India's Evolving Drone Regulatory Framework
India's drone sector is governed by the Drone Rules 2021 and their 2022 amendments, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) serving as the primary regulatory authority. In September 2025, the Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced a draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, which proposes to replace and strengthen the existing framework. Until the Bill is formally enacted, the Drone Rules 2021 remain the operative law.
Registration: Who Needs It and How to Get It
Almost every drone above the nano category — those weighing more than 250 grams — must be registered on the DigitalSky platform, the central online portal managed by DGCA. Upon successful registration, a Unique Identification Number (UIN) is issued, which must be physically marked on the aircraft. Nano drones (under 250 grams) may be exempt from formal registration but must still comply with basic operational safety guidelines. Under the proposed 2025 Bill, registration requirements are expected to become stricter and more comprehensive, with zero exemptions for previously loosely regulated drones.
Pilot Licensing: Remote Pilot Certificate vs. Remote Pilot License
India uses a tiered licensing system. Operators of drones weighing more than 2 kilograms must obtain a Remote Pilot License (RPL) from a DGCA-approved Flying Training Organization (FTO). Training covers radio telephony, flight planning, airspace regulations, aerodynamics, meteorology, and practical flight hours. For smaller drones used in lower-risk operations, a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) is required, which can be obtained through an online process via the DigitalSky portal. Both credentials are typically valid for 10 years.
The Airspace Zone System
Indian airspace is divided into three color-coded zones. Green zones allow flight below 400 feet without prior permission for registered drones. Yellow zones require advance approval via the DigitalSky platform. Red zones — covering airports, military installations, and critical infrastructure — are strictly no-fly areas. India's No-Permission-No-Takeoff (NPNT) policy enforces this digitally: drones cannot be armed for flight without a valid, real-time permission from the DigitalSky system for flights in restricted airspace.
Type Certification: A Mandatory Step for Manufacturers
Any drone model sold commercially in India must hold a Type Certificate issued by DGCA, granted after rigorous testing by accredited agencies such as the Quality Council of India (QCI). Without this certificate, no drone model can be legally marketed or registered. The proposed 2025 Bill strengthens this requirement further, extending type certification obligations to all categories of UAS below 500 kg.
Penalties for Violations
Non-compliance carries serious consequences. Operating an unregistered drone or a non-type-certified model can result in fines up to ₹1 lakh and, for repeat or serious offences, potential imprisonment. Flying in red zones, operating without a valid license, or breaching NPNT protocols are all enforceable offences. As of late 2024, India had registered over 10,000 commercial drones and issued more than 3,000 Remote Pilot Certificates, reflecting rapid adoption of the formal regulatory process.
What Operators Must Ensure in 2026
Any commercial drone operator in India must confirm that their drone is registered with a valid UIN, the drone model holds a type certificate, they personally carry a valid Remote Pilot Certificate or License, all flights outside green zone conditions follow NPNT protocols, and that mandatory third-party insurance is in place — a requirement that the proposed 2025 Bill is expected to formalize across all operational categories.