India Drone License Guide
How to get your Drone Pilot Certificate (UAS Rules 2021) — issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Cost, exam format, altitude limits, and renewal — all up to date for 2026.
Key data at a glance
| Total cost | ₹40,000 – ₹65,000 (USD $480–$780) at most RPTOs |
| Renewal cycle | 10 years |
| License classes | 5 categories |
| Maximum altitude | 400 ft AGL (Yellow Zone) / 200 ft (Red Zone) |
| BVLOS allowed (standard) | No — VLOS only |
| Remote ID required | No |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Exam format | 7-day course at DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO): theoretical + simulator + practical flight assessment. Certificate issued via DigitalSky. |
DGCA drone classes / categories
Nano
MTOM ≤ 250 gNo licence; below 50 ft AGL only
Micro
MTOM 250 g – 2 kgRemote Pilot Certificate required for non-recreational ops
Small
MTOM 2 – 25 kgRPC required; commercial operations
Medium
MTOM 25 – 150 kgRPC + operator certificate
Large
MTOM > 150 kgRPC + operator + airspace authorisation
Operational limits
- Three airspace zones: Green (auto-approved), Yellow (manual ATC), Red (no-fly)
- Mandatory DigitalSky registration for all drones above Nano category
- VLOS only under standard Drone Pilot Certificate
- All commercial flights require operator registration
- BVLOS allowed only under DGCA experimental airspace permission
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India drone license — frequently asked questions
What is DigitalSky?
DGCA's online platform for drone registration, pilot certification, and airspace authorisation. All drone operations in India must be filed via DigitalSky.
Do I need a licence for a sub-250g drone in India?
Nano-category drones (< 250 g) flown below 50 ft AGL in non-restricted airspace are exempt from licensing — but they still cannot enter Red Zones.
What is the cost of becoming a DGCA-certified drone pilot?
₹40,000–₹65,000 at a DGCA-authorised RPTO (Remote Pilot Training Organisation). Course is typically 7 days including theory + practical.
Can I import a drone to India?
Drone imports require DGFT clearance and the drone model must appear on the DGCA-approved manufacturer list. Personal drones for hobby use require import approval.
Is BVLOS legal in India?
Only under the DGCA Experimental BVLOS Sandbox. As of 2025–2026, expanded BVLOS rules are pending. Standard Drone Pilot Certificate covers VLOS only.
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