How to Become a Licensed Drone Pilot in India?
- Anvita Shrivastava
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
The rapid advancement of drone technology has made becoming a licensed drone pilot in India an exciting and rewarding career choice. Whether you are interested in aerial photography, agriculture, surveying, or logistics, obtaining your certification is the first and most important step.
Why You Need a Drone Pilot License in India
The Drone Rules 2021, notified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), require individuals operating drones above 250 grams for commercial purposes to be licensed. The DGCA regulates these operations to ensure safety, privacy, and airspace discipline.
Without proper licensing, drone operations may be considered illegal and could result in fines or penalties.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Drone Pilot in India
To apply for a drone pilot license in India, you must meet the following requirements:
Age: Minimum 18 years old
Education: Passed at least the 10th standard (Class X) from a recognized board
Medical Fitness: Must be physically and mentally fit (some DGCA-approved training schools may require a Class 2 medical certificate)
Language: Proficiency in reading, writing, and understanding English
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Drone Pilot License in India
Step 1: Choose the Right Category of Drone
Understand the drone category you wish to fly:
Nano Drones (up to 250g): No license required
Micro Drones (250g – 2kg)
Small Drones (2kg – 25kg)
Medium and Large Drones (25 kg+)
For micro and small drones used commercially, licensing is mandatory.
Step 2: Enroll in a DGCA-Approved Drone Training School
Register at a DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). These schools provide both theoretical and practical training.
Training Modules Typically Include:
Principles of flight
Airspace structure
Rules and regulations (Drone Rules 2021)
Weather and meteorology
Emergency handling
Practical flying skills
Some popular RPTOs in India:
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics
Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy
Drone Destination
Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology
Step 3: Complete the Training and Pass the Evaluation
After training, candidates must pass a skill test and a written examination conducted by the RPTO, which includes a practical flight assessment and a theory paper.
Step 4: Get Your Remote Pilot Certificate
Upon successfully passing the test, the RPTO will upload your details to the Digital Sky Platform – India's centralized drone registration portal.
After verification, the DGCA will issue a Remote Pilot Certificate, which is valid for 10 years.
Drone Pilot License Cost in India
The cost may vary depending on the training institute and drone category, but typically includes:
Training Fee: ₹30,000 – ₹65,000
Examination Fee: Included in training
Certificate Issuance: Nominal DGCA processing fees
Career Opportunities After Getting a Drone Pilot License
After obtaining your license, a world of opportunities opens up. You can work in:
Aerial photography & videography
Agriculture & crop monitoring
Infrastructure inspection (bridges, towers, pipelines)
Land surveying & mapping
Disaster management
E-commerce & drone delivery (emerging sector)
Becoming a licensed drone pilot in India is more accessible than ever. With the government promoting drone usage in various sectors, it’s a great time to get certified and start your career. Ensure that you choose a DGCA-approved RPTO and stay updated with the latest drone rules to stay compliant and safe.
For more information on how to become a licensed Drone Pilot in India, please feel free to contact us at:
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