The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has automated the flight crew application process by integrating DigiLocker, effectively eliminating manual document submission and verification. This initiative, which took effect on October 16, 2025, is designed to streamline the application process, enhance ease of doing business, and move towards a paperless aviation administration.
The automation centers around the auto-generation of computer numbers for Flight Crew (FC) candidates applying through the DGCA's Pariksha portal. Previously, this process involved manual approvals and potential delays. With the new system, eligible candidates who submit an online application through the Pariksha portal will be allotted a computer number in real-time.
In the initial phase, the auto-generation system will cater to candidates who have passed their Class 10 and 12 examinations from the CBSE Board, contingent upon successful verification through DigiLocker. The DGCA plans to extend this facility to candidates from other recognized boards whose mark sheets and certificates are available on DigiLocker in subsequent phases.
The integration with DigiLocker allows candidates to directly access and upload necessary documents, such as Class X and XII certificates or mark sheets, to the Pariksha Portal with their consent. A significant benefit of this integration is the elimination of the need for a Board Verification Certificate, which was previously required for manually submitted documents.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapau has been pushing for the digitization of all DGCA and BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) processes through the eGCA and other online platforms. This initiative is part of a broader digital transformation drive aimed at improving transparency, cutting response times, and ensuring a seamless experience for student pilots, aviation institutions, and other stakeholders, with minimal human intervention. The DGCA believes that this automation will facilitate flying and approval processes for students, pilots, and stakeholders by providing quick responses and minimizing the need for human intervention.
