Every student pilot reaches the same moment: the ground classes are going well, your instructor says you are nearly ready, and then someone mentions that you must apply for the DGCA exam on the Pariksha portal. Suddenly a calm week turns into a search for passwords, scanned documents and exam centre options. I have seen perfectly prepared candidates lose a session simply because one detail did not match. This guide walks through the process in the order it normally happens, and it tells you where to double-check.
Quick answer
To apply for a DGCA exam, first make sure your DGCA computer number is active. Then log in to the Pariksha portal, choose the exam and session you are eligible for, check your details and complete the application steps shown. Portal screens change, so follow the current official instructions and keep a copy of every confirmation.
What is the Pariksha portal?
Pariksha is the online portal run by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation where candidates apply for the ground exams used for pilot licences. It lets you see which exams you can take, choose a session and keep a record of your applications in one place.
Treat it as the official front door for exams. Messages from friends, social media groups or coaching chats are useful for tips, but the portal and official notices are what count when something goes wrong.
What should I prepare before I log in?
Prepare your DGCA computer number, the login details linked to it, scanned identity documents, a clear photograph and any certificates your school says are needed. Having them ready avoids the stressful scramble that happens when a session window is open for only a limited time.
| Item | Check before applying |
|---|---|
| Computer number | Active and linked to your profile |
| Name and date of birth | Identical on every document |
| Photograph and signature | Clear scans in the format requested |
| Eligibility | Prerequisite exams or training completed |
| Instructor or school advice | Which subject to attempt first |
How do I create or confirm my computer number first?
The computer number is created through the DGCA online system before you can apply for exams. If you have not done this, start there, since everything else depends on it. A wrong detail at this stage will follow you through every later application.
Our guide on how to apply for a DGCA computer number and avoid rejection lists the usual mistakes, and this article on the eGCA portal explains how the systems connect.
What are the steps to apply on Pariksha?
The usual flow is to log in, open the exam application section, pick the exam and session, confirm your details, upload anything requested and complete the final submission. Screens differ over time, so read each page before you click, and save a confirmation at the end.
- Log in with your DGCA credentials
- Open the section for exam applications
- Select the exam you are eligible for and an available session
- Check your name, date of birth and contact details
- Upload any requested documents in the correct format
- Submit the application and save the confirmation
Which exam should I apply for first?
Your instructor or school will usually suggest an order based on what you have already studied. Many candidates begin with subjects they find easier to build confidence. Whatever you choose, apply only for what you can realistically prepare in the time before the session.
Before sitting any paper, read how marking works in our article on DGCA exam pass mark and negative marking. It changes how you answer doubtful questions.
A simple approach is to list every subject, rate your confidence from one to five, and book the strongest one first. A pass early in the process gives you momentum, and it also teaches you how the portal and the exam day actually work before the harder papers arrive.
What mistakes delay applications?
The usual causes are mismatched names, blurry scans, an expired or unconfirmed login, applying for a subject you are not yet eligible for and leaving the application until the last day. Most are avoidable with one careful review before you submit.
Another quiet problem is sharing a login or letting someone else apply without telling you. You should always be able to see your own application status.
If the portal shows an error, take a screenshot, note the time and ask your school or the official helpdesk. Do not keep repeating the same attempt over and over, because you may create duplicate entries that take longer to clear.
What should I do on the days before the exam?
Check your session details, confirm the exam centre address and carry the identity documents the notice asks for. Revise from your own notes rather than starting new topics, and sleep properly. Calm candidates make fewer careless mistakes than tired ones.
Plan your travel with extra time, especially if the centre is in another city. Reach early, keep your phone away as instructed and read each question completely before answering.
What happens after I submit?
You should receive a confirmation and be able to see your application status on the portal. Keep the confirmation, check your session details a few days ahead and plan travel to the exam centre early, especially if the centre is in another city.
Do not assume exam dates from older posts or videos. Exam sessions and rules change, so only trust dates that appear on the official portal or notices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a DGCA exam without a computer number?
No. The computer number is the base for your profile, so create or confirm it before you try to apply for an exam.
Where do I find exam sessions?
Sessions are shown on the Pariksha portal when you reach the exam application section. Always rely on what the portal shows, not on forwarded messages.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Contact your school or the official helpdesk quickly and explain the error. Avoid creating several applications to fix one problem.
Can my school apply for me?
Some schools help students with the process, but you should still know your own login and application status. Ask your school what support it gives.
Is there a single date for all DGCA exams?
Not that I would rely on. Check the official portal for current sessions and notices before planning.
If you want help planning your ground subjects around the exam sessions, talk to us at VeritasTech Pilot Academy, Ambattur, Chennai. We can help you organise your preparation and point you to the official sources for rules and dates.
