Pilot licensing tests to go online next month

Chennai: In a bid to plug loopholes and prevent malpractice, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to conduct online exams for commercial, private and air transport pilot licences from December 3.
DGCA had found that malpractice and corruption were rampant in the paper-based test.
Online examinations are expected to be foolproof because the questions and answers can be accessed by authorized persons only. It will also cut out agents, who charge Rs 80,000 to Rs 3 lakh to help obtain licences.turns from here.
Sources said that more than 2,000 candidates will be taking the tests online to qualify to become commercial pilots at examination centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Most candidates applied in October and roll numbers and examination dates have been issued. Tests for general papers — composite, air navigation, aviation metrology, radio aids & instruments and air regulation — will be held on different dates throughout the month.
Pilots are upbeat about the online examinations as they feel it will put an end to corruption. “It was quite easy to track an answer sheet and change marks under pen and paper method,” said a pilot.
29/11/11 Times of India