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DGCA Class 1 & 2 Medicals Guide 2025 + Doctor List

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Your Complete Guide to DGCA Class 1 & Class 2 Medicals Plus Updated Doctor List

So, you want to become a pilot?
The crisp white uniform, flying thousands of feet above the ground, and living the dream of commanding an aircraft โ€” itโ€™s exciting, right?

But before you even sit in the cockpit, there’s one major step you must complete: passing the DGCA medical examinations.

In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requires every aspiring commercial pilot to be declared medically fit. This is not just a formality โ€” your physical and mental fitness plays a big role in ensuring flight safety.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medicals โ€” explained in very simple words. Whether you’re in 10th, 11th, or 12th class, or just thinking of becoming a pilot, this article is made for you.

Letโ€™s get started. And yes, if you still have doubts, donโ€™t forget to book our Free Online Counselling at the end of this blog.

What Is a DGCA Medical and Why Is It Important?

When you imagine a pilot, you see someone confident, calm, and in control. To reach that stage, your body and mind need to function at their best. Thatโ€™s exactly what the DGCA medical tests aim to check.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has created a system where all aspiring commercial pilots must clear two stages of medical exams:

โœ… Class 2 Medical โ€“ the basic health screening that starts your pilot journey.

โœ… Class 1 Medical โ€“ a more detailed exam that gives you the final medical clearance needed before starting your flying hours.

These medicals are not optional. They are mandatory to ensure flight safety โ€” for you, your crew, and your future passengers.

What Is DGCA Class 2 Medical?

Class 2 Medical is your first fitness test before entering the aviation world. It checks whether you are physically fit enough to begin training as a student pilot. The good news? Itโ€™s not a difficult test, and many healthy students clear it on the first attempt.

Once you clear your Class 2 Medical, you are issued a DGCA File Number. This number is like your unique ID in the aviation system. Youโ€™ll need it to register for DGCA exams, Class 1 medicals, and even apply to a flying school.

So, your actual journey begins only after you clear this step. Thatโ€™s why Class 2 Medical is the first major milestone in your pilot career.

๐Ÿ”” Here is a Tip

Without the file number, you canโ€™t move forward with pilot training.

What Tests Are Done in Class 2 Medical?

The Class 2 Medical is a basic but important fitness test. Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll go through:

  • ๐Ÿฉบ Blood Pressure & General Physical Check-up
  • ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ Eye Test (color blindness, vision sharpness)
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Hearing Test (audiometry)
  • ๐Ÿ’“ ECG (to check your heart rhythm)
  • ๐Ÿฉธ Blood Test (sugar, hemoglobin, cholesterol)
  • ๐Ÿซ Chest X-ray (lung condition)
  • ๐Ÿงช Urine Test
  • ๐Ÿง  Mental Fitness Evaluation

๐Ÿ‘“ Wearing glasses?

If you have minor issues (like mild vision error), you can still be declared โ€œfitโ€ โ€” as long as itโ€™s within acceptable limits set by DGCA.

How to Apply for Class 2 Medical (Step-by-Step)

Applying for a Class 2 Medical in India is a straightforward process, but you have to follow the official procedure. Hereโ€™s how:

Step 1: Check the list of DGCA-approved Class 2 Medical Examiners below

Step 2: Choose an Examiner Near You (Pick one from your city or nearest location to avoid long-distance travel.)

Step 3: Carry these documents:

  • Aadhar Card
  • 10th Marksheet (as age proof)
  • Passport-size photos
  • Any old medical reports (if any)

Step 4: The medical examiner will guide you through the required health tests.

Step 5: Once cleared, the examiner will send your reports to DGCA

Step 6: Your DGCA File Number will be generated in 7โ€“10 days

List Of DGCA-approved Class 2 Medical Examiners

Or Jump to The Section

Northern Region

Southern Region

Western Region

Eastern Region

What Is DGCA Class 1 Medical?

Once you have your file number and are ready to move towards actual flight training, itโ€™s time for your Class 1 Medical.

This exam is more advanced and detailed, focusing on your long-term flying fitness.

It can only be done at specific DGCA-approved medical centers across India. The tests go deeper into areas like neurological health, heart structure, spine alignment, and lung capacity.

This is to make sure youโ€™re fully capable of handling stress, long flights, and the demands of being a commercial pilot.

When Should You Apply for Class 1 Medical?

Many students and parents ask โ€” โ€œWhen is the right time to do Class 1 Medical?โ€
The simple answer is: As early as possible after clearing Class 2 Medical.

Hereโ€™s why timing is so important:

  • DGCA-approved centers like AFCME (Delhi) and IAM (Bangalore) handle hundreds of candidates every month. Most of them have a long waiting list. Getting a slot can take 30โ€“45 days, and sometimes even longer during peak admission seasons.

You May Need Time for Corrections or Retests

In some cases, students are marked temporarily unfit due to small issues like:

  • Low hemoglobin
  • High BMI or weight
  • Mild color vision deficiency
  • Heart rhythm variations

These are correctable. But if you apply late, and then need to fix something, it can push your CPL ground classes schedule by weeks or months. Applying early gives you a buffer.

Planning Ahead Shows Professionalism

Pilot training is not just about flying โ€” itโ€™s about discipline and planning. When you complete your Class 1 Medical on time, you send a message to instructors and aviation authorities that you are serious and organized.

It also gives you time to:

  • Choose the best CPL ground classes without medical worries
  • Focus on ground subjects and exams
  • Mentally prepare for flying

So, Whatโ€™s the Ideal Time?

If youโ€™re currently in 12th class, the ideal plan is:

StageRecommended Time
Class 2 MedicalJust after completing your 12th exams
Class 1 MedicalJust after Class 2 is cleared
CPL AdmissionAfter Class 1 results are in hand

This timeline ensures youโ€™re always ahead of the curve โ€” not chasing deadlines.

What Tests Are Done in Class 1 Medical?

Hereโ€™s what you can expect during your Class 1 Medical:

  • ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ Detailed Eye Test (distance vision, color perception, depth perception)
  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Advanced Audiometry (hearing in both ears)
  • ๐Ÿ’“ ECG & ECHO (heart rhythm and heart structure)
  • ๐Ÿซ Lung Function Test (to check breathing capacity)
  • ๐Ÿงช Blood and Urine Tests (sugar, liver, kidney, hemoglobin, cholesterol)
  • ๐Ÿง  Neurological Assessment (mental health, memory, coordination)
  • ๐Ÿฆด Spine and Body Movement Check (no bone deformities)
  • ๐Ÿงฌ Optional: Stress Test / TMT (especially if thereโ€™s family history of heart issues)

What Happens After the Tests?

Once all tests are done:

  • Your medical data is compiled and reviewed by the examiner.
  • If all results are clear, your Class 1 Medical Certificate is issued.
  • It is valid for 1 year and needs to be renewed annually during your pilot career.

List of DGCA Approved Class 1 Medical Centers (Updated for 2025)

These are the main centers where you can do your initial Class 1 Medical:

Or Jump to the section

DGCA Approved Class 1 Medical Centers

DGCA Approved Class 1 Renewal Medical Examination Centers

DGCA Approved Class 1 Medical Examiners (CIVIL DOCTORS)

Common Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Many students โ€” especially those in 11th or 12th standard โ€” are excited to start their journey to become a pilot. But in the rush to “get started,” they often make small mistakes that can delay or even complicate their training.

Here are the most common errors students make when it comes to DGCA medicals โ€” and how you can avoid falling into the same trap:

โŒ 1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

โ€œIโ€™ll do my medicals after I join the ground classes.โ€

This is a big mistake. Some students wait until the last minute to book their Class 2 or Class 1 medicals, not realizing that:

  • Appointments at Class 1 centers (like AFCME or IAM) can take 30โ€“45 days
  • If youโ€™re temporarily unfit, youโ€™ll need extra time to fix issues

If youโ€™re considering joining CPL ground classes before clearing your Class 2 or Class 1 Medical, please pause and think carefully.

โ— In case you are declared unfit (permanently), all the money you pay for CPL ground classes or advance fees may be wasted.

Unlike other courses, pilot training is medically restricted. You canโ€™t “adjust later” or “change your stream” โ€” because without a valid Class 1 medical, you are not allowed to fly or hold a CPL license.

โœ… What to do instead:

Start your medical process early โ€” ideally in late 12th โ€” and aim to complete both Class 2 and Class 1 before applying to any ground school.

Free Online Counselling โ€“ Book Yours Today!

Still feeling confused about where to start?

You’re not alone โ€” thousands of students in India dream of becoming pilots, but donโ€™t know how to begin the journey. The aviation path is exciting, but it also includes a lot of steps, like medicals, exams, and choosing the right flying school.

Thatโ€™s why weโ€™re here to help.

At Aviators of Tomorrow (AOT), we offer free 1-on-1 online counselling sessions to guide you step by step. Whether youโ€™re a student or a concerned parent, this 15โ€“20 minute session will give you 100% clarity on:

โœ… In Our Free Counselling, Youโ€™ll Learn:

  • How to get started with pilot training in India or abroad
  • What are the actual costs and timelines (no false promises)
  • How to prepare for and clear your DGCA Class 1 & Class 2 medicals
  • Which CPL or CPP right fit for you
  • How weโ€™ll support you โ€” from your first medical to final placement

You can speak to a real mentor โ€” not a chatbot, not an agent โ€” and ask all your questions in a friendly, pressure-free environment.

๐Ÿ“… Availability: 7 Days Open, 10 AM to 6 PM

๐ŸŒŸ Whether youโ€™re just starting or stuck somewhere โ€” weโ€™ve got your back.

๐Ÿ›ซ Why Choose AOT?

Because weโ€™re not here to โ€œsellโ€ you dreams.
Weโ€™re here to build them with you.

โœ”๏ธ Transparent guidance
โœ”๏ธ Step-by-step mentorship
โœ”๏ธ Real instructors and industry experts
โœ”๏ธ No shortcuts, no scams
โœ”๏ธ Just truth, support, and results

๐ŸŽ“ Once an AOTian, always an AOTian.

FAQ’s

What is the difference between DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 Medical?

DGCA Class 2 Medical is the basic fitness check required to start your journey as a student pilot. It is done by DGCA-approved doctors in your city.
DGCA Class 1 Medical is a more detailed test, done at DGCA-authorized hospitals, and is compulsory before starting your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training.

How do I get a DGCA File Number?

You get your DGCA File Number only after clearing Class 2 Medical. The medical examiner sends your results to DGCA, and you receive your file number within 7โ€“10 days. It is necessary to register for DGCA exams and Class 1 medical.

Can I become a pilot if I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Yes. DGCA allows corrected vision (with glasses or lenses) within a certain limit. You must pass a vision and color blindness test during both Class 1 and Class 2 Medicals.

Is DGCA Class 1 Medical tough to pass?

It is more detailed than Class 2, but not difficult if you’re healthy. It includes ECG, ECHO, spine flexibility, neurological checks, and vision/hearing tests. Many students clear it on the first or second attempt.

What is the cost of DGCA medical examination in India?

Class 2 Medical: โ‚น2,500 โ€“ โ‚น4,000
Class 1 Medical: โ‚น6,000 โ€“ โ‚น8,500
Extra tests (ECHO, TMT, blood, etc.): โ‚น1,500 โ€“ โ‚น3,000
Total budget for both medicals: โ‚น10,000 โ€“ โ‚น12,000 (approx.)

How early should I apply for DGCA medicals?

You should start Class 2 Medical in the late 12th standard or just after completing your 12th exams. Class 1 Medical should follow immediately after Class 2, to avoid delays in CPL admission.

Can I become a pilot after 12th commerce or arts?

You must have passed 12th with Physics and Maths to become a commercial pilot. If youโ€™re from a non-science background, you can take these subjects via NIOS or open school.

Do I need to clear NEET or JEE to become a pilot in India?

No. You only need 12th pass with Physics and Maths. There is no requirement to clear NEET, JEE, or any national entrance test for pilot training in India.

Can female students apply for DGCA pilot medicals?

Yes, absolutely. Both Class 1 and Class 2 Medicals are the same for female and male candidates. There is no gender-based difference in DGCAโ€™s medical standards.

What happens if I fail the DGCA Class 1 Medical?

If you are temporarily unfit, DGCA will ask for additional reports. You can reapply after correction. A second attempt is common. Permanent unfitness happens only in rare, serious medical cases.

Can I do DGCA Class 1 Medical before Class 2 Medical?

No. You must clear Class 2 Medical first and receive a DGCA File Number. Only then can you apply for Class 1 Medical.

How long is DGCA medical valid for?

Class 2 Medical: Valid for 2 years for students under age 40
Class 1 Medical: Valid for 1 year, needs renewal every 12 months for active pilots

Is DGCA Class 1 Medical accepted in other countries?

No. DGCA medicals are only valid for India. If you want to fly internationally or in another country, you must pass their respective aviation medical standards (like FAA, EASA, etc.)

Can I clear DGCA medicals if I have a minor health issue?

Yes, in most cases. Minor issues like controlled diabetes, mild asthma, or wearing specs do not disqualify you if managed properly. Always be transparent with your examiner.