Drone Industry in India
India's drone industry has taken off with the liberalized Drone Rules 2021, which replaced the restrictive UAS Rules and opened the sector for private participation. The government aims to make India a global drone hub by 2030 with supportive policies including the PLI scheme offering 20% incentive, simplified regulations, and exemptions for nano drones.
This comprehensive guide covers drone company registration, DGCA type certification, remote pilot certification, operational approvals, and compliance requirements. Whether you're manufacturing drones, offering drone services, or developing drone software, this guide provides the regulatory roadmap.
Drone Categories in India
Exemptions for Nano Drones
Nano drones (below 250g) are exempt from registration, type certification, and remote pilot license requirements when flying:
- • Below 15 meters (50 feet) AGL (Above Ground Level)
- • In enclosed premises
- • During daylight hours
- • Within visual line of sight
Drone Business Opportunities
Drone Manufacturing
- • Multi-rotor drones (quadcopters, hexacopters)
- • Fixed-wing drones
- • Hybrid VTOL drones
- • Agricultural drones
- • Delivery drones
- • Surveillance and inspection drones
Drone Services
- • Aerial photography and cinematography
- • Agricultural spraying and monitoring
- • Surveying and mapping
- • Infrastructure inspection
- • Emergency response
- • Delivery services
Support Services
- • Drone training institutes
- • Remote Pilot training
- • Maintenance and repair
- • Software and analytics
- • Fleet management
- • Insurance services
Company Registration Process
Business Structure
Private Limited Company recommended for drone manufacturing. LLP suitable for drone services and consulting.
Company Incorporation
File SPICe+ on MCA portal. Select appropriate NIC codes for manufacturing or services. Timeline: 10-15 days.
Udyam Registration
Register as MSME to access PLI scheme benefits, collateral-free loans, and priority in government tenders.
Digital Sky Registration
Register on DGCA's Digital Sky Platform. Obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) for each drone. Apply for Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) for commercial operations.
Type Certification
For manufacturers: Get drone model certified by DGCA or authorized testing entities. Submit technical documentation and prototypes for testing.
Remote Pilot Training
Pilots must obtain Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) from DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTO).
DGCA Type Certification
Type Certification Process
Mandatory type certification for all manufactured drones (except nano category and prototype R&D):
Application on Digital Sky
Submit type certification application with technical documentation.
Technical Documentation
Submit design specifications, safety analysis, flight manual, and quality manual.
Testing
Prototype testing at QCI or DGCA-authorized testing laboratory.
NPNT Compliance
Implement No Permission-No Takeoff (NPNT) compliance for drone firmware.
Certificate Issuance
DGCA issues Type Certificate valid for specific model with defined configurations.
Required Documentation
- • Aircraft design and specifications
- • Propulsion system details
- • Flight control system architecture
- • Communication system specifications
- • Safety assessment and failure analysis
- • Flight manual and operations manual
- • Quality management system
- • Manufacturing facility details
PLI Scheme for Drones
Production Linked Incentive for Drones
The PLI scheme for drones and drone components offers significant incentives for manufacturers:
Key Features
- • Incentive rate: 20% on value addition
- • Eligibility: Sales of certified drones/components
- • Minimum domestic value addition requirements
- • 3-year incentive period
- • Additional 2-year optional period at reduced rate
Incentive Ceilings
- • Drone manufacturers: ₹120 crore
- • Drone component manufacturers: ₹30 crore
- • Total scheme outlay: ₹120 crore over 3 years
- • Eligibility based on annual sales targets
Eligible Components
- • Airframe, propulsion systems, and power systems
- • Flight controllers and navigation systems
- • Communication systems (RF modules, transceivers)
- • Cameras and sensors (gimbals, payload)
- • Battery packs and charging systems
- • Ground control stations
- • Software for drone operations
Digital Sky Platform
DGCA's Unified Platform
Digital Sky is the central platform for all drone-related registrations, approvals, and compliance:
Registrations
- • Drone registration (UIN)
- • Operator registration (UAOP)
- • Remote Pilot registration
- • RPTO registration
Approvals
- • Type certification
- • Flight permission (NPNT)
- • Import clearance
- • Training organization approval
NPNT Compliance
No Permission-No Takeoff (NPNT) is a software-based system that prevents drones from taking off without valid permission. All drones (except nano) must have NPNT-compliant firmware that checks for valid flight permission from Digital Sky before allowing takeoff.
Remote Pilot Certificate
Obtaining RPC
Commercial drone operations require a Remote Pilot Certificate from DGCA:
Training Requirements
- • Complete training at DGCA-approved RPTO
- • Theory classes on regulations, meteorology, navigation
- • Practical flying training (minimum hours required)
- • Simulator training (for certain categories)
Examination
- • Written examination on drone regulations
- • Practical flight test
- • Medical fitness certificate (Class 2)
- • Security clearance
RPC Categories
- • Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Operations within unaided visual range
- • Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS): Special permission required
- • Category-specific: Based on drone weight category
No-Fly Zones and Restrictions
Prohibited Areas
- • Within 5km of airport perimeter (with exceptions)
- • Above military installations without permission
- • Over strategic locations notified by government
- • Within 25km of international border (without permission)
- • Over Vijay Chowk in Delhi
- • Over eco-sensitive zones without permission
- • Within 500m of mobile platforms (ships, vehicles)
Red Zones
No-fly areas requiring special permission from authorities.
Yellow Zones
Controlled airspace with automated permissions.
Green Zones
Unrestricted airspace up to 400 feet AGL.
Government Schemes for Drones
Kisan Drone Scheme
Financial assistance for agricultural drones: 100% grant for drone purchase by Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), 40-50% subsidy for individual farmers, support for drone-based spraying and crop monitoring.
SVAMITVA Scheme
Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas. Uses drones for land mapping and property documentation. Creates opportunities for drone service providers.
Drone Shakti Scheme
Promotes drone usage across sectors including agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and logistics. Creates demand for drone services and manufacturing.
Penalties for Violations
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Flying without registration | ₹25,000 - ₹50,000 |
| Flying in restricted areas | ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000 |
| Operating without license | ₹25,000 - ₹50,000 |
| Endangering safety | Up to ₹5,00,000 |
| Violation of NPNT | ₹10,000 - ₹1,00,000 |
Note: Repeat offenses can lead to confiscation of drones and imprisonment. Insurance is mandatory for commercial operations.
Drone Industry: Ready for Takeoff
With simplified regulations, financial incentives, and growing applications across sectors, India's drone industry is poised for exponential growth. Early entrants have the opportunity to establish market leadership.