DGCA Class 2 Medical Test List (2026): Tests, Fees, Process & Complete Guide

Updated: 15 July 2026· Poetic Pilot Academy

If you're planning to become a commercial pilot in India, obtaining a DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate is one of the very first steps in your aviation journey. Whether you're pursuing a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), or applying for an airline cadet programme, the Class 2 Medical confirms that you meet the basic medical standards required to begin flight training.

Many aspiring pilots are unsure about what happens during the medical examination. Questions such as "What tests are conducted?", "Can I wear spectacles?", "How much does it cost?" and "Where can I take the medical?" are extremely common.

The good news is that the DGCA Class 2 Medical is a straightforward examination conducted by a DGCA-approved Class 2 Medical Examiner. The purpose is not to eliminate candidates unnecessarily but to ensure that student pilots are medically fit to safely begin aviation training.

In this guide, we'll explain the complete DGCA Class 2 Medical Test List, the application process, required documents, medical standards, fees, validity, and what happens after you successfully complete your examination.

If you're planning to become a commercial pilot, remember that you'll eventually need to obtain a DGCA Class 1 Medical Certificate. We have already published a complete guide covering the Class 1 Medical process, approved medical centres, investigations and renewal requirements.

What is the DGCA Class 2 Medical?

The DGCA Class 2 Medical Examination is the first aviation medical assessment undertaken by most aspiring pilots in India. It is conducted by a DGCA-authorised Class 2 Medical Examiner and evaluates whether a candidate satisfies the minimum medical standards required to begin pilot training.

Unlike the more comprehensive DGCA Class 1 Medical, the Class 2 Medical focuses on your overall physical fitness, eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, medical history and general health. It acts as the foundation of your aviation medical certification before progressing towards commercial flying.

After successfully completing the examination, the medical documents are forwarded to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Once approved, DGCA issues your Class 2 Medical Assessment, confirming that you are medically fit under the prescribed standards.

Most flying schools and aviation academies recommend completing the Class 2 Medical before investing in flight training, as it helps identify any significant medical concerns early in your aviation journey.

Who Needs a DGCA Class 2 Medical?

The DGCA Class 2 Medical is generally required for anyone planning to begin pilot training in India. It serves as the entry-level aviation medical certification before progressing towards more advanced licences and ratings.

Candidates who commonly require a Class 2 Medical include:

• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Aspirants
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Students
• Student Pilot Licence (SPL) Applicants
• Cadet Pilot Programme Applicants
• Flying Club Students
• Aspiring Flight Instructors

Even if your chosen flying school does not insist on completing the Class 2 Medical immediately, obtaining it early is highly recommended. Since pilot training involves a significant financial investment, confirming your medical eligibility before commencing training can help avoid unexpected complications later.

If you're still exploring the complete pathway towards becoming an airline pilot, we recommend reading our How to Become a Pilot in India guide, which explains every stage from eligibility to airline selection.

Why is the DGCA Class 2 Medical Important?

Professional pilot training is both time-consuming and expensive. Depending on the flying school and training pathway, obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence may cost anywhere between ₹50 lakh and ₹70 lakh or more.

Completing the Class 2 Medical before beginning flying training helps ensure that you satisfy DGCA's minimum medical standards before making such a significant investment.

The examination is intended to identify medical conditions that could affect aviation safety, including:

• Vision problems.
• Colour vision deficiency.
• Hearing impairment.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Neurological disorders.
• Serious respiratory illnesses.

Passing the Class 2 Medical gives aspiring pilots confidence that they are medically eligible to continue towards commercial pilot training and eventually obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

Complete DGCA Class 2 Medical Test List

Although the exact investigations may vary depending on your medical history and the examining doctor, most candidates undergo the following examinations during the DGCA Class 2 Medical assessment:

• General Physical Examination.
• Vision Assessment.
• Colour Vision Test.
• Hearing Examination.
• Blood Pressure Measurement.
• Height & Weight Assessment.
• Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Urine Routine Examination.
• Blood Sugar Test (where required).
• Medical History Review.
• Heart & Lung Examination.
• Basic Neurological Assessment.

If the medical examiner identifies any findings that require further evaluation, additional investigations may be recommended before your Class 2 Medical Assessment is issued.

What Happens After Passing the Class 2 Medical?

Successfully completing the DGCA Class 2 Medical is an important milestone, but it is not the final medical certification required for a commercial aviation career. Once your examination is completed, your medical examiner forwards the required documents to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for processing.

After your medical assessment is approved, DGCA issues your Class 2 Medical Assessment. This confirms that you satisfy the medical standards required to begin pilot training under DGCA regulations.

Most students then continue with the remaining steps of their pilot training journey, including obtaining a DGCA Computer Number, joining DGCA Ground Classes, beginning flying training and eventually completing the DGCA Class 1 Medical Examination before exercising the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Licence.

If you're still planning your aviation journey, our detailed guide on How to Become a Pilot in India explains each of these stages in depth.

Can You Begin Flying Training Without a Class 2 Medical?

Most DGCA-approved flying schools strongly recommend obtaining a valid Class 2 Medical before beginning practical flight training. Since pilot training requires a significant financial investment, confirming your medical fitness early helps prevent unexpected delays later.

Although admission procedures may differ slightly between training organisations, completing your medical first is generally considered the safest and most practical approach.

Is the DGCA Class 2 Medical Difficult to Pass?

For healthy candidates, the DGCA Class 2 Medical is generally straightforward. The purpose of the examination is not to eliminate aspiring pilots but to ensure that they can safely undertake flight training.

Many candidates worry unnecessarily about wearing spectacles, being slightly overweight or having previously experienced common illnesses. In reality, many professional pilots wear corrective lenses, and minor medical findings often require only additional evaluation rather than immediate rejection.

The most important advice is to answer every medical question honestly and provide previous medical records whenever requested by the examining doctor.

Vision Assessment

Good eyesight is one of the most important medical requirements for any pilot. During the DGCA Class 2 Medical Examination, the Aviation Medical Examiner carefully evaluates your vision to ensure that you can safely perform flying duties.

The examination generally includes both distance and near vision assessment. The doctor also checks eye movement, overall eye health and whether corrective lenses provide adequate visual correction.

Many aspiring pilots believe that wearing spectacles automatically disqualifies them from becoming commercial pilots. Fortunately, this is a misconception. Numerous airline pilots wear spectacles or contact lenses while flying. What matters is whether your corrected vision satisfies the standards prescribed by DGCA.

Colour Vision Test

Colour perception is another important part of the Class 2 Medical. Pilots rely on colours every day while interpreting cockpit displays, navigation lights, airport lighting systems and Air Traffic Control signals.

To ensure that candidates can accurately distinguish colours, the medical examiner performs a colour vision assessment using approved testing methods.

The assessment may include:

• Ishihara Colour Vision Test.
• Additional colour perception tests where required.
• Further evaluation if initial results are inconclusive.

Failing an initial colour vision screening does not always mean a candidate is permanently medically unfit. Depending on the findings, additional tests may be recommended before DGCA issues a final assessment.

Hearing Examination

Clear communication is fundamental to aviation safety. Every pilot must be able to hear Air Traffic Control instructions accurately, communicate effectively with other crew members and recognise cockpit warnings.

During the Class 2 Medical, the Aviation Medical Examiner evaluates your hearing ability to ensure that no significant hearing impairment exists.

The examination generally includes:

• General ear examination.
• Assessment of hearing ability.
• Evaluation of previous ear disorders.
• Additional hearing tests where necessary.

Candidates with a history of ear surgery, chronic infections or hearing loss should inform the medical examiner before the examination begins.

General Physical Examination

The medical examination also includes a complete physical assessment to evaluate your overall health and fitness.

The doctor generally examines:

• Height.
• Weight.
• Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Blood Pressure.
• Pulse Rate.
• Heart.
• Lungs.
• Abdomen.
• Musculoskeletal System.
• General Physical Appearance.

This examination helps identify any medical condition that could interfere with safe flight training or future commercial flying.

Blood Pressure Assessment

Blood pressure is routinely checked during every DGCA Class 2 Medical Examination. High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications and therefore requires careful evaluation.

If your blood pressure is elevated on the day of examination, the doctor may recommend repeat measurements or additional evaluation before issuing the medical assessment.

Temporary stress or anxiety can occasionally cause elevated readings, which is why candidates are encouraged to remain calm and well rested before attending their appointment.

Height, Weight & BMI

Another routine part of the Class 2 Medical is measuring your height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). There is no fixed DGCA height requirement for commercial pilots; however, candidates should have a physique that allows them to safely operate aircraft controls.

Being overweight does not automatically disqualify a candidate. Instead, the Aviation Medical Examiner evaluates whether obesity has resulted in medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease that may require further assessment.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep significantly improves overall medical fitness and long-term pilot health.

Medical History Review

An important part of the examination involves discussing your previous medical history. The Aviation Medical Examiner may ask about previous surgeries, hospital admissions, long-term medications, allergies, chronic illnesses or any previous aviation medical assessments.

Candidates should always answer honestly. Providing incorrect or incomplete medical information may delay the certification process and can have serious consequences during future medical renewals.

If you have undergone treatment for any significant medical condition, it is advisable to carry all relevant medical reports and prescriptions to your appointment.

How to Apply for a DGCA Class 2 Medical

Applying for a DGCA Class 2 Medical is relatively straightforward, but following the correct sequence can save considerable time during your pilot training. The examination must be conducted only by a DGCA-authorised Class 2 Medical Examiner (AME). Medical certificates issued by ordinary hospitals or private doctors are not accepted by DGCA.

Before booking your appointment, it's advisable to identify the nearest DGCA-approved medical examiner and contact their clinic regarding appointment availability, consultation fees and the documents you need to carry.

Once your Class 2 Medical Assessment is issued, you can confidently proceed with the next stages of your aviation journey, including obtaining your DGCA Computer Number and joining a flying school.

Documents Required for DGCA Class 2 Medical

Although requirements may vary slightly between medical examiners, candidates are generally advised to carry the following documents while attending their appointment.

If you have undergone eye surgery, previous hospital treatment or are taking long-term medication, carry all relevant reports during your examination. Providing complete medical information helps the Aviation Medical Examiner make an accurate assessment.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Class 2 Medical Assessment?

Many students assume that they receive their Class 2 Medical Certificate immediately after visiting the doctor. In reality, the Aviation Medical Examiner first completes the examination and submits the required medical documents to DGCA for processing.

Once DGCA verifies the submitted documents, your official Class 2 Medical Assessment is issued.

Processing times may vary depending on the number of pending applications and administrative workload. Candidates should therefore complete their Class 2 Medical well before planning to begin flying training.

DGCA Class 2 Medical Fees

Unlike examination fees charged by DGCA for theory papers, the Class 2 Medical fee is paid directly to the DGCA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner conducting your examination.

Fees vary depending on the doctor, city and any additional investigations that may be required. Candidates should contact the medical examiner directly before booking an appointment to confirm the latest charges.

If additional laboratory investigations or specialist consultations are recommended, these may involve separate charges.

Validity of DGCA Class 2 Medical

The validity of the Class 2 Medical depends upon your age and the licence privileges being exercised. Since aviation medicine is an evolving field, DGCA periodically updates medical validity requirements.

*Candidates should always refer to the latest DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) or consult their Aviation Medical Examiner for current validity requirements.

DGCA Class 2 Medical vs DGCA Class 1 Medical

One of the biggest points of confusion among aspiring pilots is understanding the difference between the Class 2 and Class 1 Medical examinations.

The Class 2 Medical is the initial aviation medical examination required before beginning pilot training. The Class 1 Medical is considerably more comprehensive and becomes mandatory before exercising the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Licence.

Once you successfully complete your Class 2 Medical, your next medical milestone will be the DGCA Class 1 Medical Examination, which includes additional laboratory investigations, ECG, chest X-ray, specialist consultations and other medical assessments required for commercial pilots.

Can You Fail the DGCA Class 2 Medical?

This is probably the most common concern among aspiring pilots. The simple answer is that most healthy candidates successfully clear the DGCA Class 2 Medical Examination. The examination is not intended to eliminate candidates but to identify medical conditions that could affect aviation safety.

If the Aviation Medical Examiner identifies an abnormal finding, it does not automatically mean that your dream of becoming a pilot is over. In many situations, candidates are asked to undergo additional investigations or provide specialist opinions before DGCA issues the final medical assessment.

Some candidates may also be declared Temporarily Unfit (TU), meaning that the medical issue can potentially be treated or further evaluated before certification is granted.

Common Reasons Candidates Become Temporarily Unfit

Although every medical assessment is unique, some conditions are more commonly referred for further evaluation than others.

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Abnormal blood sugar levels.
• Poor vision requiring further assessment.
• Colour vision abnormalities.
• Hearing impairment.
• Heart abnormalities requiring specialist opinion.
• Neurological disorders.
• Recent surgery or major illness.
• Certain respiratory diseases.

Most of these situations simply require further evaluation. Candidates should always follow the advice of the Aviation Medical Examiner rather than assuming they cannot pursue an aviation career.

Can I Wear Spectacles?

Yes. One of the biggest myths in aviation is that pilots cannot wear spectacles.

In reality, many commercial airline pilots wear spectacles or contact lenses while flying. DGCA evaluates whether your corrected vision satisfies the prescribed medical standards rather than whether your eyesight is naturally perfect.

If you already wear glasses, remember to carry them during your medical examination together with your latest prescription whenever possible.

Is LASIK Allowed?

Candidates who have undergone LASIK or other corrective eye surgeries are often eligible to become commercial pilots, provided they satisfy DGCA medical requirements after complete recovery.

Eligibility depends on individual medical assessment and current DGCA regulations. Therefore, candidates considering refractive eye surgery should always consult a DGCA-authorised Aviation Medical Examiner before undergoing the procedure.

Can Diabetic or Hypertensive Candidates Become Pilots?

Not every medical condition automatically results in permanent rejection. Controlled medical conditions are assessed individually according to DGCA regulations and aviation medical guidelines.

The Aviation Medical Examiner may recommend additional investigations, specialist reports or periodic follow-up depending upon the candidate's medical history.

Every case is different, which is why self-diagnosis based on internet discussions should always be avoided.

Preparation Tips Before Your Class 2 Medical

Although there is no syllabus for a medical examination, proper preparation helps ensure that your medical assessment proceeds smoothly.

Final Thoughts

The DGCA Class 2 Medical is the first official medical milestone for every aspiring pilot in India. Completing it early provides confidence that you satisfy the minimum medical standards required to begin your aviation journey and helps avoid unnecessary delays after investing in flight training.

Remember that the Class 2 Medical is only the beginning. As you progress towards obtaining your Commercial Pilot Licence, you'll eventually complete the DGCA Class 1 Medical Examination, which involves a more comprehensive assessment for commercial flying.

Along with maintaining good health, building a strong theoretical foundation is equally important. High-quality DGCA ground training significantly improves your chances of clearing DGCA examinations and succeeding during flying training.