Archive · 28 Oct 2025
DGCA Expands Aeromedical Centres for Pilot Medicals
Pilots and air traffic controllers need special doctor check-ups to make sure they can safely do their jobs.
India's aviation safety agency, the DGCA, has just added ten more special medical centers across the country.
Before, there weren't as many places, which could make it hard to get appointments and might delay license renewals.
These new centers will help more people get their check-ups done faster.
They have advanced equipment and trained doctors.
This is important because it helps ensure there are enough healthy pilots to keep planes flying safely.
DGCA has empanelled ten new Aeromedical Evaluation Centres (AMECs) across India.
The expansion aims to boost capacity and accessibility for pilot and air traffic controller medical certifications.
These new centres will conduct all types of DGCA medical evaluations, including class 1, 2, and 3 examinations.
Notable empanelled facilities include Apollo Group hospitals, Nanavati Hospitals, and Medanta Medicity.
The move is expected to reduce administrative bottlenecks and ensure timely license renewals, potentially mitigating pilot shortages.
- Who
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- What
- Empanelled ten new Aeromedical Evaluation Centres (AMECs) across India.
- When
- October 28, 2025
- Where
- Across India
- Why
- To accelerate and enhance the efficiency and accessibility of medical certifications for pilots and air traffic controllers, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and mitigate potential pilot shortages.
Existing System
New Expansion
Capacity for Initial Class 1 Medicals
Existing System
Previously, only eight centres were authorized to conduct initial class 1 medical examinations.
New Expansion
The ten newly empanelled centres are equipped to handle the full spectrum of DGCA medical evaluations, including special, post-temporary unfit, and age-specific medicals.
Availability of Services
Existing System
Limited authorized centers could lead to longer waiting times and potential administrative bottlenecks.
New Expansion
The expansion aims to boost capacity and accessibility, leading to faster turnaround times and ensuring timely license renewals.
- Regulator
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- New Centres
- 10 Aeromedical Evaluation Centres (AMECs)
- Purpose
- Accelerate and enhance medical certification for pilots and air traffic controllers
- Types of Exams
- Class 1, 2, and 3 medical examinations, including special, post temporary unfit, and age-specific medicals
- Empanelled Hospitals
- Apollo Group (5 locations), Nanavati Hospitals, VM Medical Care Centre, Ruby Hall Clinic, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Medanta Medicity
- Additional Facilities
- Indian Air Force Boarding Centres
- Standards Compliance
- National regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards