How the DGCA CPL ground exams work

The DGCA ground exams are where preparation pays off most: they reward method over cramming. Before you pick up a single textbook, get the shape of the system clear, because the rules on how many papers, what counts as a pass, and how long a pass lasts should shape your whole study plan.

The five papers for a CPL

Under CAR Section 7, Series B, Part I, a Commercial Pilot's Licence candidate takes a theoretical knowledge examination in the following subjects.

Paper	What it covers
Air Navigation	Flight planning, speed/time/distance/fuel, the wind triangle, position fixing, radio navigation aids, charts and the flight computer
Aviation Meteorology	The atmosphere, weather systems, clouds, aviation hazards, and reading METAR and TAF
Air Regulation	Rules of the air, airspace, licensing, documents, and the ICAO framework
Technical General	Principles of flight, engines, systems and instruments, in general
Technical Specific	The same knowledge applied in depth to one aircraft type you nominate

There is also a Performance paper, but it applies only to heavier aeroplanes (above 5,700 kg maximum take-off weight) or twin-engine helicopters, so a typical CPL trainee on a light single does not sit it. Confirm whether it applies to your case.

Separately, you also need the RTR(A) radio licence, which is a different exam with its own structure, covered in the last lesson of this stage.

The pass mark

You need a minimum of 70% in each subject, and each paper is passed independently, per CAR Section 7, Series B, Part I. The papers are objective (multiple-choice) type and delivered on computer at DGCA exam centres. There is no oral examination for the CPL; the oral stage applies to the ATPL, not to you at this point.

The five-year window

This is the rule most students do not know, and it matters for pacing. Under Para 6.7 of CAR Section 7, Series B, Part I, all the theoretical papers for a CPL must be completed within a period of five years immediately preceding the date you apply for the licence (for most other licences and ratings the window is only two and a half years).

In practice, that means a paper you passed does not sit on the shelf forever: your full set of passes has to land inside a rolling five-year window when you finally apply. For almost every trainee this is comfortable, but it is a real reason not to clear one paper and then let years drift before the rest.

Sequencing your attempts

There is no compulsory order, but a sensible sequence keeps your momentum up and front-loads the easier wins.

1. 1

   Start with Air Regulation. It is memory-heavy but conceptually straightforward, so it makes an early, motivating pass.

2. 2

   Take Meteorology next. Also largely conceptual, and you can reinforce it with real-world practice using the METAR decoder.

3. 3

   Build up to Air Navigation and Technical General. These are the more calculation- and detail-heavy papers, so give them the most runway.

4. 4

   Sit Technical Specific once your type is fixed. Nominate the aircraft you know best and take it while that knowledge is fresh.

The exam planner turns your available weeks and chosen papers into a week-by-week study schedule if you want a concrete plan.

Frequently asked questions

Key takeaways

• A CPL needs five theoretical papers, each passed independently at 70%.
• Papers are computer-based multiple-choice; there is no oral for the CPL.
• You build passes across sessions with no attempt cap, but all must fall within the five-year window before you apply for the licence.
• A sensible order is Air Regulation and Meteorology first, then Navigation and Technical.
• The RTR(A) radio licence is a separate exam; start it in parallel.

Before you move on

• I understand the five papers, the 70% pass mark and the five-year completion window

The next four lessons take each subject in turn, with a strategy to actually pass it. Start with Air Navigation.