What the RTR(A) licence is
RTR stands for Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted). The “(A)” marks the aeronautical version, meant for people who will speak on aircraft radio. Without it, a pilot cannot legally make radio calls from the cockpit, which is why flying schools and cadet programmes ask for it so early.
Who runs it now
Until recently the Wireless Planning and Coordination wing of the telecom ministry handled the exam. Under the Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence Rules, 2025, notified in June 2025, the DGCA runs the examination and issues the licence. Because the change is recent, older blog posts and coaching handouts may still describe the previous process.
Eligibility in short
Published summaries of the 2025 rules give a minimum age of 16 and a pass in Class X or an equivalent examination. Some groups, such as certain military pilots and holders of a valid earlier certificate, are described as exempt from the written part. If you think you may qualify for an exemption, ask DGCA directly before you skip anything.
The route, step by step
- Prepare for the written test. It covers radio theory, regulations, abbreviations and procedures. Chapter-wise practice works well here.
- Apply and sit the written test through DGCA’s process. Fees are reported as ₹2,000 per written attempt.
- Prepare for the practical. This is a speaking test. Rehearse complete flights aloud.
- Take the practical. It is held in a simulated environment, with an examiner acting as air traffic control. The fee is reported as ₹500 per attempt.
- Receive the licence. Issue is reported at ₹5,000.
Time limits and retakes
As summarised from the rules: the practical should be cleared within three years of passing the written test, you get up to three practical attempts, and there is a six-week wait after a failed practical attempt. These details matter if you are planning around a flying-school start date, so read the rule text itself.
A sensible order of work
Spend the first two weeks on vocabulary and written chapters. Start speaking practice in week three. Use the last week for timed mock tests and the scenarios you found hardest. Our four-week rhythm shows one way to split it.
Quick answers
Is the RTR licence the same as a pilot licence?
No. It only allows you to operate an aircraft radio. A student, private or commercial pilot licence is a separate qualification.
How many times can I attempt the practical?
Summaries of the 2025 rules mention three practical attempts with a six-week gap after a failed one. Confirm the current rule with DGCA.
Do I need to take the written test again if I fail the practical?
The rules describe a window of three years in which the practical must be cleared after the written test. Ask DGCA how a retake affects your case.
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.