DGCA Class 2 Medical 2025: Complete Guide

Dreaming of becoming a pilot after 10th, 11th, or 12th? That’s an amazing goal! But before you can step into a cockpit and start your flight training, there’s one important step you must clear first – the DGCA Class 2 Medical test.

This is your first official approval from DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India). Without it, you cannot get a Student Pilot License (SPL) – and without an SPL, flight schools won’t even let you begin training.

What is DGCA Class 2 Medical?

The Class 2 Medical test is a health check conducted by doctors approved by the DGCA (India’s aviation authority).

It’s designed to confirm that you are physically and mentally fit to fly an aircraft.

You need this medical clearance for:

• SPL (Student Pilot License) – your first license to start training
  
• PPL (Private Pilot License) – if you only want to fly as a hobby or for personal use
  
• First step toward CPL (Commercial Pilot License) – if you want to fly as a career
  

In short: No Class 2 medical = No SPL = No flying career.

That’s why most students apply for it immediately after Class 12, or even while in 11th/12th, so there’s no delay when they join flight school.

Why Class 2 Medical is the First Step for Pilot Training

Many students think flying starts the moment you join a flying academy. But the truth is, your journey begins with medical clearance.

The DGCA wants to be sure that student pilots don’t face unexpected health issues in the air. For example:

• A hearing problem can make it hard to understand Air Traffic Control (ATC).
  
• Weak eyesight (uncorrected) can affect your ability to read instruments.
  
• Certain medical conditions may affect how safely you handle stress in the cockpit.
  

That’s why DGCA makes this medical test mandatory for all student pilots.

DGCA Class 2 Medical Validity Rules 

DGCA updated the validity period for Class 2 medical certificates. Here’s the breakdown:

• Under 40 years → Valid for 2 years
  
• 41–50 years → Valid for 1 year
  

For students (which means almost all 10th–12th students) and pilots under 40, once you clear your Class 2 medical, you don’t need to renew it every year. It stays valid for 2 years, saving you time and money.

Example: If you’re 18 in 2025 and pass your medical, it will remain valid until you’re 20

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for DGCA Class 2 Medical

The process may feel complicated, but if you follow it correctly, it’s smooth.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Register on the eGCA portal
   
   • Go to egca.dgca.gov.in and create your profile.
     
2. Book an appointment with a DGCA-approved doctor.
   
   • Only doctors on the DGCA’s approved list can conduct your Class 2 medical.
     
3. Choose a NABL/NABH-certified lab.
   
   • DGCA will only accept reports from labs certified by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) /NABH(National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers)
     
4. Get your medical tests done.
   
   • These include blood, urine, X-ray, hearing, eye exam, and more (explained below).
     
5. Submit/upload your reports.
   
   • Upload them to eGCA or give them to the doctor.
     
6. Wait for your CA-35 certificate.
   
   • A CA-35 is a provisional three-month medical certificate issued immediately by a DGCA-approved doctor upon passing your initial tests, allowing you to begin flight training.
     
7. Class 2 Medical Assessment
   
   • The Class 2 Medical Assessment is the final, official certificate issued by DGCA that legally permits you to fly as a pilot for the duration of its validity (1-2 years).

You may also read

List Of DGCA-approved Class 2 Medical Examiners

Pro tip: Do not skip any step. Even a small mistake can delay your approval by months.

Documents Required for DGCA Class 2 Medical

Before you apply, make sure you prepare these:

• CA-34 / CA-34A form (application form)
  
• Government ID proof (PAN card, Passport, etc.)
  
• Passport-size photos
  
• Any prescriptions/medical history if you’re under treatment
  
• CA-35 certificate (this is issued after approval, not before)
  

Common mistake students make: Submitting reports from random labs or forgetting to upload clear scans of documents. Always double-check.

DGCA Class 2 Medical Tests – Explained

Here’s what the doctors will check:

• Blood tests – to check sugar levels, blood count, liver function, etc.
  
• Urine test – to detect infections or health issues.
  
• Chest & sinus X-rays – to check lungs and breathing health.
  
• Audiometry (Hearing test) – to ensure you can clearly hear ATC instructions.
  
• Eye exam – must have 6/6 vision (glasses allowed) and pass color vision test.
  
• Ultrasound of the abdomen – to check internal organs.
  
• ECG – it is a heart check that records the electrical signals of your heart to make sure your heart is beating normally and healthy for flying.
  

If your lab is not NABL certified, DGCA will reject the results, and you’ll have to redo everything.

Hearing & Vision Standards

DGCA is strict about eyesight and hearing.

• Hearing:
  
  • Up to 35 dB loss allowed at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz
    
  • Up to 50 dB loss allowed at 3000 Hz
    
• Vision:
  
  • Must be 6/6 in both eyes (corrected vision with glasses is okay)
    
  • Must pass color vision standards
    

Pilots over 50 need a re-test for hearing every 1 year.

Where to Get Your DGCA Medical Done

• Only visit DGCA-approved examiners (check the DGCA-approved examiners list on the DGCA official website).
  
• Choose NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) /NABH(National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers)
  Labs for your tests.
  
• Government hospitals → cheaper but slower.
  
• Private labs → faster but costlier.
  

DGCA Class 2 Medical Cost (2025)

This is where students often get confused.

• DGCA official estimate: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
  
• Actual student reports: ₹10,000 – ₹14,000 (including tests + doctor fees)
  

Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown before paying.

Timeframe – How Long Does It Take?

• On paper: 4–8 weeks
  
• In reality, 3–4 months is common.
  

To speed it up:

• Personally visit the DGCA Medical Cell in Delhi.
  
• Please regularly check your eGCA portal status.
  

From Class 2 to Class 1 Medical

The Class 2 medical is just the first step.

• You cannot apply for Class 1 without a valid CA-35 certificate and a Class 2 medical assessment, which is most important as the validity is mentioned on it.
  
• Keep all reports safe – DGCA may ask for them again.
  
• Plan your medical timeline carefully, so your Class 2 is still valid when you apply for Class 1.
  

You may also read : DGCA Class 1 & 2 Medicals Guide 2025 + Doctor List

Common Mistakes That Delay DGCA Medicals

Here’s what causes students months of delay:

• Wrongly filled CA-35 form
  
• Doing tests at non-approved labs
  
• Ignoring hearing/vision standards
  
• Forgetting to check the PMR (Personal Medical Record) dispatch status
  
• Not following up with DGCA when delayed.
  

DGCA Scrutiny Policy – Why Small Errors Matter

DGCA checks every detail with strict rules. Even one missing signature or a wrong lab report can push your case back for weeks. Always double-check before submitting.

Certificate Collection – Digital vs Physical

After approval, you can:

• Download from the eGCA portal
  
• Collect physically from the DGCA office (Delhi)
  

Most students prefer digital download, but it’s wise to also keep a printed copy.

Final Tips for 10th–12th Students

• Start your Class 2 medical at least 3–4 months before applying to flying school.
  
• Keep multiple copies of all reports.
  
• Don’t wait passively – keep tracking your case online.
  
• If you face delays, contact DGCA directly.
  

Remember: Clearing your DGCA Class 2 Medical early makes your pilot journey smooth and stress-free.

Conclusion

The DGCA Class 2 Medical is your gateway to a pilot career in India. It’s not just paperwork – it’s proof that you are fit and ready to start flight training.

If you plan early, choose approved labs, and avoid common mistakes, you can save months of waiting. So, if you’re in 10th, 11th, or just cleared 12th, start your medical process today – because every day you save now brings you one step closer to the cockpit.

FAQs