DGCA Class 1 & 2 Medicals Guide 2025 + Doctor List

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 — it’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 — 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 — 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.

Let’s get started. And yes, if you still have doubts, don’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. That’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:

Class 2 Medical – the basic health screening that starts your pilot journey.

Class 1 Medical – 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 — 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? It’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. You’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. That’s why Class 2 Medical is the first major milestone in your pilot career.

What Tests Are Done in Class 2 Medical?

The Class 2 Medical is a basic but important fitness test. Here’s what you’ll go through:

Blood Pressure & General Physical Check-up
Eye Test (color blindness, vision sharpness)
Hearing Test (audiometry)
ECG (to check your heart rhythm)
Blood Test (sugar, hemoglobin, cholesterol)
Chest X-ray (lung condition)
Urine Test
Mental Fitness Evaluation

Wearing glasses?

If you have minor issues (like mild vision error), you can still be declared “fit” — as long as it’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. Here’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 7–10 days

Northern Region

Southern Region

Eastern Region

Western Region

What Is DGCA Class 1 Medical?

Once you have your file number and are ready to move towards actual flight training, it’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 you’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 — “When is the right time to do Class 1 Medical?”
The simple answer is: As early as possible after clearing Class 2 Medical.

Here’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 30–45 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 — it’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, What’s the Ideal Time?

If you’re currently in 12th class, the ideal plan is:

StageRecommended TimeClass 2 MedicalJust after completing your 12th examsClass 1 MedicalJust after Class 2 is clearedCPL AdmissionAfter Class 1 results are in hand

This timeline ensures you’re always ahead of the curve — not chasing deadlines.

What Tests Are Done in Class 1 Medical?

Here’s what you can expect during your Class 1 Medical:

Detailed Eye Test (distance vision, color perception, depth perception)
Advanced Audiometry (hearing in both ears)
ECG & ECHO (heart rhythm and heart structure)
Lung Function Test (to check breathing capacity)
Blood and Urine Tests (sugar, liver, kidney, hemoglobin, cholesterol)
Neurological Assessment (mental health, memory, coordination)
Spine and Body Movement Check (no bone deformities)
Optional: Stress Test / TMT (especially if there’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.

Common Mistakes Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Many students — especially those in 11th or 12th standard — 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 — and how you can avoid falling into the same trap:

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

“I’ll do my medicals after I join the ground classes.”

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 30–45 days
If you’re temporarily unfit, you’ll need extra time to fix issues

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

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 can’t “adjust later” or “change your stream” — because without a valid Class 1 medical, you are not allowed to fly or hold a CPL license.

What to do instead:

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

Free Online Counselling – Book Yours Today!

Still feeling confused about where to start?

You’re not alone — thousands of students in India dream of becoming pilots, but don’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.