DGCA prescribed textbook

Aviation Meteorology

Group Captain IC Joshi (IAF, Retd.)
Himalayan Books

The primary DGCA-prescribed textbook for the CPL and ATPL Meteorology examination. The only prescribed Indian text that covers Indian climatology, the monsoon system, and subcontinent-specific weather phenomena in the depth the DGCA tests.

1,851
Practice questions
12
Chapters covered
Aviation Meteorology
Subject
Yes
DGCA prescribed

Chapter-by-chapter breakdown

Ch 1
The Atmosphere
Structure of the atmosphere, ISA values, lapse rates. ISA calculations appear in every paper — know the numbers.
Ch 2
Temperature
Temperature inversions and their role in fog formation are tested frequently.
Ch 3
Atmospheric Pressure
Altimeter settings (QNH, QFE, QNE) and pressure altitude. These appear in both Meteorology and Navigation papers.
Ch 4
Wind
Geostrophic wind, wind shear, jet streams. The DGCA tests jet stream characteristics at cruising altitude.
Ch 5
Humidity, Clouds and Fog
Cloud type identification and fog formation (radiation, advection, steam) are tested frequently.
Ch 6
Precipitation
Freezing rain and ice pellets are tested specifically for their icing risk implications.
Ch 7
Air Masses and Fronts
Frontal weather sequences are a staple — expect 2–3 questions on weather before, during, and after a front passage.
Ch 8
Thunderstorms
The highest-yield topic in the entire Meteorology paper. The DGCA tests this chapter more heavily than any other.
Ch 9
Icing
Icing questions often combine meteorological conditions with performance implications.
Ch 10
Turbulence
Clear air turbulence (CAT) associated with jet streams is tested consistently.
Ch 11
Indian Climatology
The chapter that separates candidates who studied Joshi from those who used international texts only. Expect 3–5 questions per paper.
Ch 12
Aviation Weather Reports and Forecasts
METAR decoding questions appear in almost every paper. Know the format cold.

Sample question

From Chapter 11: Indian Climatology

During the southwest monsoon season in India, which of the following statements about the ITCZ position is correct?

A. The ITCZ lies south of the equator over the Indian subcontinent
B. The ITCZ shifts northward, bringing moist southwesterly winds across peninsular India
C. The ITCZ remains stationary over the Bay of Bengal throughout the monsoon season
D. The ITCZ weakens significantly during peak monsoon months
Explanation

During the southwest monsoon (June–September), the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts northward over the Indian subcontinent, drawing warm moist air from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal across peninsular India. This northward displacement is the primary driver of the southwest monsoon onset. The ITCZ does not remain stationary — its northward migration is what brings rainfall progressively from Kerala through to northern India.

Practise all 1,851 questions from IC Joshi

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Frequently asked questions

Is IC Joshi sufficient for the DGCA CPL Meteorology exam?
IC Joshi covers the DGCA Meteorology syllabus comprehensively and is the primary reference for the exam. Most successful candidates use Joshi as their main text and supplement with the DGCA AIP India for current METAR/TAF formats.
Which chapters of IC Joshi are most heavily tested in the DGCA exam?
Based on review by the ProPilotLicence captain panel: Chapter 8 (Thunderstorms) and Chapter 11 (Indian Climatology) are consistently the highest-yield chapters. Chapter 12 (Aviation Weather Reports) is reliable for METAR/TAF decoding questions. Chapter 7 (Air Masses and Fronts) produces consistent questions on frontal sequences.
Can I practise just one chapter of IC Joshi at a time on ProPilotLicence?
Yes. The chapter-wise practice mode lets you select any chapter of IC Joshi and drill only those questions. You can also combine chapters in a single session.
Is the IC Joshi question bank on ProPilotLicence up to date?
All questions are reviewed by the ProPilotLicence captain panel for current accuracy against the DGCA syllabus and current edition of the book.