DGCA Computer Number - Complete Guide 2026
By the PilotSphere team
9 min read
Updated
The first step to becoming a Pilot is applying for a DGCA Computer Number. It is required to appear for Computer Based/Written DGCA Exams. You cannot appear for any DGCA written exam without it. When you enrol at a college or university, you get a student ID; in the same way, you get a Computer Number for examinations. It is a student ID for pilot examinations.
This guide focuses on the requirements to apply for the Computer Number and the steps involved, plus some frequently asked questions.
Who Needs a DGCA Computer Number?
PPL candidates - If you want to be a Pilot just for hobby flying, you still need to give DGCA written exams.
CPL candidates - The first step to becoming a commercial pilot is to give CPL written exams, and for that, you need a Computer Number.
ATPL candidates - If you want to appear for ATPL written/oral exams, you need a Computer Number, but if you are an ATPL candidate, you should already have a Computer Number which you must have applied for during your CPL written exams. You have to use the same number for ATPL exams as well.
Foreign-trained pilots - If you did your training abroad and are now planning to convert it to an Indian aviation license, you first need to give the DGCA written exams, for which you need a Computer Number.
Flight Instructor Rating (FIR/AFIR) candidates - Even in this case, you should already have a Computer Number, as you had to get a CPL license first to get a Flight Instructor Rating.
DGCA Computer Number Requirements
Before applying for a DGCA Computer Number, make sure you meet the minimum requirements to avoid rejection. There are general eligibility requirements and document requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Age: Minimum 16 years. Anyone below this age may not apply.
Education (for CPL/ATPL): 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board or NIOS. If you did not have Physics or Maths, or both, in 10+2, you can appear for NIOS exams and qualify for the DGCA requirement.
Education (for PPL): If you are just applying for a PPL license, a Class 10 pass is sufficient.
Nationality: If you are an Indian citizen, you can provide your Aadhar card as proof of address. Foreign nationals, OCI card holders, and PIO candidates must provide a valid passport.
Mandatory Documents
Photograph and signature requirements: DGCA Pariksha applications have certain requirements for your passport-size photograph and signature. The passport-size photograph should measure 35mm x 45mm and must have a plain white background. The second requirement is that your face should cover 70% of the photograph. DGCA wants dimensions of about 25mm x 35mm for the face. A photograph with a non-white background or where the face does not cover 70% of the photograph is not allowed. For the signature, applicants must upload a clear handwritten signature on a plain white sheet of paper. The signature should be large enough. Signatures with block/capital letters are not allowed. Below is an image describing the photograph and signature requirements.
Aadhar Card: This is required as proof of address. The address on the Aadhar Card must be exactly the same as the one you entered. Make sure all the information on the Aadhar card is clearly visible when you scan it.
Passport: You can also use your passport as proof of address in case your Aadhar card does not have the address that you want on the DGCA Portal.
Class Xth, Class XIIth Marksheet: These are required as proof of qualification. For PPL, you only need to upload the Class Xth Marksheet; however, you are welcome to upload the Class XIIth marksheet as well. DGCA will also check if you successfully passed Class XIIth with Physics and Maths. In case you appeared for NIOS exams, attach them in a combined PDF.
AIU Equivalency Certificate (in case you studied at a foreign university).
Name Affidavit (Notarised): If the name on your documents is not the same, you must attach an affidavit about it with a valid reason as to why it should be accepted.
How to Apply for DGCA Computer Number?
Applying for a DGCA Computer Number is an easy process. Follow the steps below.
Visit the DGCA Pariksha Portal. Click here to visit the DGCA Pariksha Portal or directly paste the following link in your browser - https://pariksha.dgca.gov.in/.
You will see a Click Here To Proceed button. Click that button.
On the next screen, click on the option New Candidate Registration. You will then be presented with instructions. Read all the instructions and tick "I have read all the Instructions mentioned above and are acceptable to me." Then click on the submit button.
On the next screen, you will be asked if you would like to register with Digilocker for auto computer number generation.
Case 1: Auto Computer Number Generation using Digilocker
If you click yes, then make sure you have signed up with Digilocker and all documents such as Aadhar Card, Class 10, Class 12 results, Board Verification Certificate (if your board has it), and other relevant documents are available on Digilocker. Note that the auto-generation facility is only available to Indian nationals and a limited number of Boards, such as CBSE. DGCA is working to add additional support.
Verify Auto-Fetched Details: In case you go for the Digilocker option, your details will be automatically fetched from Digilocker. Verify and proceed.
Upload photo and signature: upload the photograph and signature according to the requirements specified. Make sure they are under 100kb. If the size is more than 100kb, use an Image Compressor and a PDF Compressor.
Case 2: Manual Registration with no Auto Computer Number Generation
In case you are not eligible for auto generation, you can proceed with manual registration.
Reasons for Computer Number Rejection
It is common for a computer number to get rejected, especially for those who submit a request for manual generation of the number.
Photograph: As discussed earlier, there are certain requirements for the way DGCA requests the passport-size photograph to be uploaded. If the photograph is not uploaded in accordance with the requirements, it may lead to rejection of the computer number. So make sure to follow the requirements for the dimensions, background color, and other specified requirements.
Signature: Like the photograph, the same goes for the signature. It needs to be handwritten on a blank white sheet of paper and should cover the image as described earlier.
Date of Birth (DOB): Common reasons for this include the DOB not matching the supporting documents, a document not being uploaded, or the DOB being different on all uploaded documents. A self-attested document is usually not enough in this case, and you usually need to update the DOB in your documents legally to resolve this issue.
Name: Common reasons for this include the Applicant's/Father's/Mother's name being different in the DGCA application and the supporting documents. Another reason is the name being different across all documents. In this case, DGCA usually accepts a notarised affidavit.
Permanent Address: This rejection is usually because the permanent address does not match the supporting documents, or a document which is not eligible has been uploaded.
Xth/XIIth Marksheet/Certificate: If you did not upload your Xth or XIIth marksheet/certificate, or an ineligible document was uploaded, then it usually gets rejected. Other reasons include not passing 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognised board. You may give these exams through NIOS.
Board: If you did not pass Xth or XIIth or equivalent from a recognised board, your application may be rejected. We recommend giving the exams again through NIOS in this case.
Board Verification Certificate (BVC): This rejection is usually there if the certificate is not uploaded or if there is a mismatch between the marks in the original marksheet and those in the Board Verification Certificate. Other reasons include the Board Verification Certificate not being accessible online.
Incorrect Entries in Online Application: When filling the application for a computer number, double-check all the information that you fill in. Incorrect entries, which commonly include spelling errors, are a common reason for rejection.
Licence: The license uploaded is not legible. Make sure to get the license scanned properly with a proper scanner machine, or if you have a phone with a good camera, use scanner apps such as Adobe Scanner.
Logbook: The logbook is not legible. Again, in this case as well, you should use a scanner and make sure the logbook is filled in with good handwriting and is not messy.
FAQs
Receiving a partial rejection of a Computer Number doesn't mean your Computer Number was rejected. If you get a partial rejection, DGCA will either mention shortfalls or ask for corrections in your existing application.
A DGCA Computer Number is required to give DGCA written exams as well as for the issue of your aviation license.
No, DGCA does not charge any fee for Computer Number generation. However, the aviation market is full of scammers who charge a hefty amount for the DGCA Computer Number process. Applying for a DGCA Computer Number is a simple process, and PilotSphere does not recommend going to an agent to get your DGCA Computer Number.
It is common for students to have minor differences in their name spelling or format in different documents. DGCA usually allows this but asks for additional supporting documents. A notarized affidavit usually helps in this case. Another thing you can do is update the name on your documents, which can take a couple of months. We recommend going for the notarized affidavit route.
In October 2025, DGCA introduced auto-generation of Computer Number. This facility has limitations, and DGCA is still working to make it widely available. DGCA uses Digilocker to verify the data and issue a computer number instantly and automatically.
You can ask PilotSphere AI about any doubts regarding your computer number application. It has been trained to deal with multiple situations.
No, an individual can only hold one Computer Number. If there is an issue in the process and you want to submit a new application, you must self-reject the previous application.
No, most ground schools allow students to start taking classes without a computer number. While you can get a computer number instantly with auto generation, it can sometimes take a couple of months if you opt for manual generation or if there is an issue in your application. Students are encouraged not to wait for the number and to start studying immediately for the exams while waiting for the application process to complete successfully.
Yes, you can apply for it even before enrolling at a ground school or a Flight Training Organisation.
As the name suggests, the documents are there to confirm the validity of your board exam marksheet. Some of the boards do not issue a separate Board Verification Certificate or a Passing Certificate and simply mention it in the original marksheet. If you are asked for a Board Verification Certificate and your board does not issue separate documents, you can simply upload the same all-in-one marksheet in these fields. However, you should confirm with your board whether they issue it or not. DGCA may reject your documents if your board issues these documents but you did not upload them.
Yes, you can reapply in case of rejection of the Computer Number. Please ensure you correct all the information that resulted in the rejection of the computer number. Double-check all the information before submitting. If you are studying at a ground school, ask them for assistance.