DGCA Class 1 Medical – Complete Guide for Indian Student Pilots (2025 Updated)

If you’re aiming for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in India, obtaining your DGCA Class 1 Medical is one of the most crucial steps. Class 1 Medical ensures you meet the physical and mental fitness standards required for commercial flying and airline operations.

This guide explains the requirements, process, documents, costs, and important mistakes to avoid so that your approval happens smoothly without delays.

What Is DGCA Class 1 Medical?

A DGCA Class 1 Medical is the highest level of medical fitness requirement for pilots in India.
It is mandatory for:
✔ CPL holders
✔ Airline cadets
✔ Type-rating candidates
✔ Anyone seeking to fly commercially

⭐ Before You Begin – Important Preparations Students Often Miss

Many students face delays of several months simply because they do not prepare correctly. Keep these points before booking your Class 1 Medical:

1. Make sure you already have your Class 2 Medical certificate

You cannot book a Class 1 medical without a PMR number, which is issued only after Class 2 approval.
Class 2 approval itself may take 3–4 months, so plan early.

2. Fill the physical medical form carefully

Ensure everything is correct, updated, and with no spelling mistakes.
Even a small mistake in name, address, or date of birth can lead to medical rejection or delay.

3. Confirm with your doctor whether tests require fasting

Different centers follow different protocols.
If you arrive without fasting for a fasting-required test, your medical will be postponed to the next day.

4. Avoid smoking or drinking 72 hours before the medical

Alcohol and nicotine affect your vitals, ECG, blood tests, and blood pressure.
To avoid rejection or retest, stay clean for at least 3 days before medical day.

5. Ensure name accuracy on all medical tests

Your name must match exactly with your Aadhar/Passport.
Avoid using unnecessary suffixes like “ji”, “singh”, “kumar” if they are not in your official documents.

6. Understand the expected medical cost

The cost varies by centre:

• Private hospitals: ~ ₹20,000

• Indian Air Force (IAF): ~ ₹10,000

 

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Who Can Conduct DGCA Class 1 Medical?

Class 1 medicals are done only at:

• DGCA-approved Class 1 examiners

• IAF Boarding Centres (Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, East Jorhat etc.)

Private hospitals must be DGCA-approved.

 

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Documents Required

Prepare the following:

 

• Aadhar card or other valid ID (make sure it matches all forms)

• Class 2 Medical certificate

• PMR number

• Previous medical records (if any)

• Spectacle prescription (if you wear glasses)

• Passport-size photos

DGCA Class 1 Medical Tests

The testing varies slightly between centers but commonly includes:

• Physical examination

• Vision tests (distant, near, colour vision, slit lamp, eye pressure)

• ECG, EEG, and TMT

• Chest X-ray

• Audiometry (hearing test)

• Urine & blood tests

• Haemoglobin and sugar tests

• BMI and general fitness evaluation

 

If required, the doctor may ask for follow-up tests.

Validity of Class 1 Medical

For candidates under 40 years: Valid for 12 months

For candidates above 40 years: Valid for 6 months

 

How to Apply for DGCA Class 1 Medical – Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Get Your Class 2 Medical & PMR Number

This must be done before anything else.
Use the PMR to schedule your Class 1 examination.

 

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Step 2: Choose a DGCA-Approved Center

Select between an IAF centre or a private DGCA-approved aviation medical examiner depending on availability and your budget.

 

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Step 3: Fill the Physical Medical Form Carefully

Write accurate name, date of birth, address, and contact details.
Incorrect forms often lead to application rejection.

 

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Step 4: Call the Medical Examiner

Ask the doctor:

• Whether fasting is required

• Appointment availability

• What documents to bring

This avoids unnecessary repeat visits.

 

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Step 5: Complete All Medical Tests

Carry your ID proof and Class 2 certificate.
Avoid smoking/drinking 72 hours prior and stay hydrated.

 

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Step 6: Clearance & Issuance

Once tests are reviewed and found satisfactory, the doctor forwards your file to DGCA for approval.
DGCA uploads your Class 1 medical status to your eGCA account.

Common Mistakes Student Pilots Must Avoid

 

Filling incorrect name/spelling on medical forms
Not checking whether tests require fasting
Going for medical after smoking or drinking
Doing Class 2 late and delaying PMR issue
Using names or suffixes not in documents
Forgetting ID proofs
Not keeping copies of all medical reports

Final Advice

Getting your DGCA Class 1 Medical is not difficult, but delays happen because of poor planning.
If you prepare your documents correctly, follow medical instructions, avoid alcohol/smoking, and plan early – the process becomes smooth and stress-free.

Your Class 1 Medical is the foundation of your aviation career, so take it seriously and plan ahead.

Check the list of DGCA approved doctors for Initial and renewal of Class 1 medical

https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/?page=jsp/dgca/InventoryList/personal/medical/class1/Class1.pdf