pilot license and join a flying school.
The candidate requires it for a private pilot license and commercial pilot training. The holder of a medical certificate shall be mentally and physically fit to safely exercise the applicable license’s privileges.
Who Requires a Class 2 Medical Assessment?
1. List of applicants requiring a Class 2 medical assessment:
- Private Pilot’s License (Aeroplane and Helicopter);
- Student Pilot’s License (Microlight);
- Student Pilot’s License (Aeroplane);
- Student Pilot’s License (Helicopter);
- Pilot’s License (Microlight);
- Student Pilot’s License (Balloons);
- Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licence (Restricted).
- Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s License;
- Student Pilot’s License (Glider);
2. Standards and practices for the Class 2 medical exam
- Physical and mental requirements;
- Visual requirements; and
- Hearing
How to Get DGCA Class II Medical Certificate
Step 1:
The first step in the class 2 medical process is to sign up at the eGCA website. Read the user manual carefully, fill in your details, and log in. After this, you’ll receive an eGCA login ID. The candidate needs an eGCA login ID and password for future use. Therefore, he must keep it safe.
Step 2:
Next, the candidate gets the Class II medical done. The candidate needs to visit the DGCA site to download the list of DGCA-approved medical examiners. From the list, select the doctor who suits you the best, contact them, and book an appointment with them at your convenience.
You have to contact the doctor from the list of officially approved doctors by the DGCA. If you want to visit a doctor near your city, the updated list of DGCA Class 2 medical examiners is available in the medical section of the DGCA website.
The doctor informs about the tests to the candidate. He gives him two choices:
- The candidate undergoes all the required tests at a diagnostic laboratory of his choice, visits the class II doctor and shows his medical reports.
Note: The candidate visits a diagnostic center approved by NABL/NABH. His reports must carry the NABL logo. The eye doctor completes the CA35 form on pages 5 and 6, and the ENT doctor completes pages 7 and 8. Both doctors should have degrees in their respective fields, not diplomas. The candidate visits the DGCA-approved doctor, who helps him with the Class 2 medical diagnosis. As many doctors prefer the first option, therefore it’s better to ensure you contact the doctor before.
The doctor discusses and informs the candidate of any additional formalities necessary. After you pass the Class 2 medical test, just wait for 2–4 weeks and you’ll receive your file number.
Only a DGCA-approved doctor can do the medical test of the candidate, and not any other doctor. An unapproved doctor conducting tests on a candidate will result in invalid reports and potential problems. This is against the DGCA medical rules and regulations.
Step 3: DGCA Class 2 Medical Test Requirements.
The medical requirements to become a pilot and the Class 2 DGCA Medical Test have one common motive behind them, i.e., the candidate should be physically and mentally fit and alert. Unfit candidates can endanger the lives of passengers, which any airline does not want.
- URINE
- Blood sugar, F&PP
- Liver Function Test
- USG WHOLE ABDOMEN
- Liver Function Test
- USG WHOLE ABDOMEN
Why Needs the Class 2 DGCA Medical Test for Pilot Training?
Eye Test:
A colour vision test checks if the candidate is partially colourblind or not. (If the candidate is colourblind, he cannot become a pilot.) A specialist checks the candidate’s far-off vision. The vision needs to be 6/6, regardless of displays.
Radiology:
The candidate needs to clear four X-rays on the chest and sinuses (not getting into the technical terms).
Ear Test:
They conduct a pure-tone audiogram to check if your ear is normal, and you can hear the frequencies of sound they play on the headphones provided.
- The candidate undergoes all the required tests at a diagnostic laboratory of his choice. The candidate then visits the class II doctor and shows his medical reports.
Note: Candidates’ reports must carry the NABL logo. The NABL/NABH approves the diagnostic centre that can carry these tests. The diagnostic centre eye doctor completes the CA35 form on pages 5 and 6, and the ENT doctor completes pages 7 and 8. Both doctors should have degrees in their respective fields, not diplomas. The candidate goes to the DGCA-approved doctor, who helps him with the diagnosis. As many doctors prefer the first option, make sure you contact the doctor before.
The doctor discusses and informs the candidate of any additional formalities necessary. After you pass the Class 2 medical test, just wait for 2–4 weeks and you’ll receive your file number.
Any unapproved doctor doing medical tests and handing reports will result in wasted effort, as the DGCA requires reports from its list of approved doctors.
Step 3: DGCA Class 2 Medical Test :
The medical requirements to become a pilot and the Class 2 DGCA Medical Test have just one motive behind them, i.e., the candidate should be physically and mentally fit and alert. The airlines do not put the lives of passengers in the hands of those who are medically unfit. As this could prove fatal.
- URINE RE ME
- Blood sugar, F&PP
- Liver Function Test
- USG WHOLE ABDOMEN
- Liver Function Test
- USG WHOLE ABDOMEN
Class 2 Medical Tests list?
Eye Test: A colour vision test checks if the candidate is partially colourblind or not. (If the candidate is colourblind, he cannot become a pilot.) A specialist checks the candidate’s far-off vision. The vision needs to be 6/6, regardless of displays.
Radiology: The candidate needs to clear four X-rays on the chest and sinuses (not getting into the technical terms).
Ear Test: They conduct a pure-tone audiogram to check if your ear is normal, and you can hear the frequencies of sound they play on the headphones provided.
ECG: There’s also an ECG test to check for any irregularities in your heartbeat and even for any blocked arteries that may be present.
- ENT: This test is just to ensure that everything is normal with your ear, nose, and throat.
Blood Test: They draw blood to check your TC/DC and haemoglobin levels, as well as your blood group and Rh factor. (ABO and Rh)
Urine Test: The doctor checks the candidate’s urine to confirm the sugar and protein levels.
Note: The medico checks the candidate’s BMI to ensure it is as per the norms. The candidate with abnormal BMI undergoes additional tests. This applies to both the boy and the girl.
Girls need to undergo two more tests: mammography and a USG of the lower abdomen.
Important: DGCA dismisses medical trials not certified by NABL. DGCA does not consider such tests as genuine.
Though it seems like a lot, a fit and normal human being can easily glide through all the tests.
Step 4:
The doctor conducts all the required tests and approves them. After this, the candidate gets the CA-35 certificate.
The doctor now sends the aspirant’s application and the medical reports to the DGCA for further processing and pending approvals. Within 1 month, the candidate gets his class II medical assessment.
Step 5:
Upon receiving the class 2 medical documents, the DGCA authorities prepare a file in the name of the candidate. The DGCA allocates a unique file number to the candidate. The authorities then post the class 2 medical assessment and certificate to the eGCA portal. He can download it by logging in with your ID and password. He can also collect the medical assessment from the DGCA Medical Cell, Delhi.
DGCA Class 2 Medical Documentation Requirement:
For the Class 2 DGCA medical test, you just need to carry the following documents on the day of your medical appointment:
- Adhaar Card
- 10th Marksheet
- 12th Marksheet
- “Your Photo (PP Size)
How Much Validity for the Class 2 Medical Certificate:
Different pilot categories—the SPL and PPL—fly with Class-2 medical certification with different validity. The DGCA gives 24-month approval for the class 2 medical for SPL holders. It approves the class 1 medical for SPL holders for 12 months. The examiner validates the certificate of the SPL holder before the medical fitness certificate expires.
PPL holders have approval for 24 months for class II medical.
Candidates preparing for flight training in foreign countries will fall under the normal private pilot license (PPL). Hence, they too will have to renew the class 2 medical in 2 years or less. They will again need to go through the Class 2 medical test with the pre-existing file number.
Fee/Expenses for DGCA Class 2 Medical:
A pilot has to undergo two essential clinical checkups including the Class 2 scientific. The examiner conducts this test with the aid of data-approved documents.
Air Force hospitals conducting DGCA Class 2 medical tests charge around INR 3000 to INR 4000 from the candidate, whereas DGCA-approved hospitals charge INR 6000 to INR 8000 for the same tests.
DGCA Class 2 medical completion time?
Candidates send the relevant papers to the DGCA office in Delhi. The aspirant then receives the medical certificate for class II clinical examinations after 4 weeks. The GCA website displays the candidate’s medical assessments. You can check the status of your evaluation on the website before visiting the Medical Cell for the issue of medical assessments.
Also read: How to Become a Pilot After 12th in India?
DGCA Class I Medical Examination
After getting a CLASS 2 DGCA Medical Assessment from DGCA, the candidate can apply for DGCA CLASS 1 Medical. He needs to apply for Class 1 medical at DGCA medical centres. The candidate needs to apply on the eGCA Portal and get an appointment for DGCA Class 1 Medical.
A CPL holder needs to have a Class 1 medical certificate. The holder of this scientific certificate will be in good enough physical and mental health to fully utilize the rights granted under the applicable license.
Who Required Class 1 Medical?
Pilots engaged in commercial air operations, everything from instructing on light aircraft to flying for an airline requires DGCA Class 1 medical certification. As such, these pilots need to adhere to very high standards of medical certification. The pilot flies commercial aeroplanes onboard with the travellers; hence, he needs to maintain a high level of medical fitness. They fly not only on domestic national flights but also on international routes.
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Flight Engineer License (F/E)
DGCA Class 1 Medical Documentation?
- Aircrew should be 17 years of age and older to undergo the Class-I Initial Medical Examination.
- Aircrew should carry the following:
Copy of the last medical assessment and CA-35.
Two passport-size photographs and a photo ID (preferably a flying license)
If you use glasses, always have a copy of your prescription with you. The DGCA (Directorate General for Civil Aviation) issues a NOC for an early, delayed, or special medical issue to the candidate for a class 1 medical certificate.
It combines with any specialist opinion, report, certificate, or opinion. The same may have been asked for in the previous medical examination(s). Investigation reports are in their original form, as mentioned.
For an initial or re-initial medical examination, the candidate needs to carry two copies of forms 34 and 35. For other medical examinations (renewal, review after TU, or special), he needs to carry CA forms 34A and 35.
The student gets two copies of the receipt for the online deposit for the DGCA medical licensing fees. The candidate deposits the fees through the Bharatkosh portal. Go through the user guide, which is available on the website.
- The medical examiner conducts a class-I medical exam of the candidate based on a clinical examination or history. The medical examiner or the IAF centre may request further medical tests or reports based on the candidate’s history. Only then will the examiner or the IAF centre conclude upon the medical fitness? The Air Force conducts additional investigations of the candidate, and the candidate pays for it.
How to Get a Class I Medical Certificate?
For the Class I medical assessment, the candidate needs to follow the following steps:
Step 1
As per the DGCA regulations, the candidate verifies if his medical assessment qualifies under initial medical or renewal medical.
Initial Medical
When a person with a valid Class 2 medical applies for the first time for a Class 1 medical (a requirement for a CPL) it is termed as initial medical. In the case of candidates having a Class 1 medical date completing 2 years, they need to go for a fresh initial, also termed as re-initial.
IAF boarding centres conduct Class 1 initial medical for the candidates at any of the following centres: The centres are Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAF’B), 11 Air Force Hospital (11 AFH), AFCME New Delhi, IAM, IAF Bangalore MEC(E) Jorhat, Hindon, or 7 Air Force Hospital (7 AFH), along with an approved NOC by Medical Dte.
Renewal Medical
People under 40 years old flying in multi-crew commercial air transport operations have their Class 1 medical assessments valid for a year; for people over 40 years old involved in single-crew commercial air transport operations, they are valid for six months.
the DGCA According to CAR 7 Series C Part I Issue II, Paragraph 5, dated 12/10/17 (Revision 5, April 21) can update a pilot’s medical check-up anytime. Pilots need to renew their medical evaluation one month before it expires. They can renew it until it expires, but they must get permission for evaluations outside this timeframe.
The candidate renews Class 1 medical after the expiry of the validity of the previous (but not beyond two years since the date of the last medical) along with the NOC.
Renewals are mandatory at IAM/ AFCME/ MEC(E)/ 11 Air Force Hospital (11 AFH)/ Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAF’B’)/ 7 Air Force Hospital (7 AFH). In this regard, please refer to Paragraph 3.1.1 of CAR 7 Series C Part I Issue II, dated 12/10/17. (Revision 5, 5th April 21).
Step 2
Appointment and Previous Medical Record (PMR) Forwarding. IAF Centres
After ascertaining the type of medical, kindly seek an appointment well in advance, keeping in view the time required for the grant of appointments and PMR forwarding from DGCA through email at medappointment.dgca@gov.in. The candidate needs to seek an appointment on the DGCA website under Personnel/Medical.
Civil Centers and Class 1 Examiners
For Civil Hospitals (Initial Medicals) and Class 1 Examiners (Renewal Medicals), kindly contact the centres or examiners directly at the addresses given below. Nanavati Hospital (Mumbai)/ Apollo Hospital (Chennai)/ Class 1 medical examiners at Air Force Medical Examination Centres {except IAM/AFCME/MEC(E)/11 AFH/ 11 AFH/ CHAF’B’/ 7AFH} conducting class 1 medical do not require PMR forwarding.
Step 3
PMR Status Query
PMR files are sent to IAF centres 15-20 days before the date of appointment (even if applications are received early). For any queries regarding PMR file number, its status, its assessment, any correction, or updating of any address, detail, or name, the candidate needs to get in touch with the following authorities of SO Medical Cell (DGCA HQ): 01124622500, Extn 453/526, Alternatively, the candidate can visit the OR, which can accept the candidate’s representatives as well.
The candidate collects the medical assessment report on the Med Date of the DGCA, which is Wednesday and Thursday between 1400 and 1730 hours. Also, the airline reps may provide the medical assessment reports to the candidate as they visit the DGCA office regularly.
To make an appointment or know the status of the medical appointment, contact the number 01124622500, Extn. 526, or e-mail dgcamedicalappointment@gmail.com, and after confirmation of the same, you can apply for a NOC. The DGCA issues the NOC and emails it to mednoc.dgca@gov.in, along with the last valid medical assessment.
Step 4
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
The candidate needs to obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ from Medical Dte (DGCA, New Delhi) if he needs initial, delayed, early, post-TU, or special medicals. The NOC form is available in the Procedure & Training Manual, which is readily available on DGCA websites as Annexure ‘D’, which is to be filled up completely.
The candidate applies for NOC only after he gets a confirmed appointment from Medical Dte and is sent along with his last medical assessment report (issued by the DGCA) to mednoc.dgca@gov.in.
Initial Medical Examination Centers:
Eight centres conduct the candidate’s initial medical. These eight centres consist of six (06) Indian Air Force boarding centres and two (02) civil hospitals. The details are appended below:
*Note: The DGCA Initial Class 1 Civil Medical Centres, i.e., Dr. Balabhai Nanavati Hospital (Mumbai) and Apollo Hospital (Chennai), do not conduct Class 1 renewal medicals.
Renewal Medical Examination Centers:
The twenty-three (23) centres of the Indian Air Force and thirty-seven (37) DGCA-impaneled Class 1 Medical Examiners conduct Class 1 renewal medical examinations. These are as follows:
DGCA Approved Doctors List (Civil Doctors)
DGCA has thirty-seven (37) Class 1 medical examiners on its panel. These are as follows:
How to Apply for an Appointment for Class 1 Medical?
The applicant can now apply for appointments at the six IAF boarding centres. The IAF centres conduct medical tests for various categories of medical examinations (viz., initial, renewal, special, and post-TU) online through the eGCA portal, available on the DGCA website, with effect from June 9, 2022, for appointment slots from August 1, 2022 onwards.
The Air Headquarters has approved the appointment slots for each IAF boarding centre.
Requirements for the Class 1 Medical Examination:
The candidate needs to go through various tests to clear the Class 1 medical exam. The medical examiner assesses the candidate’s urine, chest X-ray, lung function, haemoglobin blood, electrocardiogram (ECG), psychical examination, ears, and eyesight. The certificate mentions the period of validity.
You will need to complete the medical certificate application form. The examination will include the following:
- Family medical history: The physician will ask about any ailments that run in your family. They need to know about this because some diseases, like diabetes, run in families.
- Your medical history: The candidate needs to declare any previous illness on the application form. The examining doctor asks about them. The candidate needs to inform the doctor about any major illnesses in the past. Obtaining reports about it from a specialist or family physician is crucial.
- Hearing test: The doctor tests the candidate’s ears in various ways. During the test, the candidate identifies the intensity and direction of sound accurately.
- Eyesight test: Many candidates worry about the test because they wear glasses. The candidate can wear the glasses with the condition that their vision must be 6/6 in the test, with corrections if necessary. People with severe colour blindness are generally rejected.
- Blood and urine tests.
- Blood pressure and an electrocardiogram (ECG) test.
. Physical examination.
®. Mental health history.
- Lung function test.
- Hemoglobin blood test.
- STI test and urine test.
Common Recommendations for Class 1 Medical:
- While flying, the candidate needs to wear bifocal or look-over glasses and always carry a spare set of spectacles.
- Next review with Hb, TLC, DLC, urine RE/ME, and ECG (R).
- Next renewal at AFCME/IAM/MEC (E)
- The candidate should lose weight by controlling their diet, getting regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes by medical professionals.
- Next review with USG abdomen LFT and RFT.
- Next review with LFT with enzymes.
- Next review with an executive report on hearing performance while flying.
- The doctor advises using Earplug Defenders in noisy environments.
- Advised to change glasses.
- Next review with blood sugar F/PP, HbA1C, and lipid profile.
- Next review with 2D Echo of Heart.
- Next review with a chest X-ray (PA view).
- The urologist gives an opinion for the next review of the serum PSA.
- Next review with OCT, RNFL, and VHF 30-2 reports.
- Next review at AFCME/IAM/MEC with an ORB scan.
- Next review at AFCME/IAM with polysomnography and the opinion of a pulmonologist.
- Next review with OGTT and HbA1C reports.
- Next review with T3, T4, and TSH Report.
- Next review with Pure Tone Audiogram.
- 2O. Next review with TMT
Validity of DGCA Class 1 Medical:
DGCA Class 1 medical assessments are valid for one year for persons less than 40 years old of age in multi-crew commercial air transport.
Operations or six months for persons above 40 years of age in single-crew commercial air transport operations.
NOC for Class 1 Medical:
An institute, organization, employer, or employee issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) stating a term or set of terms to which they do not object.
The candidate can download the NOC form from the eGCA Portal. The candidate after obtaining a confirmed appointment, applies for the NOC. Then he sends the NOC and the government-provided Last Valid Medical Assessment to Class 1 Civil Medical Centers, such as Nanavati Hospital and Apollo Hospital. (OC) for Early or Delayed Medical. Examination 1. The Flight Crew Licensing Circular (FCLC) covers The procedure for obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for an early or delayed medical examination.
The candidate can collect the NOC for a delayed medical exam by hand, after 3 days from the date of submission of the application at the DGCA.. The same has been specified in FCL 3/2008. If the candidate does not collect the application by hand, the medical authority sends it to the individual after seven days.
DGCA Class 2 Medical Completion Time
The DGCA issues medical assessments for Class 1 medical in a minimum of eight weeks, after receiving the relevant papers and PMRs. The DGCA website displays the medical assessment results. The civil aircrew checks the status of their evaluation on the website. Then he visits the medical cell for the issue of the Class I medical examination assessment.
Class 1 Medical Certificate validity period:
Class 1 medical assessments are valid for one (1) year for persons less than 40 years. of age in multi-crew commercial air transport operations or six months for persons above 40 years of age in single-crew commercial air transport operations.
Fee/Cost for DGCA Class 1 Medical:
The Class I medical examiner collects reasonable charges from the candidate for DGCA Class 1 medical tests under various heads. These heads are for specialist consultations, all medical tests, administrative charges, and postage and handling charges. It costs around 4000 to 5000 rupees.
DGCA Medical Cell Contact Details:
Please call Med Date (DGCA) at 011-24622495 Extension 453 / 526 / 312/ 516 or 01124610629, or send a fax to 01124610629, if you have any additional questions.
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