The DGCA has introduced a digital platform for drone registration in India, which has contributed to the country's ambition of using drones for a variety of commercial applications. Numerous regulations and rules have also been implemented to make this possible. To prevent any unauthorized flights, to establish a prospective standard for UAs, and to preserve the architecture, the Government of India modified the legislation governing unmanned aircraft (UA) in 2019.
The "no permission, no takeoff" (NPNT) regulation implemented by the Government of India (GoI) serves the purpose of overseeing Unmanned Aircraft (UAs) through the Unmanned Traffic Management System (UTM), developed by Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). These regulations encompass UA registration, formulation of flight plans, obtaining necessary permissions, and certification to ensure individuals have undergone sufficient training to operate an aircraft.
Your Complete Guide to Obtaining a Drone Flying License in India
The Different Types of Drones:
Since drones come in a variety of sizes and designs, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has categorized different drones, or UAs, according to their weight. The list of drones is as follows:
Nano Drones: less than equal to 250 grams
Micro Drones: more than 250 grams but less than equal to 2 kg.
Small Drones: more than 2kg - 25kg
Medium Drones: more than 25 kg up to 150 kg
Large Drones: weighing more than 150 kg
The Process of Registration:
The Government of India has mandated that all drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAs) must register through the Digital Sky Platform to receive a UIN and UAOL license. Before obtaining a license to operate a drone, you must also complete the necessary training and obtain all necessary authorizations.
The Procedures for Registration:
Digital Sky Platform: The DGCA launched this online platform to streamline the registration and paperwork process
User Registration: A few simple procedures must be taken to register with the Digital Sky Platform. This process aids in the monitoring of all drone users and registered drones.
Step 1: Click the provided link to register for users interested in Nano drones or 250-gram UAs. Choose > Choose a category to register as a manufacturer, remote pilot, or operator. After selecting the necessary subcategory, click Register.
Step 2: After selecting "Register," you must enter the necessary data in the designated fields and select "Sign Up."
Step 3: You will receive a notification at your registered email address as soon as your registration with the Digital Sky Platform has been completed successfully.
Step 4: Click the email's given link. After that, the customer can browse through the many drone types and make their choice.
Step 5: After choosing your drone profile, complete the form by entering the necessary information.
Step 6: Submit your certificate of training; choose the type of drone; and lastly
Step 7: Select "Submit."
UIN Drone Licensing:
To obtain a UIN license for a drone weighing more than 250 grams, a user must first register on the Digital Sky Platform. Following successful user registration on the Digital Sky Platform, the drone registration process is initiated. After that, the user must register their drone and select one of the following options:
Apply for Local Drones (made in India) here.
Apply here to import drones that are made in another country.
Apply for a UAOP License here.
The next step requires the user to provide their appropriate credentials in the following fields:
Name, address, and PAN details of the owner
Drone Type
Model Number
Serial Number
OEM Certificate (certificate received from manufacturer)
NPL Letter
Name, address, and Manufacturer's nationality
Maximum take-off weight and height attainable
Details of compatible payload
After filling out the previously mentioned credentials, the user must now make payments to apply for the UIN. The following are the registration costs:
UIN- Rs 1000
UAOP License- Rs 25,000
Renewable of UAOP- Rs 10,000.
Are you curious about the exact steps needed to obtain a UIN for your drone? Click on this link to find out more!
The Training Process:
The DGCA has made it mandatory to obtain the necessary training before using a drone for operation. To avoid any risk, the training program is essential. To be qualified to fly personal or commercial drones, operators must possess both technical and theoretical expertise, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This training program helps in case of system malfunctions and crises.
A DGCA-certified aviation school must have one's registration verified to receive this training. The 1934 Aircraft Rules are being followed in the construction of this training protocol.
The following topics are covered in the training:
Radio Telephony
Flight Planning and ATC procedure
Aviation Meteorology
Knowledge of Aerodynamics
Air Navigation
Eligibility Criterion:
The pilot must be at least eighteen years old.
Must have completed their matriculation or tenth English class.
Must complete the whole training program from an aviation school certified by the DGCA.
Needs to have MHA security clearance.
DGCA-certified Institutions:
Anyone flying beyond 200 feet is now required by the DGCA to have an RPL. The DGCA is in charge of overseeing and developing curriculum as well as making sure that people are properly trained. These institutions comply with all significant requirements and operate within the guidelines established by the DGCA.
The following members qualify for the Remote Pilot License, or RPL:
Members who are eager to get their operator certificate after obtaining their PPL with success
Professionals or Members who take a keen interest in drone technology.
Members who seek to develop UAV piloting and operational expertise.
Military personnel seeking to expand their training and knowledge base to better utilize it to support the Defense forces
For commercial purposes: Participants who must promptly transport goods from companies to clients
Social media: YouTubers, bloggers, and photographers that must fly beyond 200 feet and utilize drone technology for their professional needs 7) Members designated with particular tasks: rescue missions, animal tracking, and so forth.
"Keen on joining drone pilot training? Simply fill out the form, and expect a callback soon!"
No permission, No takeoff
An app called NPNT (No Permission, No Takeoff) was created to enable users to communicate with the Ministry of Operational Purposes at any time when they are in need. The purpose of the app is to keep track of whether the user can obtain authorization to operate at that specific moment. This app was created to help with business needs like prompt product delivery, support for bloggers and YouTubers, rescue operations, and transportation of medical supplies. Requests for takeoff are received and accepted with the aid of this app. If the app rejects a request, the user must comply with it and is not allowed to operate at that time.
Installing the app on the necessary electronic gadget is done so for the convenience of the operator.
The Drone Registration Procedure:
Step 1: Once the drone has been obtained it is important to check the OEM Certificate provided by the manufacturer and the NPL Letter.
Step 2: You then need to register with the Digital Sky Platform.
Step 3: Get your UIN from the Digital Sky Platform.
Step 4: Mark the UIN on the UA.
Step 5: You then need to apply for your UAOP License through the Digital Sky Platform.
Step 6: Apply for your Remote Pilot License (RPL) for the completion of your training program from a DGCA-approved institution
Step 7: Install NPNT.
"Curious about the step-by-step process to register your drone? Uncover the details by clicking this link!"
Users must obtain a one-time registration for their drones, owners, and pilots. After that, the NPNT app will be installed on your phone, and you will need to request authorization for each flight. The request is then approved or denied by the NPNT app. To preserve public security, it is crucial to distinguish between flights that are allowed and unlawful. Drones without digital permits are required to adhere to it and will not take off.
Considering a career as a drone pilot? Explore our step-by-step guide to kickstart your journey!