DGCA to EASA License Conversion
India
Location
Dwaraka, Sec-7, Delhi
Guidance
Capt. Awadesh Tomer
Batch
1 March 2026
Complete 2026 guide for converting FAA, EASA, and ICAO pilot licenses to DGCA India. Learn eligibility, exams, skill tests, documents required, costs, timeline, and official DGCA Pariksha process.
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21 Feb 2026
Time
11:00 AM
Access the industry's most rigorous DGCA-simulated testing environment.
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Step-by-step official guide to converting FAA, EASA, and ICAO pilot licenses to DGCA India. Includes eligibility, required exams, skill tests, documentation checklist, costs, timeline, and Pariksha portal process.
Official DGCA Portal: DGCA Pariksha
DGCA foreign license conversion is the regulatory process where India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) evaluates and recognizes a foreign pilot license (FAA, EASA, CASA, UK CAA, etc.) and issues a corresponding Indian CPL, ATPL, or PPL.
It is not a simple paperwork exchange. DGCA ensures compliance with Indian Air Regulations, ICAO standards, medical fitness, theoretical knowledge alignment, and operational competency.
Converting a foreign pilot license — especially EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) or FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) — to a DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) India license is a pivotal step for pilots who want to fly professionally in India.
Whether you trained abroad or already hold an international CPL or ATPL, understanding the DGCA license conversion process is essential to continue your aviation career within India’s regulated civil aviation system.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explains the official pathway, required documentation, written exams, flight test requirements, cost estimates, timeline expectations, and how Golden Epaulettes Aviation supports foreign license conversion candidates.
• What is DGCA foreign license conversion?
• Which international licenses are eligible for DGCA conversion?
• Step-by-step DGCA Pariksha portal process
• Required documents & logbook verification
• DGCA written exam & skill test requirements
• Estimated conversion costs & timeline
• FAA to DGCA conversion pathway
• EASA to DGCA conversion requirements
Official DGCA Pariksha Portal for License Conversion Application:
https://pariksha.dgca.gov.in/home
Industry Insight: PilotsIndia EASA / FAA Conversion Guide:
PilotsIndia Conversion Overview
Foreign License Guidance by FlyTech Aviation Academy:
FlyTech Aviation Foreign License Guide
If you are searching for DGCA license conversion cost in India, FAA to DGCA conversion exams, EASA CPL to DGCA requirements, or foreign pilot license validation in India, this guide provides complete clarity.
Conversion requires alignment with Indian Air Regulations, DGCA theory exams, skill test compliance, logbook verification, and Class 1 Medical validity. Proper documentation and structured preparation significantly reduce delays.
| Issuing Authority | Accepted by DGCA? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FAA (USA) | Yes | Written exams + Skill test required |
| EASA (Europe) | Yes | Theory alignment required |
| CASA (Australia) | Yes | ICAO compliant |
| UK CAA | Yes | ICAO standard compliance required |
| Non-ICAO Licenses | No | Not eligible |
Foreign license conversion in India is the official regulatory process through which the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) evaluates and recognizes an existing FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), or other ICAO-compliant pilot license and maps it to Indian Civil Aviation standards.
After successful conversion, the pilot receives a DGCA-issued CPL, ATPL, or PPL that legally authorizes them to operate civilian aircraft under Indian regulatory oversight.
This is not a simple paperwork transfer. It is a structured safety, competency, and regulatory alignment process ensuring that international training meets Indian Air Regulations, operational procedures, and DGCA compliance standards.
• FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or ATP holders trained in the USA
• EASA CPL or ATPL holders trained in Europe
• ICAO-recognized license holders seeking DGCA validation
• Indian nationals returning after foreign flight training
• Pilots relocating to India for airline employment
• Experienced commercial pilots transitioning to Indian aviation markets
Converting your FAA to DGCA license or EASA to DGCA license ensures full legal eligibility to operate as a commercial pilot in India.
✔ You can legally fly commercial aircraft registered in India
✔ Indian airlines officially recognize your credentials
✔ You become eligible for Indian airline recruitment processes
✔ Your experience aligns with ICAO and DGCA operational standards
Without DGCA conversion, foreign pilot licenses have no legal validity for Indian commercial operations (unless operating foreign-registered aircraft under specific permissions).
In simple terms: no conversion means no airline job in India — regardless of how many international flight hours you hold.
The DGCA license conversion process follows a structured regulatory pathway. However, requirements may vary slightly depending on whether you hold an FAA (USA) or EASA (Europe) license. Below is a clear comparison to help you understand the step-by-step process.
| Conversion Stage | FAA to DGCA | EASA to DGCA |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 – Pariksha Application | Apply under Flight Crew → Conversion on DGCA Pariksha portal | Same Pariksha portal process |
| Step 2 – Document Verification | FAA license, logbooks, passport, Class 1 Medical required | EASA license, logbooks, Class 1 Medical, ICAO validation required |
| Step 3 – DGCA Theory Exams | Air Navigation, Air Regulations, Meteorology commonly required | Air Regulations usually mandatory; other subjects depend on DGCA assessment |
| Step 4 – Skill Test (FST) | DGCA Flight Skill Test typically required | Often required unless exemptions apply (case-by-case) |
| Step 5 – RTR (Radio Telephony) | Indian RTR (Aero) endorsement usually required | RTR endorsement required for Indian operations |
| Final Stage – DGCA License Issuance | DGCA CPL / ATPL issued after compliance | DGCA CPL / ATPL issued after compliance |
The documentation stage is the most critical part of the DGCA foreign license conversion process. Incomplete, inconsistent, or mismatched records are the number one cause of delays in FAA to DGCA and EASA to DGCA license conversion cases.
Missing, inconsistent, or improperly attested documents are the primary cause of DGCA license conversion delays. Name mismatches, incomplete logbook entries, expired medical certificates, or unclear type rating endorsements frequently result in re-submission requests.
Golden Epaulettes Aviation provides comprehensive pre-submission documentation audits for FAA, EASA, and ICAO license holders. Our structured review process ensures compliance with DGCA conversion standards before your Pariksha application is filed — minimizing delays and rejection risks.
| Stage | Timeline | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Submission | 1 Week | 1,000–3,000 |
| Document Verification | 2–6 Weeks | Variable |
| Written Exams | 1–8 Weeks | 2,000–7,000 per subject |
| Skill Test | 2–10 Weeks | 10,000–50,000 |
| Final License Issuance | 1–2 Weeks | DGCA Fees Applicable |
| Conversion Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Pariksha Application Submission | ~1 Week |
| Document Verification by DGCA | 2–6 Weeks |
| DGCA Written Exam Scheduling | 1–8 Weeks (Exam Cycle Dependent) |
| Flight Skill Test (FST) Scheduling | 2–10 Weeks |
| Final DGCA License Issuance | 1–2 Weeks |
Total Estimated Duration: Approximately 3–6 months. Actual timelines may vary depending on DGCA exam cycles, documentation accuracy, skill test availability, and individual compliance status.
| Cost Component | Estimated Range (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pariksha Application Fees | 1,000 – 3,000 | DGCA processing charges |
| Written Exam Fees | 2,000 – 7,000 (per subject) | Depends on subjects required |
| Flight Skill Test Fees | 10,000 – 50,000 | Varies by aircraft & examiner |
| Documentation & Attestation | 5,000 – 20,000 | Government & notarization costs |
| Travel & Logistics | Variable | Exam centers / Skill test locations |
These figures are indicative estimates for FAA to DGCA and EASA to DGCA license conversion. Actual costs may vary depending on regulatory updates, number of required subjects, and individual documentation complexity.
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