Written examination
The DGCA CAR specifies an online computer-based theoretical examination with 50 objective questions in English. A minimum of 70% is required to pass.
Practical examination
The practical exam is approximately 30 minutes and is conducted in a simulated flight radiotelephony environment in English. It checks communication procedures, message transmission and reception, regulations and aeronautical radio service knowledge.
Current DGCA framework
The current certificate and licence rules and the related DGCA CAR place the examination, certificate and licence process within the DGCA framework. The CAR is dated 27 November 2025 and effective from 1 December 2025.
Candidates generally need to pass both parts unless an applicable written-exam exemption is granted.
A candidate needs a Computer Number from the Central Examination Organisation for the RTR examination process.
Application and current notices are published through DGCA/Pariksha and the applicable eGCA process.
Written syllabus
The current DGCA CAR syllabus is grouped into Regulations and Procedure, Radio Principles and Practice, and Radio Telephony.
Radio Regulations, Q codes, abbreviations, distress and urgency procedure, spelling, licensing, aircraft radio equipment, Indian FIRs and facilities, meteorological codes and NOTAM-related knowledge.
Electrical units, wavelength and frequency, propagation, fading, HF communication, aircraft communication systems, radio navigation aids, microphones, headsets, squelch, tuning, simplex/duplex and interference.
Transmission technique, letters, numbers and time, standard words and phrases, call signs, clearances and read-backs, flight levels and position reports, aerodrome, approach and area control phraseology, distress, urgency and communications failure.
Practical preparation
The DGCA guidance for RTR practical training describes a simulated environment covering normal flight phases, traffic coordination, distress and urgency scenarios, varying routes and airfield layouts, weather and traffic variables, and voice/CRM interactions. Practise standard phraseology aloud and focus on clear, correct transmission and read-back habits.
Certificate & licence
After passing the practical examination, the candidate can apply for the RTR Certificate and Licence through eGCA after paying the applicable fee. The CAR also preserves the validity of certificates and licences issued under the earlier 1954 rules. For licence extension beyond age 80, the CAR provides for yearly extension on the required experience evidence, subject to the stated conditions.
Use the applicable eGCA process and pay the required fee after the practical examination.
Certificates and licences issued under the earlier 1954 rules continue to remain valid under the current framework.
The CAR provides for yearly extension beyond age 80 when the stated experience condition is met and the licence is not suspended or cancelled.
DGCA requirements, fees, examination sessions, application steps and licence procedures can change. CPLGrid's RTR guide is for preparation and general guidance; always check the latest official DGCA and Pariksha notices before applying.
Study guide
RTR preparation combines rules and radio principles with disciplined phraseology. Practise understanding a message, transmitting it accurately, reading back required items and responding clearly under simulated workload.
Revise call signs, priorities, distress and urgency, clearances, read-backs, communication failure and applicable aeronautical radio procedures.
Understand frequency, wavelength, propagation, interference and the purpose and limitations of aircraft communication and navigation equipment.
Use standard phraseology, correct numbers and phonetics, and read back the items required by the applicable procedure. Avoid adding unnecessary words that obscure the message.
Practise ground, tower, approach and area-control exchanges as well as abnormal and emergency situations. Verify current examination details from DGCA/Pariksha notices.
Example concept check
Answer: To let the controller verify that critical instructions and clearances were received correctly.
Read back the items required by the applicable procedure, such as runway, level, heading or route instructions. If any part is unclear, request clarification rather than guessing.
Frequently asked questions
RTR is the radio telephony certificate and licence framework used for aeronautical communications in India. Candidates should verify the latest examination and licensing requirements through current official DGCA sources.
The current framework gives DGCA the authority to issue directions for the examination, grant and extension of the RTR Certificate and Licence. The CAR was issued on 27 November 2025 and became effective on 1 December 2025.
The DGCA CAR states that the written examination is an online computer-based theoretical knowledge examination of 50 multiple-choice objective questions, conducted in English.
The written examination pass mark is a minimum of 70%. A candidate who passes the written examination becomes eligible for the practical examination, subject to the applicable process.
The practical examination is an approximately 30-minute simulated flight radiotelephony exercise in English. It assesses practical radio operation and procedure, sending and receiving messages, relevant regulations and aeronautical radio service provisions.
The minimum passing mark for the practical examination is 50%.
The current CAR provides a total of three practical examination attempts, subject to the validity of the written examination or applicable exemption. If all three practical attempts are failed, the candidate must reappear in the written examination before further practical attempts.
The written examination is valid for three years from the date of passing. An exemption from the written examination, where granted under the CAR, also has a validity of three years.
The CAR lists specific categories that may be exempted, including certain qualified military or Coast Guard pilots with the required flying experience, holders of a valid legacy RTR certificate and licence under the 1954 rules, and holders of a valid Flight Radio Telephone Operator's Licence or equivalent issued by Commonwealth countries or the Philippines. The applicant must apply for exemption through eGCA and receive the grant before proceeding.
No. CPLGrid is a preparation platform. Examination dates, application procedures, fees, eligibility and licensing requirements can change, so candidates should verify current information on the official DGCA and Pariksha portals.
CPLGrid Subjects
Practise on CPLGrid, review your mistakes and use these subject guides as the starting point for your study plan.