Your medical certificate is the most fundamental document in your aviation career. Without it, no training, no licence, no career. Understanding what DGCA requires - and preparing accordingly - is something every aspirant must do before spending money on ground classes or flight training.
The Class 2 Medical Certificate is required for the Student Pilot Licence (SPL) and is the minimum standard for basic flying training. It is conducted by DGCA-approved medical examiners. The Class 1 Medical is required for the CPL and is the stricter, airline-grade standard.
Vision: You can wear glasses or contact lenses. The standard for distant vision is 6/6 in each eye, corrected or uncorrected. Colour vision is tested using Ishihara plates - colour blindness is a disqualifying condition.
Hearing: You must pass a pure-tone audiometry test. Speech hearing in quiet conditions is typically tested. Significant hearing loss may be disqualifying.
Cardiovascular: A resting ECG is performed. Your blood pressure must be within normal limits. A history of cardiac events may require specialist review.
ENT: Your ears, nose, and throat are examined for conditions that might affect cabin pressure equalisation or communication.
Mental health: A psychiatric history review is part of the examination. DGCA takes aviation psychology seriously post-2015.
How to prepare: Get a general health check-up 4–6 weeks before your DGCA medical. Ensure your blood pressure is in range. Bring your complete medical history, prescription glasses if applicable, and any relevant specialist reports. Do not attempt to conceal any condition - undisclosed conditions that emerge later can result in licence revocation.
CIPTA guides every student through the medical process as part of our onboarding. Speak to a mentor before your exam date.