The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Class 1 Medical is a comprehensive health check up for pilots making sure they are physically and mentally fit for commercial flying. It covers things like vision hearing cardiovascular health lung function general physical fitness and more.
You should apply for the DGCA Class 1 Medical when you are about to start your commercial pilot training (for example when you are preparing for a commercial pilot licence (CPL)) or before you start job flying operations in a commercial airline. According to the article while student pilots on a basic level may first get a Class 2 medical Class 1 is required for CPL candidates and commercial pilots. In practical terms:
As soon as you've decided to pursue a commercial pilot career (CPL) and meet the academic/flight training eligibility.
Before you sign up for the commercial flying portion of training so that your medical fitness is confirmed.
Also you'll want to ensure your medical certificate is valid when you apply to airlines or training schools.
If you apply too late, you may face delays in your training or employment because without the Class 1 medical you cannot start flying commercially.
If you apply too early, you might risk your certificate expiring while you still haven't flown or met other conditions. Note: the medical certificate validity is shorter once you cross certain age thresholds.
Preparing beforehand (checking eyesight BP hearing) helps avoid being declared temporarily unfit and delaying your career start.
Register on the eGCA portal of DGCA choose a DGCA approved medical examiner and book your appointment.
Bring the required documents like ID proof passport size photos past medical records.
Get all your tests done results uploaded to the portal and then you will get your certificate if fitness is confirmed.