DGCA Class 1 Medical: 7 Ultimate Things Student Pilots Must Know

If you’re planning to pursue commercial pilot training in India, one of the very first milestones on your journey is clearing the DGCA Class 1 Medical. This isn’t just a formality—it’s a mandatory fitness certification that determines whether you’re physically and mentally qualified to operate commercial aircraft.

Approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Class 1 Medical is required for all students before they can enroll in Commercial Pilot License training or begin flying under professional standards. The assessment is extensive, covering vision, hearing, heart function, neurological health, and overall physical condition. Yet many student pilots are either unprepared or unaware of what to expect during the process.

This article breaks down the 7 facts Indian student pilots must know about the DGCA Class 1 Medical—including eligibility, documentation, approved testing centers, test procedures, validity, and tips to avoid common disqualifiers. If you’re serious about becoming a commercial pilot, understanding this step thoroughly is critical to keeping your training on track.

What Is DGCA Class 1 Medical and Who Needs It?

The DGCA Class 1 Medical is the highest-level medical certification required for anyone aspiring to become a commercial pilot in India. It serves as official proof that you’re physically and mentally fit to operate an aircraft under the demanding conditions of professional aviation.

According to DGCA regulations, all student pilots must pass this medical examination before starting CPL (Commercial Pilot License) training. It’s not optional. Whether you’re planning to enroll in an Indian flying academy like the Florida Flyers Flight Academy India or pursue flight training abroad and convert your license later, the DGCA Class 1 Medical is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

Unlike Class 2 Medicals (which are used for PPL holders or for initial DGCA file number issuance), the Class 1 Medical is much more comprehensive. It involves tests across multiple physiological and psychological systems, including:

Vision and color perception
Hearing thresholds
Cardiovascular screening (ECG, blood pressure)
Chest X-ray and general physical health
Neurological and psychological evaluation

Only DGCA-approved medical examiners (AMEs) and designated centers can conduct and issue this certification. You cannot get your Class 1 Medical from your local doctor or general physician.

If your goal is to fly commercially for an airline or corporate operation, clearing the DGCA Class 1 Medical is your first major milestone—and it sets the tone for the professionalism and precision expected throughout your aviation journey.

Where to Get Your DGCA Class 1 Medical Done

The DGCA Class 1 Medical can only be conducted at select government-authorized centers across India. These facilities are specially equipped to carry out the wide range of tests required, and all results are reviewed in coordination with DGCA protocols before a medical certificate is issued.

The two most well-known centers for DGCA Class 1 Medicals are:

AFCME (Air Force Central Medical Establishment) in Delhi
IAM (Institute of Aerospace Medicine) in Bangalore

There are also a few military hospitals and DGCA-empaneled civil hospitals that conduct Class 1 Medicals, but availability is limited and subject to DGCA scheduling and center-specific policies.

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Appointments are mandatory—these centers do not accept walk-ins under any circumstance.
Slots fill up quickly, especially between March and July when student pilot intake peaks. Booking your exam 2–3 months in advance is strongly advised.
You must also carry all required documents, including your DGCA file number (if you’ve already received one), ID proof, previous medical history, and any corrective eyewear or prescriptions.

Some students try to delay or rush through this step, but that can backfire—especially if a disqualifying condition is discovered late. Getting your DGCA Class 1 Medical done early allows time for follow-up tests or clarifications without derailing your CPL training plans.

Documents Required for DGCA Class 1 Medical

Before you appear for your DGCA Class 1 Medical, it’s critical to have your documentation in order. These records help medical examiners assess your eligibility and ensure your health profile is complete. Missing paperwork can lead to delays, or worse, a rescheduled assessment—which means starting the appointment process from scratch.

The core documents required for DGCA Class 1 Medical include:

Passport and Aadhaar card: These serve as your official identity and address verification
10th-grade mark sheet or certificate: Used to confirm your date of birth
Medical history reports: Especially important if you’ve had past surgeries, asthma, heart conditions, or neurological symptoms
DGCA Form 64: A standard medical application form you must fill out and sign before the medical
Consent forms: Required for processing medical data and reports
Recent passport-size photographs: For registration and your final certificate
Blood group report and records of essential vaccinations, if available

It’s also recommended to carry your prescription eyewear, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, as you’ll undergo a vision test as part of the screening.

Organizing these documents early can save you from last-minute stress and show examiners that you’re serious about your aviation career—a mindset that will serve you well during every DGCA interaction.

DGCA Class 1 Medical Tests You’ll Undergo

The DGCA Class 1 Medical is designed to evaluate whether you can withstand the physical and mental demands of professional flying. The tests are comprehensive and go far beyond routine checkups. They’re conducted by specialists across departments including cardiology, ophthalmology, ENT, radiology, and psychiatry.

Here’s what you can expect:

Vision and eye tests: Includes distance vision, near vision, and color perception—color blindness is a disqualifier in most cases
ENT examination: To assess balance, hearing, sinus health, and ear pressure response
Blood and urine tests: Used to detect diabetes, infections, or signs of systemic health issues
ECG (Electrocardiogram) and chest X-ray: To evaluate heart rhythm and lung condition
BMI and physical fitness review: Examiners assess weight, posture, reflexes, and muscular coordination
Mental health screening: Includes basic questions to rule out anxiety, depression, or psychotic symptoms
TMT (Treadmill Test or Stress Test): Required for older candidates (typically 35+) or those with cardiovascular risk markers

Each test is scored against DGCA’s medical standards, and results are either cleared immediately or forwarded for review by a DGCA panel, especially in borderline or special cases.

Candidates who pass all components receive their DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate, which is valid for 1 year (or 6 months for airline pilots above age 40).

Understanding what’s involved can help you arrive mentally and physically prepared—ensuring that this crucial step doesn’t become a roadblock in your CPL timeline.

DGCA Class 1 Medical Validity and Renewal

Once you’ve cleared your DGCA Class 1 Medical, the certificate isn’t valid forever—it comes with a fixed duration of validity that depends on your age. Understanding the renewal timeline is crucial if you want to keep flying or stay eligible for future job applications.

For student and professional pilots under the age of 40, the Class 1 Medical is valid for 12 months. For those above 40, it must be renewed every 6 months, especially if you’re actively flying under an airline or commercial operator.

Renewals can be done at a wider range of DGCA-approved civil medical centers (not just AFCME or IAM), but the process still includes many of the original tests—albeit in a slightly lighter format. Failing to renew on time could lead to grounding, disqualification from interviews, or having to restart the medical clearance process.

If you’re taking a break from flying or switching to ground-based work, you may choose to temporarily downgrade to a Class 2 Medical, which has fewer requirements and longer validity. However, to resume CPL training or re-enter airline employment, you’ll need to revalidate your DGCA Class 1 Medical before stepping back into the cockpit.

Whether it’s your first medical or your fifth renewal, keeping track of these deadlines is critical to maintaining your flying status without disruption.

DGCA Class 1 Medical Tips for First-Time Applicants

For many student pilots, the DGCA Class 1 Medical is their first experience with a rigorous aviation-grade health screening. And while the process is manageable, being unprepared can lead to delays, repeat visits, or unnecessary anxiety.

Here are a few practical tips to help you make a strong first impression:

Arrive well-rested: Fatigue can affect blood pressure, ECG readings, and your overall alertness during interviews or reflex tests. Avoid red-eye travel or late-night prep the day before.

Avoid caffeine and greasy food: Coffee, energy drinks, and fatty meals can influence blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or even cause irregular heartbeats during your ECG or TMT (treadmill test).

Bring both original and photocopies of all documents: That includes ID, Form 64, academic records, blood group report, and any prior medical records if applicable. Missing paperwork is a common cause for rescheduling.

Dress professionally and stay calm: This is your first official interaction with DGCA medical authorities. Presenting yourself as a focused, respectful, and organized candidate helps build your credibility.

Above all, treat the DGCA Class 1 Medical not just as a requirement—but as a signal of your readiness to enter a professional aviation environment. The way you prepare now sets the tone for every license, checkride, and airline interview that follows.

What Happens If You’re Declared Temporarily Unfit?

Hearing the words “temporarily unfit” during your DGCA Class 1 Medical can feel discouraging—but it’s not the end of the road. In fact, temporary unfitness is relatively common and usually relates to conditions that are either correctable or require further investigation.

Some of the most common reasons include:

Elevated blood pressure
Minor vision discrepancies or eye infections
Abnormal ECG readings
Incomplete documentation or missing test results
Prior medical history that needs specialist evaluation

When this happens, you’ll typically be asked to:

Submit a specialist consultation report (e.g., from a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, or neurologist)
Repeat a particular test after a rest period or medical treatment
Wait for DGCA review before final medical certification is approved

Importantly, being declared temporarily unfit is not a permanent disqualification. As long as the underlying issue is not a Class 1 medical disqualifier under DGCA standards, you’ll usually be cleared once you follow the necessary steps. You can even appeal or request reevaluation through DGCA’s medical board if needed.

This is why starting your DGCA Class 1 Medical early is so important—it gives you time to correct small issues before they become timeline blockers. Many student pilots have faced temporary unfitness, addressed the concerns, and gone on to have successful flying careers.

Conclusion

The DGCA Class 1 Medical isn’t just a regulatory box to tick—it’s your first real-world introduction to the standards and discipline of professional aviation. It ensures that you’re not only fit to fly today, but that you’re building a foundation for a long and healthy flying career ahead.

By preparing early, understanding the process, and staying proactive with your health, you can clear the Class 1 Medical confidently and keep your training on track. From documentation to testing and renewals, this is a step that deserves your full attention—and respect.

Planning to become a commercial pilot? Florida Flyers Flight Academy India offers full support for Indian students, from CPL training and DGCA conversion to Class 1 Medical guidance, documentation prep, and visa assistance. We’ll help you book your appointments, meet medical requirements, and stay flight-ready every step of the way.

FAQ: DGCA Class 1 Medical

Is DGCA Class 1 Medical required before joining a flight school?

Yes. All candidates pursuing CPL training in India must clear the DGCA Class 1 Medical before beginning any commercial flight hours. Some schools may allow initial ground classes with a Class 2 Medical, but a Class 1 is mandatory for license issuance.

How long does the medical process take?

The DGCA Class 1 Medical process typically takes 1 to 2 days for tests. However, receiving the final medical certificate can take 1 to 3 weeks, especially if additional investigations are required or during peak periods.

Can I convert my foreign medical to DGCA Class 1?

No. Even if you hold a valid FAA or EASA Class 1 Medical, you must undergo a separate DGCA Class 1 Medical through approved Indian centers for your CPL to be accepted by DGCA.

What if I fail the eye or color vision test?

Failure in color vision tests may disqualify you from holding a DGCA Class 1 Medical. However, for minor refractive errors, corrective lenses are allowed. Additional tests may be recommended for borderline cases.

Is DGCA Class 1 Medical different from Class 2?

Yes. The Class 2 Medical is a basic certification typically used for PPL or to obtain a DGCA file number. The Class 1 Medical is more comprehensive and mandatory for CPL, ATPL, and commercial airline roles in India.

Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at 91 (0) 1171 816622 to learn more about the Private Pilot Ground School Course.