Is DGCA Technical General Hard? How Pilots Clear It in the First Attempt

Updated: 15 January 2026 · Poetic Pilot Academy

After Air Navigation, the next subject that worries most DGCA CPL students is Technical General. A common question asked is: “Is DGCA Technical General hard?”

The honest answer is yes, Technical General can be challenging, but for very different reasons compared to Navigation.

While Navigation tests calculations, Technical General tests conceptual understanding. Students who try to memorise answers often struggle, whereas those who understand systems logically usually perform well.

Why DGCA Technical General Is Considered Difficult

Technical General covers a wide syllabus and expects students to understand how aircraft systems actually work, not just what they are called.

• Large and diverse syllabus
• Concept-based questions
• System interconnections
• Application-based MCQs

DGCA questions are designed to check whether a student is thinking like a pilot, not like a school student memorising notes.

DGCA Technical General Syllabus – Brief Overview

The Technical General syllabus is designed to build a strong foundation for future airline and aircraft-specific training.

Principles of Flight (Aerodynamics)

This section focuses on the physical laws governing flight and aircraft behaviour.

• Forces of flight: lift, drag, thrust, and weight
• Aerofoils and angle of attack
• Airflow, stalls, spins, and recovery concepts
• Stability, control, and high-lift devices

Aircraft General Knowledge (Airframes & Systems)

This area covers the structure of an aircraft and its major onboard systems.

• Airframe structure and materials
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Fuel systems and fuel management
• Landing gear, braking systems
• Ice, rain, fire, smoke, oxygen, and emergency systems

Engines (Powerplant)

Engine knowledge is a critical part of Technical General and is tested conceptually.

• Piston engines: components, cycles, and systems
• Turbine engines: types, principles, and components
• Basic engine operation and limitations

Electrical Systems

This section focuses on basic electrical theory and aircraft power systems.

• AC and DC electrical systems
• Power generation and distribution
• Batteries, inverters, and circuit protection

DGCA often integrates concepts from multiple syllabus areas into a single question, which is why understanding systems as a whole is essential.

Common Mistakes Students Make in Technical General

Most failures in Technical General are due to preparation mistakes rather than difficulty of the subject itself.

• Rote memorisation without understanding
• Ignoring basics of aerodynamics
• Not visualising system operation
• Studying systems in isolation

Is It Possible to Clear DGCA Technical General in the First Attempt?

Yes. A large number of students clear Technical General in their first attempt when they prepare with the right approach.

Unlike Navigation, this subject does not require speed. It requires clarity and logical thinking.

How Pilots Clear DGCA Technical General in the First Attempt

Airline pilots who cleared Technical General successfully followed a concept-driven preparation strategy.

• Understand why a system exists before how it works
• Study system flow using diagrams
• Relate theory to real cockpit operation
• Revise concepts regularly instead of cramming

Once concepts are clear, answering DGCA MCQs becomes far easier and more intuitive.

How Long Does Technical General Preparation Take?

Most students take 5 to 7 weeks to prepare for Technical General with consistent study.

• Weeks 1–2: Aerodynamics and basics
• Weeks 3–4: Aircraft systems
• Weeks 5–6: Engines and electrical systems
• Final days: Revision and mock tests

Does Ground School Help for Technical General?

Yes. Structured ground classes significantly improve understanding, especially for students without an engineering background.

An experienced instructor helps students:

• Visualise complex systems
• Understand DGCA question patterns
• Link theory to real aircraft operation

At Poetic Pilot Academy, Technical General is taught by active airline pilots who simplify complex systems using real-world cockpit examples.

Explore DGCA CPL Ground Classes at PPA

Final Thoughts

DGCA Technical General is not difficult if studied correctly. It is a subject that builds the foundation for your entire flying career.

With conceptual clarity, structured preparation, and proper guidance, clearing Technical General in the first attempt is completely achievable.