The cost of obtaining a Radio Telephony (RTR) License in India can vary depending on several factors such as training institute location and preparation needs.
Examination Fees
The RTR exam is conducted by the Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing of the Ministry of Communications Government of India, usually in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- Application Fee: Around INR 500 – INR 1,000 per attempt.
- If you clear in the first attempt, your total exam related cost is minimal. But if multiple attempts are required, the cost increases accordingly.
Training / Coaching Fees
Most candidates take specialized coaching before appearing for the RTR exam because the syllabus covers technical communication radio equipment aviation communication and oral viva.
- Private Institutes / Aviation Academies: Fees range between INR 50,000 – INR 1,50,000 for RTR coaching courses depending on duration (1–3 months) and facilities.
- Self study with minimal coaching may reduce costs but success rates are generally higher with structured training.
Additional Costs
- Study Material & Mock Tests: Around INR 5,000 – INR 15,000.
- Travel & Accommodation: If the exam center or coaching institute is in another city (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc.), candidates should factor in living costs which may be INR 10,000 – INR 30,000.
- Medical Certificates (Class 2 / Class 1 DGCA): Around INR 3,000 – INR 8,000 as these are mandatory for pilots who will use the RTR with CPL/ATPL.
Total Estimated Cost
If we combine everything:
- Minimum (self study, single attempt) → Around INR 10,000 – INR 20,000.
- Average (with coaching + 1 attempt) → Around INR 60,000 – INR 1,20,000.
- Higher Range (coaching, multiple attempts, travel, stay) → Around INR 1.5 – INR 2.0 lakh.
Hidden Factor: Opportunity Cost
Many students prepare for RTR alongside Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training. Since the RTR License is mandatory for CPL holders in India, its cost often merges with the overall CPL training expenditure (which itself can be INR 35–45 lakh). Thus the RTR cost may feel like an add on within the pilot training journey.
Getting an RTR License in India costs anywhere between ₹60,000 – ₹1.2 lakh on average, though disciplined candidates who clear on the first attempt with minimal coaching may spend much less. It is a crucial investment because without RTR clearance, even after completing flying hours, a pilot cannot be issued a CPL.