Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

India – The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has indicated plans to introduce significant reforms to the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) examination process, including the potential adoption of online, on-demand testing and the removal of oral examination components.

• The proposed changes are part of the draft Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2025, which was published on India’s e-Gazette for public comments, with the consultation closing on 19 August 2025.

• Key proposed reforms include:

  • ATPL exams on-demand (OLODE system): Allowing candidates to schedule and take exams flexibly, similar to the system already in place for CPL exams.

  • Removal of oral examinations: The oral interview component, previously mandated under Section M, Schedule II of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, would be dispensed with, aligning India with global best practices.

  • Revised written exam format: The exam could remain a 90-mark assessment or be increased to 100 marks, eliminating the need for additional oral scoring.

• The move follows calls from stakeholders, including Member of Parliament Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who highlighted that oral exams are outdated and contribute to exam backlogs, while also causing disruption for airline pilots who must frequently take leave to attend scheduled tests.

• In his response to Mr. Rudy, DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai noted that oral exams have been dispensed with in the draft rules and that ATPL exams will “most likely be conducted in the monthly OLODE sessions upon finalization of draft rules.”

• These changes are expected to:

  • Reduce result backlogs and administrative burdens.

  • Streamline pilot scheduling, easing operational disruptions caused by current rigid exam timetables.

  • Enhance alignment with international licensing systems, where oral components are no longer standard.

• However, the DGCA stressed that these reforms remain in draft stage and will only be implemented once the final rules are notified.

Source: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)