DGCA Notice Update: New Medical Assessment Guidelines
DGCA Notice Update: New Medical Assessment Guidelines for Pilots (Class 1/2/3)
If you’re planning your aviation career or already hold a DGCA license, staying updated on the latest regulatory changes is critical. At Orient Flights Aviation Academy, our commitment is to guide students and professionals through every change in aviation standards. Here’s what you need to know about the new DGCA guidelines for Medical Assessment as of September 2025.
- Medical Validity and Scheduling
For aspiring and current aviators enrolled at Orient Flights Aviation Academy, it’s important to note:
- Class 1 Medical remains valid for 1 year.
- Class 2 Medical remains valid for 2 years.
- No changes have been made to the current validity periods or the standard medical examination schedule.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued an update introducing revised medical assessment guidelines for student and commercial pilots across India. This important step aims to enhance aviation safety, ensure early detection of medical concerns, and align Indian regulations more closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
These new guidelines focus on stricter evaluation protocols, faster processing, improved digital recordkeeping, and more standardized assessments across authorized medical examiners and centers. Whether you’re applying for a Student Pilot License (SPL) or progressing toward a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), your medical fitness will now be subject to updated procedures and compliance measures.
What It Means for Aspiring Pilots
For anyone pursuing a professional flying career, passing DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medical exams is non-negotiable. These exams assess critical aspects such as:
-
Vision and hearing standards
-
Cardiovascular fitness
-
Neurological and psychological health
-
ENT and respiratory health
With these new updates, early preparation is more important than ever. Reputed training academies like Orient Flights play a vital role in guiding students through the DGCA medical clearance process and preparing them for every stage of their aviation journey.
Orient Flights: Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Aviation Career
As a DGCA-approved flying school, Orient Flights provides comprehensive support for all medical and academic requirements. From your first medical check-up to final licensing, their expert team ensures you’re on track, healthy, and qualified to fly.
Start with their popular Commercial Pilot License (CPL) programs:
These programs include not just world-class flight training, but also medical and regulatory guidance, helping students pass Class 2 medicals for SPL and Class 1 medicals for CPL.
Why Train with Orient Flights?
-
Assistance in scheduling DGCA-approved medical appointments
-
Guidance for navigating the eGCA portal and documentation
-
A supportive environment focused on compliance, safety, and student wellbeing
-
Access to professional aviation doctors and examiners through established partnerships
In addition to flight training, students also benefit from solid grounding through DGCA Ground School Programs, covering topics like Air Navigation, Meteorology, and Air Regulation — all essential for DGCA exam success.
Final Thoughts
The DGCA’s updated medical assessment guidelines raise the bar for pilot health and aviation safety — and that’s a good thing. These changes help ensure that only medically fit, well-trained pilots enter the skies.
If you’re serious about becoming a pilot, begin your journey with Orient Flights — a trusted aviation academy that will guide you through every medical, technical, and operational milestone of your flying career.
- Revised Validity for CA-35 Form
One of the significant updates by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation concerns the CA-35 form:
Previous Guidelines:
- The CA-35 allowed up to 90 days of flying while a medical assessment was being processed.
Latest Update (Effective 1st September 2025):
- Class 1 Medical: The CA-35 is now valid for 3 years (for individuals up to 40 years of age). During this period, all DGCA license privileges remain usable while awaiting formal medical assessment.
- Class 2 Medical: The validity for the CA-35 has now increased to 4 years (for individuals up to 40 years of age).
These changes are applicable to both initial and renewal medical assessments for pilots and aviation professionals, provided they meet relevant age-related requirements.
What Does This Mean for Students at Orient Flights Aviation Academy?
- Greater Flexibility: Trainees and pilots now have added time and flexibility while their medical assessments are processed.
- Simplified Process: The extended validity period avoids the risk of career disruption due to administrative processing timelines.
- Full Licensing Privileges: You retain all your DGCA license rights while the CA-35 is valid.
What It Means for Aspiring Pilots
For anyone pursuing a professional flying career, passing DGCA Class 1 and Class 2 medical exams is non-negotiable. These exams assess critical aspects such as:
-
Vision and hearing standards
-
Cardiovascular fitness
-
Neurological and psychological health
-
ENT and respiratory health
With these new updates, early preparation is more important than ever. Reputed training academies like Orient Flights play a vital role in guiding students through the DGCA medical clearance process and preparing them for every stage of their aviation journey.
Orient Flights: Supporting You Through Every Step of Your Aviation Career
As a DGCA-approved flying school, Orient Flights provides comprehensive support for all medical and academic requirements. From your first medical check-up to final licensing, their expert team ensures you’re on track, healthy, and qualified to fly.
Start with their popular Commercial Pilot License (CPL) programs:
These programs include not just world-class flight training, but also medical and regulatory guidance, helping students pass Class 2 medicals for SPL and Class 1 medicals for CPL.
Why Train with Orient Flights?
-
Assistance in scheduling DGCA-approved medical appointments
-
Guidance for navigating the eGCA portal and documentation
-
A supportive environment focused on compliance, safety, and student wellbeing
-
Access to professional aviation doctors and examiners through established partnerships
In addition to flight training, students also benefit from solid grounding through DGCA Ground School Programs, covering topics like Air Navigation, Meteorology, and Air Regulation — all essential for DGCA exam success.
Final Thoughts
The DGCA’s updated medical assessment guidelines raise the bar for pilot health and aviation safety — and that’s a good thing. These changes help ensure that only medically fit, well-trained pilots enter the skies.
If you’re serious about becoming a pilot, begin your journey with Orient Flights — a trusted aviation academy that will guide you through every medical, technical, and operational milestone of your flying career.
Whether you’re planning to become a commercial pilot or still exploring your aviation dreams, this gives you a better path forward.
Why Choose Orient Flights for Your Pilot Training?
At Orient Flights Aviation Academy (Chennai | Mysuru | Kurnool | Pondicherry), we:
- Offer comprehensive DGCA exam and medical guidance as part of our pilot training programs
- Provide industry-ready courses endorsed by IATA and DGCA
- Support students at every step—from Class 1 and Class 2 medicals, to regulatory compliance and placement
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued an update introducing revised medical assessment guidelines for student and commercial pilots across India. This important step aims to enhance aviation safety, ensure early detection of medical concerns, and align Indian regulations more closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
These new guidelines focus on stricter evaluation protocols, faster processing, improved digital recordkeeping, and more standardized assessments across authorized medical examiners and centers. Whether you’re applying for a Student Pilot License (SPL) or progressing toward a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), your medical fitness will now be subject to updated procedures and compliance measures.
Orient Flights Is Ready for the Future of Aviation Training
At Orient Flights Aviation Academy, our focus has always been on quality education, safety-first flying, and student success. With the DGCA’s ranking initiative, we’re excited to raise the bar even higher.
Our commitment is simple: to help you fly with skill, confidence, and purpose.
To learn more or begin your application process:
Call us at 86680 90687
Email admissions@orientflights.com
Visit www.orientflights.com for more details
Orient Flights Aviation Academy (Chennai | Mysuru | Kurnool | Pondicherry)
Our admissions team will guide you through eligibility, documentation, fee structure, and course timelines. We are here to help you take the first confident step toward your career in aviation.
