DGCA Class 1 & Class 2 Medical

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates two levels of medical certification for aspiring and professional pilots in India: Class 2 and Class 1. The Class 2 medical is the entry-level requirement for candidates pursuing a Student Pilot License (SPL) or Private Pilot License (PPL), and can typically be undertaken from around 16–17 years of age. Conducted by DGCA-approved medical examiners, it involves a general physical assessment along with basic tests such as vision (correctable with glasses), color vision, hearing, blood and urine analysis, and an ECG. The certificate is generally valid for two years for individuals below 40 years of age and one year for those above 40. Upon clearing Class 2, candidates must obtain a Class 1 medical certificate to be eligible for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and airline careers. This advanced medical, usually conducted at designated centres such as Air Force establishments or DGCA-approved hospitals, includes a more comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, vision standards (including strict color vision requirements), hearing, and overall physical and mental fitness. The Class 1 medical is valid for one year for candidates below 40 and six months for those above 40. While there is no strict upper age limit set by the DGCA, candidates must meet stringent health criteria, with conditions such as color blindness, uncontrolled epilepsy, or serious cardiac issues potentially leading to disqualification.