Not required: nano drones
Drones up to 250 grams do not need a certified pilot.
Drone pilot guide
How to become a certified drone pilot in India.
By the NVX engineering team, New Delhi
India no longer issues a separate drone pilot licence. Since the Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2022, a Remote Pilot Certificate earned through a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) is what you need to fly most drones. Here is who needs one, who is eligible and how the process works.
Who needs a Remote Pilot Certificate
The requirement depends on the drone's weight category and how you use it.
Not required: micro drones, non-commercial
Drones above 250 grams and up to 2 kg flown for hobby or personal use.
Required: micro drones for commercial work
Paid photography, inspection or any business use of a micro drone needs a certified pilot.
Required: small and above
Drones above 2 kg, including most agriculture spray drones and many enterprise drones.
Category-specific
The certificate states the category, sub-category and class of drone you are trained for, so train on the type you will fly.
Eligibility
The Drone Rules, 2021 set simple eligibility conditions.
Age
At least 18 years and not more than 65 years.
Education
Class 10 pass or equivalent from a recognised board.
Training
Successful completion of the prescribed training at a DGCA-authorised RPTO.
Identity
A passport, or since September 2023 a government-issued ID and address proof such as a voter ID, ration card or driving licence.
The process, step by step
Exact steps and portals change, so confirm with your chosen RPTO before paying fees. Remote pilot certification and RPTO approvals are now handled through DGCA's eGCA portal.
1. Choose the drone class
Decide whether you need small, medium or another category, and rotorcraft or fixed-wing, based on the work you plan to do.
2. Pick a DGCA-authorised RPTO
Check that the organisation appears on DGCA's list of authorised RPTOs. As of February 2026, PIB reported 244 approved RPTOs.
3. Complete training
Ground classes on rules, airspace, weather and safety, simulator time and practical flying, followed by assessment.
4. Receive the certificate
On passing, the Remote Pilot Certificate is issued online and linked to your profile.
5. Keep flying current
Log your flights, follow the operator's procedures and stay updated on rule changes.
Choosing a good training organisation
Authorisation is the minimum. Also ask:
Hands-on hours
How much real flying, not just simulator time, is included.
Drone types
Whether you train on the class you will use at work, such as agriculture spray drones.
Batch size
Smaller batches mean more stick time per trainee.
After-course support
Help with job placement, refreshers or type-specific training.
FAQ
Drone Pilot Licence: common questions
Is a drone pilot licence still required in India?
The licence was replaced in February 2022 by a Remote Pilot Certificate issued through a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation.
What is the minimum age to become a drone pilot in India?
18 years. The upper age limit is 65 years.
Do I need a passport to get a Remote Pilot Certificate?
No. Since the Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2023, a government-issued ID and address proof such as a voter ID, ration card or driving licence is accepted if you do not have a passport.
Do I need a certificate to fly a DJI Mini or other drone under 250 grams?
No certificate is needed for nano drones up to 250 grams. You must still respect airspace zones and privacy.
Is NVX a DGCA-authorised RPTO?
No. NVX offers product-specific operator training and demonstrations for its own drones. For a Remote Pilot Certificate, train with a DGCA-authorised RPTO.
How many certified drone pilots are there in India?
PIB reported 39,890 Remote Pilot Certificates issued as of February 2026.
Talk to NVX
Questions about drones? Ask the team that builds them.
Call +91 95609 21619, message us on WhatsApp, or visit us in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
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