102+ Free DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Practice Questions

Pass your DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Aviation Meteorology exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

~40% Pass Rate

102+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More India DGCA Pilot Licence Examinations

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Exam

Exam Questions

DGCA Pariksha Portal

2 hours

Exam Duration

DGCA Guidelines

70%

Passing Score

DGCA Regulations

₹2,500

Exam Fee

DGCA 2026

None

Negative Marking

DGCA Exam Pattern

Computer #

Requirement

DGCA India

The DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology exam is a 2-hour, 50-question computer-based test conducted by the DGCA India. It costs ₹2,500 per attempt and requires a 70% (35 correct answers) to pass. The syllabus covers atmospheric structure, wind systems, jet streams, thermodynamics, lapse rates, cloud formation, aircraft icing, thunderstorms, Indian monsoons, and decoding METAR/TAF/SIGMET. No calculators are allowed, and questions include calculations of cloud bases, temperature deviations, and altitude corrections.

Sample DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 102+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How does the height of the tropopause typically vary with latitude?

A.It is highest at the poles and lowest at the equator

B.It is highest at the equator and lowest at the poles

C.It remains constant at all latitudes

D.It is highest at the mid-latitudes and lowest at both the equator and poles

Explanation: The height of the tropopause varies with latitude due to temperature differences and convective activity. Warm air at the equator expands and forces the tropopause upward to about 16-18 km (approx. 50,000-55,000 ft), whereas cold, dense air at the poles keeps it much lower, around 8 km (approx. 26,000 ft). This variation is critical for flight planning, as it dictates the level of the jet stream core and associated turbulence.

2Which of the following represents the primary composition of dry air in the Earth's troposphere?

A.78% Oxygen, 21% Nitrogen, 1% Argon and trace gases

B.78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% Argon and trace gases

C.50% Nitrogen, 50% Oxygen

D.78% Carbon Dioxide, 21% Oxygen, 1% Nitrogen

Explanation: Dry air in the troposphere consists of approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen by volume. The remaining 1% is composed primarily of argon (0.93%) and trace amounts of other gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. Although water vapor content can vary from 0% to 4%, the relative proportions of the dry gases remain constant up to very high altitudes.

3In the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), what are the standard values of pressure and temperature at mean sea level (MSL)?

A.1013.25 hPa and 0°C

B.1000.00 hPa and 15°C

C.1013.25 hPa and 15°C

D.1013.25 hPa and 59°C

Explanation: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines standard sea level conditions as a pressure of 1013.25 hectopascals (hPa) or millibars (equivalent to 29.92 inches of mercury) and a temperature of 15°C (59°F). These standard reference values are used by altimeters to determine pressure altitude and by pilots for aircraft performance calculations.

4Why does temperature increase with altitude in the stratosphere?

A.Due to adiabatic compression of air sinking from the mesosphere

B.Due to the absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation by ozone

C.Because the stratosphere is closer to the sun

D.Due to friction generated by high-velocity jet stream winds

Explanation: Unlike the troposphere, the stratosphere is characterized by an increase in temperature with height (a permanent inversion). This heating is caused by the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and converts it into heat. The warmest part of the stratosphere is at its upper boundary (the stratopause), where the ozone absorption is most intense.

5Calculate the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) temperature at an altitude of 14,000 feet.

A.-13°C

B.-28°C

C.-15°C

D.-7°C

Explanation: The standard ISA temperature lapse rate is 1.98°C (usually rounded to 2°C) per 1,000 feet from sea level up to 36,090 feet. Starting with standard sea level temperature of +15°C, the calculation is: 15°C - (14,000 ft / 1,000 ft * 2°C) = 15°C - 28°C = -13°C. This temperature represents the baseline against which actual outside air temperature (OAT) deviations are compared.

6What is the ISA temperature at Flight Level 370 (37,000 feet)?

A.-59°C

B.-74°C

C.-56.5°C

D.-51.5°C

Explanation: In the International Standard Atmosphere, the temperature drops at a rate of 1.98°C/1,000 ft up to 36,090 feet (11,000 meters), where it reaches -56.5°C (-69.7°F). Above 36,090 feet up to 65,617 feet (20,000 meters), the temperature remains constant at -56.5°C. Therefore, at 37,000 feet (which is above 36,090 feet), the standard ISA temperature is -56.5°C.

7Which of the following combinations of atmospheric conditions results in the highest density altitude?

A.Low temperature, high pressure, and low humidity

B.High temperature, low pressure, and high humidity

C.High temperature, high pressure, and low humidity

D.Low temperature, low pressure, and high humidity

Explanation: Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature and humidity. High temperature, low pressure, and high humidity all reduce air density, meaning the molecules are spread further apart. This corresponds to a high density altitude, which severely degrades aircraft performance by reducing engine power, aerodynamic lift, and propeller efficiency.

8What is the definition of dew point temperature?

A.The temperature at which water vapor freezes into ice crystals

B.The temperature to which moist air must be cooled at constant pressure to become fully saturated

C.The temperature at which liquid water begins to boil under standard pressure

D.The difference between the dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures

Explanation: Dew point is the temperature to which a parcel of air must be cooled, at constant pressure, for it to become saturated (relative humidity reaches 100%). If the air is cooled further, condensation of water vapor occurs, leading to the formation of dew, fog, or clouds. The closer the air temperature is to the dew point, the higher the relative humidity and the greater the likelihood of fog or low clouds.

9What is a temperature inversion?

A.A layer of the atmosphere where temperature decreases rapidly with altitude

B.A layer of the atmosphere where temperature increases with altitude

C.A sudden drop in temperature caused by a passing cold front

D.The change in temperature when transitioning from day to night

Explanation: Under normal conditions in the troposphere, temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. A temperature inversion is an anomalous layer of the atmosphere where temperature increases with altitude. Inversions are highly stable layers that suppress vertical air movement, often trapping dust, smoke, and moisture below them, leading to poor visibility (haze or fog) and smooth air.

10An altimeter is set to the local QNH. If the aircraft flies from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure without resetting the altimeter scale, the altimeter will indicate an altitude that is:

A.Lower than the actual true altitude

B.Higher than the actual true altitude

C.Equal to the actual true altitude

D.Fluctuating randomly depending on wind speed

Explanation: When flying from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure, the pressure surfaces slope downward toward the ground. Since the altimeter measures static pressure, it will interpret the lower pressure as a higher altitude. As a result, the altimeter will indicate that the aircraft is higher than it actually is, which is a severe safety hazard (commonly remembered by the rule 'High to Low, look out below').

About the DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Exam

The DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Aviation Meteorology exam is a mandatory computer-based theory examination for pilot certification in India. It tests candidates' knowledge of atmospheric physics, thermodynamic processes, cloud formation, aviation hazards (icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, microbursts), global and local wind systems, and Indian climatology (including Southwest/Northeast Monsoons and Western Disturbances). A key component of the exam is the ability to accurately decode aviation weather reports (METAR, TAF, SPECI, SIGMET).

Assessment

50 multiple-choice questions (no negative marking)

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

70% (35 out of 50 marks)

Exam Fee

₹2,500 (Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India)

DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Exam Content Outline

15%

Atmosphere and Physical Properties

Troposphere characteristics, atmospheric layers, temperature/pressure/density variations, and International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) calculations.

20%

Wind Systems and Jet Streams

Global winds, Coriolis force, geostrophic/gradient winds, land/sea breezes, katabatic/anabatic winds, jet streams (Subtropical and Polar Front), and clear air turbulence (CAT).

20%

Thermodynamics and Lapse Rates

Dry/saturated adiabatic lapse rates (DALR/SALR), atmospheric stability, cloud base (LCL) formula calculations, and temperature inversions.

15%

Clouds, Fog, and Precipitation

Cloud types (including convective and standing wave clouds), fog formation (radiation, advection, upslope, steam), precipitation types, and aircraft icing types/hazards.

20%

Thunderstorms, Wind Shear, and Monsoons

Lifecycle of thunderstorms, microbursts, wind shear hazards, Southwest and Northeast monsoons, Western disturbances, and Indian Ocean tropical cyclones.

10%

Aviation Weather Codes and Reports

Decoding METAR, TAF, SPECI, SIGMET, and interpreting aviation weather charts and hazards.

How to Pass the DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (35 out of 50 marks)
Assessment: 50 multiple-choice questions (no negative marking)
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: ₹2,500

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the standard values for the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA): sea level temperature of 15°C, pressure of 1013.25 hPa, and lapse rate of 2°C per 1,000 feet up to 36,090 feet.

2Understand the mechanics of the lifting condensation level (LCL) and practice calculating cloud base height: Spread (°C) * 400 = Cloud Base (feet AGL).

3Learn the difference between dry adiabatic lapse rate (DALR, 3°C/1,000 ft) and saturated adiabatic lapse rate (SALR, averages 1.5°C to 1.8°C/1,000 ft) and why they differ due to latent heat release.

4Focus heavily on the Indian Monsoon seasons: Southwest Monsoon (June to September) and Northeast Monsoon (October to December), including onset dates and typical weather associated with them.

5Understand the structure and stages of thunderstorms: Cumulus (updrafts only), Mature (updrafts and downdrafts, onset of rain), and Dissipating (downdrafts only).

6Study low-level wind shear and microburst flight profiles: watch for the initial performance increase (headwind) followed by a sudden downdraft and performance drop (severe tailwind).

7Practice decoding METAR/TAF strings daily, especially weather abbreviations (e.g., TSRA, BR, FG, HZ, FU, GR) and runway wind shear reports.

8Be clear on altimetry principles: flying from high pressure/temperature areas to low pressure/temperature areas without resetting the altimeter causes the instrument to read HIGHER than the actual altitude ('High to Low, look out below').

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology exam?

The exam is computer-based (CBT), consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours. There is no negative marking, and the passing score is 70% (at least 35 correct answers).

How often is the DGCA CPL Meteorology exam conducted?

The DGCA conducts written examinations (via the Pariksha portal) approximately four times a year (quarterly). Sometimes, special on-demand sessions are also scheduled. Candidates must check the Pariksha website for active scheduling dates.

What are the eligibility requirements for the DGCA CPL exams?

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board, be at least 16 years old to register, hold a valid Class II Medical certificate, and obtain a unique DGCA Computer Number before applying.

Are calculators allowed in the DGCA Meteorology exam?

No, electronic calculators are not allowed in the exam room. Candidates must perform all mathematical calculations (such as temperature lapse rates, cloud base height, and pressure/density altitude) manually. Scratch paper is provided.

What is the cost of the DGCA exam?

The exam registration fee is ₹2,500 per paper per attempt. If a candidate fails, they must pay ₹2,500 again for the retake attempt.

Which weather codes are most important for the exam?

You must be fully proficient in decoding METAR (hourly reports), TAF (aerodrome forecasts), SPECI (special weather reports), and SIGMET (significant meteorological advisories). Questions often test abbreviations, wind shear warnings, cloud amounts (FEW/SCT/BKN/OVC), and weather change indicators (BECMG/TEMPO).

102+ Free DGCA CPL Aviation Meteorology Practice Questions

Explore More India DGCA Pilot Licence Examinations

DGCA ATPL Radio Aids and Instruments (India)

DGCA CPL Air Navigation (India)

DGCA ATPL Air Navigation (India)

DGCA ATPL Aviation Meteorology (India)

DGCA CPL Air Regulations (India)

DGCA ATPL Air Regulations (India)