Introduction
Every aspiring pilot in India needs to understand CA35. In simple terms, CA35 is a certificate issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) once you have cleared your DGCA ground exams, obtained a valid Class 1 Medical, and hold an SPL or PPL. It essentially acts as your “green light” to log flying hours for up to 3 months from its date of issue. Without CA35, you cannot proceed to finalize your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) application or continue uninterrupted flying training.
Issued by DGCA upon meeting eligibility criteria, CA35 serves as a temporary but crucial permit for flight training and skill tests. dgca.gov.in
What Is CA35?
Full Form & Technical Definition
CA35 stands for the “DGCA Certificate of Passing and Medical Fitness” for CPL aspirants.
It confirms you have passed the requisite DGCA theory papers (Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Aircraft Technical, Meteorology, Radio Telephony, etc.) and cleared your Class 1 Medical assessment.
Issued By DGCA
The DGCA issues CA35 electronically via the eGCA portal once they verify your ground exam mark sheets, Class 1 Medical certificate, SPL/PPL license, and enrollment in a DGCA-approved flying school.
Official DGCA website: dgca.gov.in dgca.gov.indgca.gov.in
Reference to DGCA Link
For more details on Flight Crew Licensing Circulars, including FCLC 1 of 2015 which covers CA35 guidelines, visit the DGCA’s Flight Crew Licensing Circulars page. dgca.gov.in
Why Is CA35 Important?
Proof of Ground Exam Completion & Medical Fitness
CA35 confirms you have passed all required ground subjects (Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Meteorology, Aircraft Technical, Radio Telephony Restricted, etc.) and are medically fit to commence or continue flight training.
3-Month Flying Validity Post-Issue
From the date of issue, CA35 is valid for 3 months only. Within this window, you can log flying hours, complete your CPL skill test, and submit your final CPL application.
DGCA Circulars specify that flying beyond 3 months on CA35 requires DGCA approval or re-application since the certificate expires thereafter. redbirdaviation.commumbaimirror.indiatimes.com
Gate Pass for Final CPL Application
Think of CA35 as your “gate pass.” Without it, you cannot apply for the final CPL issuance because the DGCA expects proof of both theory clearance and medical fitness.
During CPL application, you must submit CA35 along with your 5, 6, 7, 9 (theory pass sheets), Class 1 Medical, flight logbooks, and skill test reports. dgca.gov.inredbirdaviation.com
Who Is Eligible for CA35?
To be eligible for CA35, you must fulfil ALL of the following criteria:
Completed Ground Subjects
Passed DGCA theory papers in:
Air Navigation
Air Regulations
Aviation Meteorology
Aircraft Technical (General & Specific)
Radio Telephony Restricted (RTR) skyeaviationacademy.comthepilot.in
Cleared Class 1 Medical
Obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate from a DGCA-approved medical examiner. This medical must be valid at the time of CA35 application.
Valid SPL or PPL
Hold a Student Pilot License (SPL) or a Private Pilot License (PPL) issued by DGCA.
Enrolled in DGCA-Approved Flying School
Must be registered with a DGCA-approved flying training organization (FTO) in India.
Meeting these requirements ensures DGCA can issue CA35 without further delays. dgca.gov.inskyeaviationacademy.com
How to Apply for CA35 (Step-by-Step)
Obtain a DGCA Computer Number
Before logging in, ensure you have a DGCA Computer Number (issued when you register for DGCA exams).
If not, apply at pariksha.dgca.gov.in to get your unique ID.
Log into the eGCA Portal
Go to eGCA Portal.
Use your DGCA Computer Number and password to sign in.
Fill the “CA35 Application Form” Online
Navigate to “Flight Crew Licensing → CA35 Application”.
Fill in personal details, license details (SPL/PPL), and FTO information.
Upload Required Documents
Mark Sheets for all passed ground subjects (DGCA Six Theory papers).
Class 1 Medical Certificate (signed and stamped by a DGCA-approved AME).
Copy of SPL or PPL license (self-attested).
Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) for identity proof.
Pay the Application Fee (If Applicable)
Check for any fee details on the eGCA portal. As of latest DGCA guidelines, CA35 issuance fees may be ₹500–₹1000, but confirm current rates on eGCA.
Complete payment via online gateway and save the receipt. dgca.gov.inredbirdaviation.com
Submit & Await DGCA Approval
Once all documents and payment are submitted, DGCA will verify your credentials.
Timeline: Typically, 7–10 working days for DGCA to process CA35.
You will receive an e-mail notification when CA35 is generated. Download the certificate from your eGCA dashboard.
How Long Is CA35 Valid?
Validity Period: 3 months from the date of issue.
Purpose of 3-Month Window:
To log mandatory flying hours (as per CPL requirements).
To complete the CPL skill test with a DGCA-approved examiner.
To submit your final CPL application (along with CA35 and other documents) before CA35 expires.
Maintaining License Continuity:
If you let CA35 expire before logging sufficient flying hours or applying for CPL, you must re-apply for a fresh CA35 (repeat entire process: ground pass sheets + medical).
Avoid lapses to maintain seamless progression toward CPL.
Flying schools often schedule skill tests and flight hours strategically within this 3-month period to avoid expiry-related delays. redbirdaviation.com
How ALPS Helps with CA35 Preparation
At Airline Prep School (ALPS), we provide end-to-end support to ensure your CA35 process is smooth and error-free:
Ground School Coaching (DGCA Theory)
Comprehensive tutoring on all six DGCA subjects: Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Meteorology, Aircraft Technical (General & Specific), and Radio Telephony Restricted.
Mock Tests & Internal Exams to simulate DGCA computerized exams (MCQ format).
Focused Revision Sessions targeting high-weight topics and question patterns.
eGCA Guidance Sessions
Step-by-step walkthrough of CA35 online application on the eGCA portal.
Document checklists to ensure no missing mark sheets or medical certificates.
Application fee advisory to prevent last-minute payment issues.
Dedicated CA35 Application Support
One-on-one counseling for uploading proof documents.
Timely reminders for application deadlines to avoid delays.
Coordination with DGCA (via our network channels) if any clarifications or corrections are required.
Flight Training Coordination
Assistance in scheduling your flight hours and CPL skill test within the 3-month CA35 window.
Liaising with DGCA-approved examiners for slot bookings.
Continuous tracking of your CA35 validity to ensure you complete all requirements before expiry.
ALPS’s holistic approach means you don’t just get study support, but the real-world guidance to secure and utilise CA35 efficiently. dgca.gov.inredbirdaviation.com
Mistakes to Avoid with CA35
Delaying Flying After CA35 Is Issued
If you wait too long to schedule flights or skill tests, CA35 may expire mid-training.
Tip: Book your first few flying slots within 2 weeks of CA35 issuance.
Incorrect Document Submission
Submitting wrong mark sheets (e.g., a duplicate air navigation sheet from an older exam) will lead to DGCA rejection.
Tip: Always upload the latest DGCA mark sheets with clear scans.
Not Maintaining Class 1 Medical During Validity Period
If your Class 1 Medical expires before you finish flying hours, CA35 automatically becomes invalid.
Tip: Renew your Class 1 Medical at least 1 month before expiry.
Overlooking CA35 Fee Deadlines
Missing the online payment window can delay CA35 by days.
Tip: Keep an eye on inbox notifications from eGCA about fee deadlines.
Ignoring DGCA Circular Updates
DGCA occasionally updates CA35 issuance rules (fees, documentation, or validity).
Tip: Regularly check DGCA FCLC Circulars for updates, e.g., FCLC 1 of 2015 and any subsequent amendments. dgca.gov.indgca.gov.in
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What Happens if My CA35 Expires?
Once CA35 expires (after 3 months), you cannot log any flying hours or appear for the CPL skill test. You must re-apply for a fresh CA35, which requires re-uploading all ground exam mark sheets and a valid Class 1 Medical. redbirdaviation.com
Can I Reapply for CA35?
Yes. If CA35 expires or if your documents were rejected, you simply submit a new application on the eGCA portal with updated/ corrected mark sheets and a valid medical. The process timeline (7–10 days) applies again.
Does CA35 Replace a CPL?
No. CA35 is a temporary certificate allowing you to fly and appear for skill tests. The CPL (Commercial Pilot License) is issued only after you successfully complete flying hours, skill test, and submit your final CPL application with CA35, logbook, skill test report, and other documents.
What Documents Are Mandatory for CA35 Application?
DGCA Mark Sheets for all six theory subjects (digitally signed).
Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate (within 1 month of CA35 application).
Copy of SPL/PPL License (self-attested with DGCA signature or Notary).
Proof of Enrollment in a DGCA-approved FTO (letter or admission certificate).
Photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN card). skyeaviationacademy.comredbirdaviation.com
Does CA35 Help with Airline Cadet Programs?
Many airline cadet programs (e.g., IndiGo Cadet Pilot Program) require proof of ground exam clearance and medical fitness—exactly what CA35 provides.
Having CA35 in hand can fast-track your eligibility to apply to such programs. topcrewaviation.comdgca.gov.in
Is CA35 Valid if Ground Exams Are Old?
DGCA requires that your ground exam mark sheets be issued within the last 2 years (check circulars for latest validity). If your theory passes are too old, you may need to reappear for those papers.
Can I Fly on CA35 Without Class 1 Medical?
No. CA35 is only issued after DGCA verifies your Class 1 Medical. Without a valid medical, CA35 cannot be generated.
Airline Prep School (ALPS) is strategically located to serve aspiring pilots in Mumbai and Pune. Mentioning our locations and proximity to prominent flying clubs in Maharashtra helps both human readers and search engines understand our regional relevance.
Mumbai Branch
B Wing 103, Rassaz Castle, Opp. Gundauli Bus Stop, Near Western Express Highway Metro Station, Malpa Dongri, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400093.Proximity:
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation (~25 km)
Carver Aviation (~30 km)
Pune Branch
Second Floor, Above Ganesh Bhel, Opp. FC College Main Gate, Fergusson College Rd, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004.Proximity:
Indus Flight Training (~15 km)
Pride Green Flying School (~20 km)
ALPS’s Mumbai and Pune locations ensure you’re never far from top-rated flying clubs and DGCA-approved examiners.
CPL Course Page: Learn more about our structured CPL curriculum and training schedule at ALPS CPL Course.
Ground School & Compass Test Page: Discover detailed ground coaching modules and COMPASS exam prep at ALPS Ground School.
Contact/Enquiry Form: Ready to start? Fill out your details at ALPS Contact to get a personalized consultation.
DGCA Home Page: Access official DGCA information on licensing, circulars, and forms at dgca.gov.in dgca.gov.indgca.gov.in
eGCA Portal: Apply for CA35 and track your application at egca.gov.in. dgca.gov.in
DGCA Medical Requirements: Review DGCA’s detailed medical standards at dgca.gov.in → Medical dgca.gov.in
Ready to Apply for CA35? Get Expert Help from ALPS
Whether you’re finalizing your ground exams or need hands-on assistance with eGCA submissions, Airline Prep School (ALPS) is here to guide you every step of the way. Ensure your CA35 application is error-free and completed within the 3-month flying window.
📞 Call:
Mumbai: +91 9222111043
Pune: +91 9461777222
📧 Email: [email protected]
By following DGCA’s CA35 guidelines precisely, leveraging ALPS’s end-to-end support, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well-on your way to securing your CA35, completing your flying hours, and ultimately achieving your Commercial Pilot License.