If you want to become a pilot in India, the very first official step is getting your DGCA Computer Number. Without it, you cannot appear for any DGCA examination — no Computer Number means no exams, and no exams means no pilot licence.
This guide walks you through the entire process of how to apply for Computer Number DGCA — including the major update effective 27 April 2026 that now opens auto-generation to candidates from all education boards in India.
What Is a DGCA Computer Number?
Under aviation DGCA regulations, a Computer Number is a unique identification number allotted by the Central Examination Organisation (CEO) under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Think of it as your roll number — once allotted, you use it for every DGCA exam and all future correspondence.
Key points to remember:
- It is a mandatory pre-requisite for appearing in any DGCA examination.
- Once allotted, it is permanent and unique — you will use this same number throughout your aviation career.
- Simply submitting the application does not guarantee allotment. Your documents must be correct and complete.
Major Update: DGCA Computer Number Now Open to ALL Boards (April 2026)
In a significant policy change effective 27 April 2026, DGCA has expanded its auto-generation system for Computer Numbers to candidates from all education boards across India — not just CBSE, ICSE, and Maharashtra Board.
What changed:
- Previously, only CBSE, ICSE, and Maharashtra Board students could use the DigiLocker auto-verification route.
- Now, candidates from any recognised board can get their Computer Number auto-generated — provided their Class 10 and Class 12 records are available on DigiLocker and data is successfully verified digitally.
Why this matters:
- Faster processing — Automation eliminates delays from manual document verification.
- Wider access — Students from state boards now get the same streamlined experience as CBSE candidates.
- Reduced documentation — Data is fetched directly from DigiLocker; no need to upload multiple physical documents.
- Greater transparency — Digital verification reduces human errors and fraudulent submissions.
Important: If your academic records are not yet on DigiLocker, you will still go through the manual verification process. Ensure your DigiLocker account is active and your board certificates are linked before applying.
Who Needs a DGCA Computer Number?
Every aspiring DGCA pilot needs a Computer Number before they can sit for any examination. This includes candidates planning to appear for CPL subjects like Air Navigation, Aviation Meteorology, Air Regulation, and Technical General/Specific.
Whether you are joining a flying school or preparing independently, you cannot skip this step — the DGCA Computer Number application is where your aviation journey officially begins.
If you're unsure about the full exam structure, read our detailed guide on DGCA CPL Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026.
Eligibility Before You Apply
Before starting your application, make sure you meet the basic eligibility:
- You must be an Indian national.
- You must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board (for Flight Crew / CPL candidates).
- For AME candidates, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 12th are required.
- Your academic data (Class 10 & 12) must be available on DigiLocker for the auto-generation route.
- Your Aadhaar details must match your DigiLocker records exactly.
- All documents (name, date of birth, marks) must be consistent across every document you upload.
Not sure if you qualify? Check our article on Aviation Course Eligibility Criteria in India.
Documents Required for DGCA Computer Number
Prepare all of the following before you begin your DGCA Computer Number application:
Personal Documents:
- Passport-size photograph (JPG, max 70 KB, white background, minimum 80% face visibility — must match at least 80% with your Aadhaar photo)
- Signature (JPG, max 20 KB, white background, as per the DGCA FC User Manual format)
- Aadhaar Card (as address proof — must be linked to DigiLocker)
Educational Documents:
- Class 10th Marksheet/Certificate
- Class 12th (or equivalent) Marksheet/Certificate
- Board Verification Certificate (BVC) for both 10th and 12th
If applicable:
- AIU Equivalency Certificate (if you studied from a foreign university or non-standard board)
- Name Affidavit (Notary attested, if your name differs across documents) — PDF format, max 100 KB
Pro Tip: Double-check that your name, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth are exactly the same on every document. Even small mismatches lead to rejection.
Step-by-Step Process to Get Your DGCA Computer Number
Step 1: Open the DGCA Pariksha Portal
Visit the official website: www.pariksha.dgca.gov.in
Step 2: Click on "Click Here to Proceed"
On the welcome page, click the proceed button to move to the login module.
Step 3: Select Flight Crew → New Candidate Registration
On the login page, look at the right side under the Flight Crew section. Click on "NEW Candidate Registration".
Already have a Computer Number from the old portal? Register for migration when that option is activated. Do not create a new application.
Step 4: Read Instructions and Accept
Read all instructions carefully. Tick the checkbox confirming you accept the terms, then click Submit.
Step 5: DigiLocker Verification (Now Available for ALL Boards)
Select YES for the DigiLocker option. As of 27 April 2026, this route is available to candidates from all education boards in India.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID.
- Complete the OTP verification process.
- The system automatically fetches your Class 10 and Class 12 records from DigiLocker.
If your records are not on DigiLocker, select NO and proceed with the manual upload route.
Step 6: Verify Auto-Fetched Details
Carefully review all personal and educational details that were auto-fetched — name spelling, date of birth, board name, and marks — before moving forward.
Step 7: Upload Photo & Signature and Submit
Upload your photograph and signature as per the specifications above and submit your application.
- If all conditions are met, your Computer Number is generated automatically.
- If there are discrepancies, your application goes for manual review.
Common Rejection Reasons (Official DGCA List)
Based on the official DGCA rejection reasons list, here are the most common mistakes that get applications rejected. Every aspiring DGCA pilot should read this carefully — one mistake means starting over.
1. Photograph & Signature Issues
- Photo not uploaded as per DGCA user manual specifications (white background, 80% face visibility, JPG, max 70 KB).
- Photo does not match at least 80% with the Aadhaar photo.
- Signature not uploaded as per guidelines (white background, JPG, max 20 KB).
2. Date of Birth Mismatch
- DOB does not match the supporting document.
- DOB proof is not from the accepted list in the user manual.
- DOB is different across uploaded documents — this is a very common mistake.
- DOB proof is not legible (blurry scans).
3. Name Mismatches
- Applicant's name, father's name, or mother's name does not match across supporting documents.
- Names are not consistent on all uploaded documents — even minor spelling differences cause rejection.
If there is a name mismatch between your Aadhaar Card and SSC (10th) Marksheet, you will need a Name Affidavit attested by a Notary (PDF, max 100 KB). You have two options:
- Option 1: Update your Aadhaar — Get your name corrected to match the SSC Marksheet. Cleaner long-term fix, but takes 15–30 days.
- Option 2: Name Affidavit (Faster) — Get a Notary-attested affidavit declaring the difference and upload it during the application. Lets you proceed immediately.
Our Recommendation: Use the Affidavit route if you're in a hurry. Long-term, update the Aadhaar for consistency across all future aviation processes.
4. 10th & 12th Marksheet Issues
- Marksheet/certificate not uploaded.
- Document is not legible or is incomplete.
- For CPL (Flight Crew): 12th must include Physics and Mathematics.
- For AME: 12th must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
5. Board Verification Certificate (BVC) Problems
This is the most problematic area for applicants. Common issues:
- BVC for 10th or 12th not uploaded.
- BVC is incomplete or not legible.
- Marks in BVC do not match the marksheet.
- BVC addressed to DGCA or "To Whom It May Concern" but original is not in CEO, DGCA records.
- BVC not verifiable online with the credentials/link provided.
- If BVC is addressed to your FTO, upload a copy attested by CFI.
- If original BVCs were submitted earlier, re-upload them and provide the Registration Temp ID of your previous application.
- For foreign university graduates — verification certificate from the university is accepted; email to [email protected] or [email protected].
6. Address Proof Issues
- Permanent address does not match supporting documents.
- Address proof not uploaded from the accepted list.
- Address proof is not legible.
7. DigiLocker Data Issues (New)
- Aadhaar number entered does not exactly match the DigiLocker database.
- Academic records not available or not linked in DigiLocker.
- Aadhaar not properly linked to your DigiLocker account.
8. AIU Certificate (Foreign/Non-Standard Boards)
- AIU equivalency certificate for PCM in 12th not uploaded or incomplete.
- AIU equivalent certificate for 10th not uploaded.
- AIU certificate is not legible.
9. Incorrect Online Entries
- Wrong entries that do not match supporting documents. Always double-check every field before submission.
Important Tips for a Smooth Application
- Set up DigiLocker first — Before applying, confirm your Class 10 and Class 12 certificates are linked and your Aadhaar is connected.
- Read the latest FC User Manual on the Pariksha Portal before starting. DGCA updates guidelines regularly.
- Check the Flight Crew Notice Board for any new instructions.
- Scan documents in high resolution — blurry or illegible uploads are rejected instantly.
- Keep all document names consistent — if your name is "Rahul Kumar" on one document, it should not be "Rahul Kumar Singh" on another.
- BVC is critical — many students underestimate this. Get your Board Verification Certificate well in advance.
What Happens After You Get Your DGCA Computer Number?
After submission, DGCA reviews your documents. If everything is correct, your DGCA Computer Number is allotted. If rejected, you will receive a reason and must re-apply with corrected documents.
Once you receive your Computer Number, you are ready to appear for DGCA examinations. Plan your exam sequence wisely — read our guide on Which DGCA Exam to Give First? to build a smart strategy.
Your DGCA Pilot Journey Starts Here
Getting a DGCA Computer Number is just the beginning. Here are resources to help you move forward:
- How to Become a Pilot in India – Complete Guide — understand the full journey from zero to CPL.
- How to Clear DGCA Exams in First Attempt — exam preparation strategies that work.
- Best Books for DGCA CPL Exams 2026 — the right study material makes all the difference.
- How to Apply for Aviation Courses in India — explore your course options.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Navigating the DGCA process can be confusing, especially if you're just starting out. If you have questions about DGCA Computer Number registration, exam planning, or choosing the right flying school — we offer free career consultation.
Our aviation career counsellors can guide you through every step — from getting your Computer Number to landing your first airline job.
