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    PPL Training in India: Eligibility, Exams and What It Does Not Get You

    Written by Flying Star Aviator Academics Team · Last updated

    What does a Private Pilot Licence require in India?

    A Private Pilot Licence lets you fly privately, not for hire or reward. To sit the DGCA theory papers for a PPL you need a computer number from the Central Examination Organization and a pass in Class 10 or equivalent — not 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, which is the Commercial Pilot Licence rule. The pass mark is 70%.

    Sources: DGCA CAR Section 7, Series 'B', Part I (Issue III, Rev 2, 13 Feb 2019)

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    Is a PPL the same starting point as a CPL?

    No, and this is where most planning goes wrong. A PPL and a CPL are separate licences with separate eligibility rules, separate theory papers and separate paper-validity periods. A PPL permits private flying; it does not permit flying for hire or reward, which is what a commercial career requires.

    Many candidates take a PPL first because it builds hours and confidence before committing to the full commercial route. That is a reasonable choice. It is not, however, a prerequisite — you can pursue a CPL directly if you meet the CPL eligibility rules.

    What are the DGCA exam eligibility rules for a PPL?

     PPLCPL
    Computer numberRequired, from CEO, DGCARequired, from CEO, DGCA
    Educational qualificationPassed Class Ten or equivalent from a recognised boardPassed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board
    Theory subjectsComposite Paper; Aircraft & Engine / Instruments in general and specificAir Navigation; Aviation Meteorology; Air Regulation; Aircraft & Engine / Instruments in general, specific and performance
    Pass mark70%70%
    Validity of a passed paperTwo and a half yearsFive years

    Source: DGCA CAR Section 7, Series 'B', Part I (Issue III, Rev 2, 13 February 2019).

    Why the two-and-a-half-year validity matters

    A cleared CPL paper stays valid for five years. A cleared PPL paper stays valid for two and a half. If you clear PPL papers and then take a long break before completing the licence, they can lapse in half the time you might have assumed from reading about CPL.

    Plan the theory papers against when you will actually be flying, not against when it is convenient to study.

    What about flight hours and the medical?

    Flight-time minimums and medical fitness for a PPL are set in Schedule II of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and are administered through your Flying Training Organisation. We do not publish an hours figure here because we have not verified one against Schedule II's current text — the widely repeated numbers on training-school pages are not sourced, and a wrong figure here would cost you money.

    Ask your FTO for the current Schedule II requirement in writing, and confirm which class of medical you need before you begin, not after.

    What do PPL course fees in India cover?

    DGCA does not set a standard PPL course fee. PPL aircraft-training costs are quoted by training providers, so ask an appropriately approved Flying Training Organisation (FTO) for a current, itemised quote and check what aircraft time, instruction, examinations and other charges it includes. Flying Star Aviator provides ground training, not aircraft flying training; this page is an informational guide, not an offer of a PPL course.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I need 10+2 with Physics and Maths for a PPL?
    No. DGCA's stated requirement to appear in PPL theory examinations is a pass in Class Ten or equivalent from a recognised board. 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics is the Commercial Pilot Licence requirement.
    Can I fly commercially on a PPL?
    No. A Private Pilot Licence does not permit flying for hire or reward. Commercial flying requires a Commercial Pilot Licence.
    How long does a passed PPL paper stay valid?
    Two and a half years immediately preceding the date of application. A passed CPL or ATPL paper is valid for five years.
    Do I need a computer number for PPL exams?
    Yes. A computer number allotted by the Central Examination Organization, DGCA, is required to appear in PPL theory examinations.
    Is a PPL required before a CPL?
    No. A PPL is a separate licence, not a prerequisite for a CPL. Many candidates take one first to build experience, but DGCA does not require it.
    How do I compare PPL course fees in India?
    Request a current itemised quote from an appropriately approved Flying Training Organisation and check which aircraft time, instruction, examinations and other charges are included. DGCA examination and licensing charges are separate from a provider's training quote.

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    Ask before you commit

    We run DGCA CPL and ATPL ground classes from Dwarka, New Delhi. If you want the sequencing checked against your own papers, medical and budget, tell us where you are and we will map it out.

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