The pattern, as the CAR states it
| Part | Format | Pass mark | Validity & attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 — Written | Online computer-based test: 50 multiple-choice questions, in English (CAR §6.2) | 70% (CAR §6.3) | Pass valid for 3 years (CAR §6.4) |
| Part 2 — Practical | Radiotelephony exercises over a simulated environment, about 30 minutes (CAR §7.3) | 50% (CAR §7.4) | Up to 3 attempts inside the written pass validity (CAR §7.5) |
In the practical you are assessed on four things (CAR §7.3): practical knowledge of radiotelephone operation and procedure for the different phases of flight; the ability to send and receive messages correctly by radiotelephone; general knowledge of the regulations applying to radiotelephone communications, especially those about safety of life; and the special provisions for the aeronautical fixed, mobile and radio-navigation services.
Is the Part 1 pass mark 50% or 70%?
70%. CAR §6.3 declares a candidate passed in the written examination at a minimum of 70% — with 50 questions, that means at least 35 correct answers. The 50% figure belongs to Part 2, the practical (CAR §7.4). The two numbers have been swapped in summaries for years: the exam was run by WPC until December 2025, and WPC-era pages — AIVR’s RTR page among them — still print 50% for Part 1. If a coaching handout or video tells you the written paper needs only half marks, it is describing the old examination, not the one you will sit.
Annexure A, Part I: Regulations and procedure
The first of the syllabus’s three areas (CAR Annexure A) is the rulebook layer: the International Telecommunication Convention and Radio Regulations; general and aeronautical Q code signals and other abbreviations from ICAO Annex 10; radiotelephone communication procedure, including distress, urgency and direction-finding procedure; distress communication in the maritime mobile service; the spelling of words and figures; licensing requirements for radio apparatus in aircraft; the minimum radio equipment to be carried; FIRs in India with the main communication and navigation facilities and their frequencies; meteorological codes and the pre-flight briefing service; and NOTAMs. The Q code guide and how to read a METAR cover two of its most testable corners.
Annexure A, Part II: Radio principles and practice
The theory layer, and the part phraseology-only preparation misses: electrical units (volt, ampere, ohm, watt) and the relationship between wavelength and frequency; radio propagation — day and night frequencies, skip distance, fading and ground shadow, and how they drive the choice of frequency for air-ground HF communication; the systems used for air-ground communication, including intercommunication and announcing systems; and radio-navigation aids, microphone and headphone operation, squelch, AVC, volume control and tuning, simplex and duplex operation, and the advantages and limitations of radiotelephony, including range limits from frequency interference.
Annexure A, Part III: Radiotelephony
The spoken layer, and the bridge to Part 2: general operating procedures (transmitting technique, transmission of letters, numbers and time, standard words and phrases, call signs, establishing and transferring communications, clearances and read-back requirements, test procedures); general phraseology, including level instructions, position reporting and flight plans; aerodrome control for aircraft, from departure information and engine starting through push-back, taxi, take-off, the circuit, final and landing, go-around and after landing; ATS surveillance phraseology (identification and vectoring, traffic information, radar assistance to aircraft with communication failure, alerting); vehicle movement at aerodromes; approach control for IFR and VFR arrivals and departures; area control, including flights joining, leaving and crossing airways and holding en route; and distress, urgency and communications-failure procedures. Our phraseology primer explains the pattern these topics share, and the alphabet and numbers guide covers the spelling and transmission rules inside it.
How questions are asked
The written paper tests recall and recognition against this map — 50 questions drawn across all three areas, so a weak Part II costs real marks even if your phraseology is strong. The practical asks you to use the third area under pressure. Because the second part is spoken, knowing a rule is not enough: you must be able to say it.
Pattern and syllabus on this page follow DGCA CAR Section 7, Series G, Part VI, Issue I (27 November 2025), Annexure A — checked 13 November 2026.
Turn this map into marks with the Part 1 questions, organised chapter by chapter — and see what each pass unlocks when you are ready for the full set.
Quick answers
How many questions are in RTR Part 1?
50 multiple-choice questions, in an online computer-based test in English — CAR §6.2.
What are the passing marks for Part 1 and Part 2?
Part 1 (written) needs 70% — at least 35 of 50 questions (CAR §6.3). Part 2 (practical) needs 50% (CAR §7.4). Pages that give 50% for Part 1 are describing the older WPC-era exam.
How long is the written pass valid?
Three years from the date you pass it (CAR §6.4). The practical must be passed inside that window.
Is the RTR syllabus the same as the CPL ground syllabus?
No. The RTR(A) covers radio telephony only. The CPL ground subjects are far broader.
Which topic is the hardest?
Most students find fluent speaking harder than written recall, so start speaking practice early.
Answer questions on this topic, or run a full radio call out loud.
This guide is general study help written by RTR Exam. It is not an official publication of DGCA or ICAO. Confirm rules, fees, dates and syllabus with DGCA's latest notice.