DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Exams
Syllabus-aligned DGCA pilot theory preparation
Exam Specifications
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India
70% Correct Answers
3 to 4 Months Directed Study
2.5 hours per subject
100 questions in the configured Heading380 practice volume.
Multiple Choice Questions, Computer-Based Examinations (On-Demand / Quarterly)
Exam Overview
The DGCA CPL theory pathway covers Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, and Technical Specific. Heading380 provides study material and mock practice around these subject areas; check the latest DGCA examination notice for current paper structure and rules.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) CPL theory exams assess core pilot knowledge across five highly competitive papers. Known for rigorous testing environments and high precision margins, passing requires structured conceptual reading alongside active exam simulation. Heading380 provides Indian flight cadets with modern, syllabus-aligned simulation interfaces that build speed, accuracy, and stress resilience.
The exam structure is parted into Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General, and Technical Specific. Air Navigation remains the most challenging subject, featuring heavy wind triangle calculations on the mechanical physical computer (E6B/CX-3) and complex radial track geometries.
High-yield focus: Navigation formulas, VOR tracking, and altimeter-correction calculations are highlighted as high-yield practice areas in Heading380's Air Navigation study plan; the site does not present a fixed official percentage weighting.
Theoretical Subject Syllabus Blocks
Air Navigation
General navigation mathematics, chart projections, radio beacons, and pitot-static instrumentation systems.
Aviation Meteorology
Weather reporting (METAR/TAF/SIGMET), pressure areas, fronts boundary tracking, and cloud physics.
Air Regulations
ICAO annexes, National law acts, rules of the air, airfield marking schemes, and distress signals.
Technical General
Thermodynamics of jet turbines, direct-current systems, landing gear hydraulics, and high-altitude flight mechanics.
Technical Specific
Aircraft-type-specific systems, powerplant configuration, and performance limitations. Content under active development.
DGCA CPL resources and application guidance
Alongside exam practice, use these guides to organise each CPL theory subject and find the current official DGCA exam notices, Computer Number instructions and licence-application information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QIs the CX-3 computer allowed inside the DGCA hall?
Yes, both the physical mechanical flight computer (E6B slide rule) and the electronic flight computer (ASA CX-3) are fully permitted for navigation charting calculations.
QWhat is the passing score for the DGCA CPL exam?
The minimum passing score is exactly 70% for each paper. There is currently no negative marking for wrong options.
QHow many questions are asked in the Air Navigation paper?
The Air Navigation paper consists of 100 multiple choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
QWhich DGCA CPL subjects are live on Heading380 today?
Active mock papers cover Air Navigation (General Navigation, Radio Navigation, and Aircraft Instruments sub-topics), Aviation Meteorology, and Air Regulations. Technical General and Technical Specific content is under development.
QHow is the Air Navigation paper structured in Heading380's DGCA CPL mock?
Heading380 splits Air Navigation into three sub-topics matching the DGCA syllabus: General Navigation, Radio Navigation, and Aircraft Instruments. Full mock papers sample all three in the official ratio with a 150-minute limit and 70% pass threshold.
QDoes Heading380 cover RTR(A) for the DGCA CPL licence?
RTR(A) is a separate radio-telephony licence examination and is not one of the CPL theory papers. RTR(A) content covering radio telephony operations and aviation phraseology is on the Heading380 roadmap.
Simulator Practice Deck
Access Heading380's free on-line preparation suite. Master simulated cabin stressors and error logging indicators immediately.
Includes cadet features:
- Spaced Repetition Engine
- Custom Radar & METAR Weather
- ATA-Standards Telemetry Logs