DGCA entrance exams are the steps that get an aspiring pilot closer to the cockpit, and one mistake in this journey can affect the outcome.
To enjoy a smoother journey, candidates always clear doubts related to such exams, as it helps them in their preparation. One question candidates always have is how many chances they will get to clear the exam.
Knowing how many attempts they will get to clear the exam makes it easy for them to plan how wisely they can use them.
This blog will help you uncover the number of attempts of the DGCA pilot exam and a plan to make the most out of it.
Continue till the end of this blog.
An Overview Of DGCA Entrance Exams & Their Subjects
Before you jump into learning about the DGCA entrance exam attempts, you must have an understanding of the DGCA exam. So, without wasting any time, we will give you an overview of the exam conducted by DGCA and its subjects.
For those who want to fuel their aviation dream of becoming a skilled professional pilot, the DGCA entrance exam acts as their launching pad. Candidates have to get through a series of computer-based theoretical exams on the official Pariksha Portal for different licences.
Passing this exam is crucial to getting approved pilot licenses, and also learning about the key aviation subjects around them. The licenses include Student Pilot License (SPL), Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and AirlineTransport Pilot License (ATPL).
The main aim of this exam is to test the theoretical knowledge of aspiring pilots, and the subjects covered are mentioned below. Take a look.
1. Air navigation
This subject teaches aspiring pilots about charts, navigation techniques, calculations, and planning a flight.
2. Aviation Meteorology
This subject helps the candidates to study the elements of weather, atmospheric effects, clouds, forecast and reports of aviation weather.
3. Air regulations
Students can learn about laws and rules of aviation. This helps the aspiring pilots to deal with safety, licenses, DGCA/ ICAO rules, and pilot responsibilities.
4. Technical General
These subjects teach students about basic aerodynamics, aircraft systems, engines, flight instruments, and electrical systems.
5. Technical Specific (Aircraft Type)
Those aspiring pilots who dreamt of flying more advanced and bigger aircraft, this subject helps to understand the operations of the specific type of aircraft.
6. Radio Telephony (RTR)
This subject is crucial for aspiring pilots to develop communication skills that are needed while flying above the troposphere. It covers phraseology and procedures.
To enroll for this exam, candidates must fulfill the DGCA Exam Eligibility Criteria. All aspiring pilots who are 18 years old, have completed 12th with Physics & Maths, and fulfil the medical requirements for becoming a pilot are eligible for the pilot exam. As per DGCA medical requirements, a candidate must havea Class 1 medical certificate. The candidate must also meet the requirement of completing specific flying hours.
Number Of DGCA Entrance Exams Attempts Available
Those who are living the myth “candidates get one attempt of DGCA entrance exams” and are stressing over it, should know that DGCA has no such set rules. So, the good news is there is no limitation to crack the DGCA pilot exam, and you can keep appearing for the exam for your lifetime, but there are a few things you should remember.
DGCA pilot exams are conducted four times a year, with a gap of 45 days. So, the candidates can appear for the exams in the next session and use the gap to prepare themselves. Every paper you cleared is valid for 5 years, so make sure to clear others quickly during this period.
It is highly recommended to take advantage of this flexibility to make a plan that helps you pass the DGCA pilot exam in a year. Divide 6 subjects into four sessions, to minimise the burden, and so that you can pass with flying colours without much delay.
Criteria For Passing DGCA Exams In India
So, you now know that there is no limitation on the number of attempts for DGCA entrance exams. You should meet the criteria of passing the exam. A candidate must score a minimum 70% in all the 6 subjects of the theory exam.
Next, the exam follows no concept of negative marking, so it is recommended to attempt all the questions even if you don’t know the correct answer. Start by answering the questions you are confident about, and then go for the unanswered questions.
While practicing the mock, follow this pattern so that you can improve your speed and accuracy over time. This will help you maintain a consistent performance in the actual exam across all subjects.
Negative Side Of Unlimited Attempts Of DGCA Entrance Exams
The unlimited DGCA Entrance Exams attempts help students to be stress-free, but it has a negative side as well. You must be aware of this negative side before taking advantage of this flexibility.
We have talked about the negative impact of unlimited attempts of DGCA entrance exams below. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Delay your flight training
The advantage of unlimited exam attempts can delay the completion of the actual training time of the students. They will be stuck in a loop of exam preparation and reattempt, which also affects their future goals.
2. Increase expenses
Everytime to appear for the exams, you have to pay for exam fees, study materials, coaching, classes, travel, and accommodation (optional). So, the students making unlimited attempts will fall into financial burden due to increasing expenses.
3. Drain confidence and motivation
Every attempt may come with failure, and getting stuck in the cycle of repeated failures can affect the confidence of the candidates. Every unsuccessful attempt can come with stress and self-doubt, which can end motivation over time.
4. Invalidate earlier subjects you cleared
As we mentioned earlier, every passing subject comes with an expiry date, and before that, you have passed the failed subjects. Re-attempting the subjects can encourage procrastination and more tries that can exhaust the validity of subjects cleared earlier.
Crack DGCA Entrance Exams In One Go- Tips & Tricks
After looking at the negative impacts of DGCA entrance exams reattempts, you must learn a strategy that will help you to crack it in one go or a few. A key secret to achieving it is by being consistent and progressing with the right planning.
We have shared a few tips that will surely help you to crack the exam with fewer attempts.
1. Plan wisely
Make a study plan before you start to prepare for the exam. Try to pass all the subjects in a year that is in four attempts. So, the target is to crack 2 to 3 subjects with a minimum percentage per attempt. This will put less stress on you and complete the target quickly.
2. Don’t ignore the mock test
Practice makes a man perfect. Remember this line while preparing for the DGCA pilot exam. So, attempt a mock test where you try to answer all the questions in less time. This will help candidates to speed up and maintain consistency.
3. Identify weak areas
Give time to identify the weak areas, and this mock test will be a great support. Try to figure out the subjects in which you are facing difficulties and practice them more to clear all the doubts. Focusing on weak areas can get you better marks.
4. Don’t leave questions
It has already been mentioned by us that this exam doesn’t have any negative marking, so it is best to attempt all the questions or most of them. Attempting all the questions, even if you have to guess, is what must be done for the best score.
5. Join the best pilot training institute
A good mentor can help you in this tough journey of cracking the DGCA entrance exams. So, candidates must join the best pilot training institute, which helps them understand complex topics in an easier way.
Join Pilots Pathway To Crack Your DGCA Entrance Exams Faster
Looking for the right mentor who prepares you to crack the DGCA entrance exams without much stress and in fewer attempts? Pilots Pathway is the name that guides every aspirant with the right strategy, guidance, and confidence to help them avoid making repeated attempts.
We are the best pilot training institute in India that offers experienced mentors to aspiring pilots, who break down every subject clearly. They follow a structured study plan, regular doubt-solving sessions, mock tests, and more that replace the concept of memorising with a more effective approach.
So, no more unnecessary delays or added expenses with the structured courses of the Pilots Pathway.
Conclusion
DGCA entrance exams may offer unlimited attempt but the key is to use this advantage with the right approach. You must smartly plan and prepare for the exam, which doesn’t lead to year loss, financial loss, and drain confidence.
You are now well aware of the number of attempts for the DGCA pilot exam and also about the tactics that will save you from unnecessary delays. Remember the mantra to crack DGCA pilot exams in a few attempts: right strategy, mentorship, and consistency.
Don’t let delays push you away from your aviation dream.
FAQs
What happens if you fail pilot training?
If you fail pilot training in India, you have to take remedial training and retest. In remedial training, candidates have to undergo extra training for either a simulator or in-air. This training helps aspiring pilots to address the weak areas where they are failing. The training prepares candidates to retake the skill test, which doesn’t have an expiry date.
What is the minimum marks for DGCA exam?
If you are appearing for the DGCA exam, you must know that you need to score a minimum of 70% to pass the exam. It should not be the overall percentage, but you have to score 70% in each subject of the CPL syllabus. So, prepare each subject with precision, and since there is no negative marking, try to answer as many questions as possible.
Can I appear for DGCA exams while doing flight training?
Yes, absolutely, you can appear for DGCA exams while doing flight training. Most aspiring pilots do that, but it is crucial for them to effectively manage time for both. However, it is recommended to start your flight training and try to clear most of the theory exams, if not all. This helps you to save costs and better understanding of the cockpit concepts.
Can a 40-year-old become a pilot?
Yes, one can absolutely become a pilot at the age of 40 since there is no age barrier to start pilot training in India. There are several pilots who have started their career as a pilot at an older age, but they have to pass a strict medical test. Additionally, the aviation career for a professional pilot above 40 falls short since their retirement age is 65.