DGCA Takes Over RTR Exam: A New Dawn for Aspiring Pilots

Radio Telephony Restricted (Aeromobile) is considered to be one of the toughest examinations to crack in the series of those to be undertaken in India for the Issuance of a Commercial Pilot's License, owing to the unpredictable nature of the Part-2 of the said exam, which comes after the candidate passes the Written test, Part-1.

A Long-Awaited Shift

The Wireless Planning and Coordination wing (WPC) was responsible for administering these but according to a recent circular, the helm has been handed over to the DGCA starting 1st December 2025. The remaining attempts are to be carried out by WPC, i.e. New Delhi starting 11th August 2025 and Hyderabad starting 6th October 2025.This move is aimed at reducing decades-old corruption and increasing fairness in one of the most dreaded exams for pilot aspirants in the country.

Official DGCA Notice

Behind the Headsets: The Pressures of Cracking RTR(A)

The RTR(A) exam has, for years, been notorious in Indian aviation circles. Cracking it on the first attempt was seen as a significant feat, almost a badge of honour. Many candidates were forced to retake the exam multiple times,not due to lack of knowledge, but due to rampant malpractice, poor transparency, and alleged corruption.

Some considered travelling to Canada to take the RTR exam and get it converted to an Indian one, an easier option than taking the exam in India itself, even though it was a very expensive deal, showing just how feared the said examination was.

Some candidates were even asked questions which had no use in aviation, such as being asked to explain the working of an air conditioner, undermining the exam’s relevance and fairness.

Why RTR Matters

The RTR(A) licence is a mandatory requirement for commercial pilots in India. It certifies a pilot’s ability to operate aircraft radio systems and communicate effectively with air traffic control (ATC) as well as other aircrafts, ensuring flight safety in increasingly congested skies. Without this licence, no pilot is legally permitted to operate flights in the airspace.

Yet, for years, this essential certification was mired in a broken system that demoralised deserving candidates and gave way to unethical shortcuts.

What comes next?

According to a public notice released by the DGCA, the transition will be effective from 1st December 2025. Examinations under WPC will continue until 30th November 2025, after which the DGCA will assume complete responsibility, including conducting the exam and issuing the RTR(A) licence.

As per sources, initially, the exam will be held at five centres- Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, with the practical part (Part 2) conducted only in Delhi. The frequency will begin as once every three months, with plans to ramp up to bi-monthly sessions.

Hope on the Horizon

As the DGCA prepares to take over the reins, the aviation community has expressed cautious optimism. Many believe this change marks the beginning of a more equitable era for aviation aspirants in India. With the exam finally moving under the jurisdiction of aviation professionals, the hope is that true merit will prevail and the skies will be flown by those who genuinely deserve to be there.

Let us know your thoughts on this move and if you're planning to take the exam anytime soon! Tag us @6pistonsmedia on all your favourite social media apps.

Image credit- aviationfocus.aero