DGCA Exam Schedule 2026: All Important Dates

🗓️ Last Updated: April 2026 | Source: DGCA Programme of Examinations 2026

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released the official Programme of Examinations for 2026. If you're looking for the exact DGCA exam date 2026 or want to plan your full-year preparation calendar, you've come to the right place.

Whether you're appearing for your DGCA CPL exam (ground subjects), the DGCA pilot exam for flight instructor rating, OLOD sessions, or FATA certification — this guide covers every DGCA exam date scheduled for 2026 so you can build your timeline accordingly.

In 2026, DGCA has scheduled 4 regular exam sessions, 8 OLOD sessions, and 12 FIR/AFIR sessions. Here's the complete breakdown.

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Complete DGCA Exam Schedule 2026

Regular Examinations — DGCA CPL Exam (Ground Subjects)

The Regular examination sessions are the primary DGCA CPL exam windows where candidates appear for ground subjects like Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulation, and Technical General/Specific. DGCA conducts 4 regular exam sessions per year.

Key Takeaway: Regular exams are spaced roughly 3 months apart. Plan to attempt at least 2 subjects per session for an efficient clearance timeline. Registration windows typically open 6–8 weeks before the exam — monitor the DGCA Pariksha Portal regularly.

OLOD Examinations (Online On-Demand)

OLOD exams offer additional opportunities to appear for the same DGCA CPL exam subjects between regular sessions. DGCA has scheduled 8 OLOD sessions in 2026.

Key Takeaway: OLOD sessions are great for reattempts or clearing remaining subjects without waiting for the next regular DGCA examination window. OLOD exams are held at 5 cities only (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad) and carry a fee of ₹5,000 per subject vs ₹2,500 for regular sessions.

FIR/AFIR Examinations — DGCA Pilot Exam for Instructor Rating

The FIR/AFIR DGCA pilot exam is for candidates pursuing Flight Instructor Rating or Assistant Flight Instructor Rating. DGCA conducts 12 FIR/AFIR sessions throughout the year — making this the most frequently held DGCA examination.

Key Takeaway: With monthly sessions, FIR/AFIR candidates have maximum flexibility. Don't delay — plan your attempt early in the year.

RTR(A) Examinations — Under DGCA (From November 2025)

Since November 2025, the RTR(A) (Radio Telephony Restricted – Aeronautical) examination has been transferred from WPC to DGCA. This is now a mandatory component of the CPL journey.

RTR(A) exam schedule in 2026: Written exams are held every 2–3 months at 5 examination cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai). Practical exams are currently conducted at Delhi only, with more centres being added.

Registration is through the eGCA portal at egca.dgca.gov.in — your DGCA Computer Number is mandatory for RTR(A) registration.

For the full schedule and updated dates: DGCA RTR(A) Exam 2025: New Rules & Schedule →

FATA Examinations (Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorization)

FATA exams are conducted twice a month (fortnightly), totalling approximately 24 sessions in 2026. Specific dates are announced on the Pariksha Portal. If you are a foreign aircrew operating in India, check your current booking availability at pariksha.dgca.gov.in.

Understanding Each DGCA Examination Type

Regular Exams (DGCA CPL Exam) are the standard ground examination sessions. Every aspiring commercial pilot must clear subjects like Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulation, and Technical papers through these sessions to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence.

OLOD (Online On-Demand) Exams were introduced to give candidates more frequent opportunities to clear the same DGCA exam subjects. They are held in shorter 3-day windows between regular sessions at 5 major cities.

FIR/AFIR (DGCA Pilot Exam for Instructors) are mandatory for anyone who wants to work as a flying instructor at DGCA-approved flying training organisations. This DGCA pilot exam tests teaching methodology alongside aviation knowledge.

RTR(A) Exams are now under DGCA (from November 2025). These cover radio telephony communication and are mandatory for the CPL. Exams include a written MCQ component and a 30-minute practical scenario test.

FATA Exams are for Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorization — for foreign pilots operating in Indian airspace.

Smart DGCA Exam Planning Tips for 2026

1. Start with the right sequence. Don't pick subjects randomly for your DGCA CPL exam. Air Regulation is generally considered the easiest starting point, followed by Aviation Meteorology. Read our detailed guide on which DGCA exam to give first.

2. Use OLOD sessions strategically. If you miss a regular DGCA examination or fail a subject, OLOD sessions let you reattempt within weeks instead of waiting 3 months. However, OLOD fees are ₹5,000/subject — plan your preparation to avoid unnecessary OLOD costs.

3. Know the exam pattern inside out. Every DGCA exam has a specific pattern and marking scheme. Check our complete breakdown in DGCA CPL Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026.

4. Get your Computer Number early. You cannot register for any DGCA pilot exam without a computer number. Follow our step-by-step guide to getting your DGCA Computer Number.

5. Aim to clear in the first attempt. Every reattempt costs time and money. Our guide on how to clear DGCA exams in the first attempt covers proven strategies.

6. Bookmark the DGCA Pariksha Portal. All exam registrations, hall tickets, and results are managed through pariksha.dgca.gov.in. Set reminders 6–8 weeks before each session for registration windows.

Important Notes

• All dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change due to gazetted holidays, festivals, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Always verify the latest DGCA examination dates on the official DGCA Pariksha Portal: https://pariksha.dgca.gov.in
• Keep checking your respective Notice Board on the portal for session-specific updates and hall ticket availability.
• RTR(A) registrations are managed separately via egca.dgca.gov.in.

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Last updated: April 2026. Source: DGCA Programme of Examinations 2026.