DGCA Medical Requirements for Pilots in India (2025 Guide)
Understanding Class 1 & Class 2 Pilot Medicals for Indian Students for DGCA Medicals in India
👨⚕️ Why DGCA Medicals Are Crucial Before Pilot Training
Before anyone can take flight, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates medical certification to ensure every pilot meets physical and mental health standards for safe operations.
There are two types of DGCA medical certificates every aspiring pilot in India must know about:
➡️ Class 2 Medical – required to begin pilot training
➡️ Class 1 Medical – required to hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Getting these medicals done properly and early prevents delays in CPL admission, visa, or DGCA approval later.
✅ Step 1: DGCA Class 2 Medical — Your First Step
What It Is
The Class 2 medical is the preliminary medical check for student pilots. It ensures you are fit to begin your DGCA SPL or ground training.
What It Includes
-
Basic physical exam (height, weight, BP, pulse)
-
Vision (distance, color, and near vision)
-
Hearing test
-
ECG (heart rhythm)
-
Chest X-ray (respiratory health)
-
Blood & urine tests (general wellness)
Who Can Conduct It
DGCA-empanelled doctors across India.
List available on DGCA’s official website.
Validity
✅ 24 months (under 40 years of age)
✅ 12 months (40 years and above)
📌 Tip: Rian Air helps students schedule appointments with DGCA-approved doctors in Delhi and Kerala before starting ground training.
✅ Step 2: DGCA Class 1 Medical — For Commercial Pilots
Once you’re ready for flight training or have completed a few hours, you’ll need a Class 1 Medical, which is mandatory before obtaining your CPL.
What It Includes
A detailed assessment of your overall fitness for professional flying:
-
Vision & color perception (strict airline standard)
-
ECG, EEG, and lung function tests
-
ENT and dental examination
-
Full blood profile
-
BMI and cardiovascular health evaluation
-
Psychological & stress assessment
Where It’s Done
Only at DGCA-authorized medical centers, such as:
-
AFCME (Air Force Central Medical Establishment, Delhi)
-
IAM (Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru)
-
Apollo Hospitals (DGCA-approved branches)
Validity
✅ 12 months for active pilots
✅ 6 months above age 60
🩺 What Happens If You Wear Glasses or Have Minor Vision Issues?
Many aspiring pilots worry about eyesight — but spectacles are allowed within acceptable limits:
-
Distant vision up to ±3.0 diopters
-
No severe color blindness
-
Vision correction (spectacles / contact lenses) acceptable
“Many successful airline captains wear glasses — good vision with correction is perfectly fine.”
— Capt. Vikas Vikramdas Nair
💡 Common Disqualifications (Temporary or Permanent)
| Condition | Status |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled diabetes | Disqualified until controlled |
| Color blindness (severe) | Permanent disqualification |
| Asthma (chronic) | May need additional evaluation |
| Heart irregularities | Case-based evaluation |
| Mental health issues | Evaluated with aviation psychologist |
Always disclose medical history honestly during evaluation.
✅ How Rian Air Helps Students with DGCA Medicals
Rian Air’s ground training centers in Delhi & Kerala assist every student through the medical process:
✔ Connecting with DGCA-approved doctors
✔ Document checklist for Class 2 & Class 1
✔ Pre-medical guidance (diet, rest, preparation)
✔ Scheduling and follow-ups
✔ Medical file creation for DGCA record
This ensures zero administrative errors and faster approval.
👩✈️ Exclusive Rian Air Initiatives
Zero* Fee Ground Training for Aspiring Women Pilots
A limited-time initiative to encourage more women in aviation.
✅ Full DGCA Ground Training support
✅ Scholarship under Gender-Neutral Initiative
✅ Save up to ₹3.5 Lakhs in academic fees (T&C apply)
Gender-Neutral Scholarship Path
Merit-based scholarship for deserving candidates, ensuring equal opportunity and access to professional aviation education.
“At Rian Air, equality takes flight — we train based on merit, not gender.”
— Capt. Vikas Vikramdas Nair
❓ DGCA Medical FAQs
Q: Can I do Class 1 without Class 2?
No. You must complete Class 2 first. It’s the entry medical.
Q: How much does the DGCA medical cost?
Approx. ₹6,000–₹10,000 for Class 2, and ₹15,000–₹25,000 for Class 1.
Q: What if I fail Class 2 medical?
You can appeal or reappear after medical correction and doctor clearance.
Q: Does Rian Air require DGCA medical before ground training?
For academic admission, medical is optional — but highly recommended early.
📞 Begin Your Pilot Career the Right Way
Rian Air ensures every student begins their aviation journey on the right foundation — medically fit, academically strong, and career-ready.
New Delhi – Dwarka Sector 7
Kerala – Thrissur Training Center
Rian Air – The Sky Is Ours®
DGCA Ground Training | Airline Career Pathways | Global CPL Preparation
