Latest DGCA Drone Regulations in India (2025): What You Need to Know
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Introduction
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) continues to play a crucial role in shaping India’s drone ecosystem. Nowadays drones are being used in agriculture, survilance, filmmaking, and infrastructure, It is important to keep up with the latest rules and regulations by DGCA. It is essential for both hobbyist and commercial operators. This article below breaks down the DGCA drone license, drone registration process, and the latest compliance rules you must follow in India this year.
Understanding DGCA Drone Categories in India
The DGCA classifies drones into five categories based on weight:
Nano Drones: Up to 250g – License not required.
Micro Drones: 250g to 2kg –License needed for commercial use.
Small Drones: 2kg to 25kg – License and registration required.
Medium Drones: 25kg to 150kg – DGCA approval required.
Large Drones: Above 150kg – Special DGCA clearance needed.
How to Get a DGCA Drone License in 2025
Flying a drone for professional or commercial purposes requires a DGCA Remote Pilot License (RPL).
Steps to Apply for a DGCA Drone License
Get yourself enrolled in a DGCA-approved drone training school.
Complete theoretical and practical training.
Pass the DGCA examination.
Receive your Remote Pilot License (RPL) through the Digital Sky platform.
Note: Recreational flying with nano drones doesn’t require a license, but safety rules still apply.
DGCA Drone Registration Process
Every eligible drone (except nano) must be registered with the DGCA under the Digital Sky Platform.
Registration Steps
Apply for a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for your drone.
Upload drone specifications, owner details, and security clearance.
Pay the prescribed registration fee.
Receive your digital DGCA drone registration certificate.
Without a valid UIN, drones are not permitted to fly in Indian airspace.
DGCA NPNT Policy: No Permission, No Takeoff
The DGCA enforces the NPNT (No Permission, No Takeoff) system. This means drones cannot take off unless permission is granted through the Digital Sky app.
Permissions are geo-fenced.
Flying near airports, military areas, or international borders is restricted.
Violations can lead to fines and confiscation of the drone.
DGCA Rules for Agriculture and Commercial Use
The DGCA has simplified drone operations for agriculture, logistics, and surveying.
Farmers can apply for DGCA approval for spraying drones.
Commercial operators must have both a Remote Pilot License and drone insurance.
Large-scale delivery and surveillance drones need special DGCA exemptions.
Penalties Under DGCA Drone Regulations
Non-compliance with DGCA rules can lead to:
Heavy fines (₹25,000 – ₹5,00,000 depending on violation).
Suspension of drone license.
Blacklisting on the Digital Sky platform.
Future of DGCA Drone Regulations in India
Looking ahead, DGCA drone policies are expected to expand to cover:
BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone operations.
Drone taxis and passenger drones.
Wider integration of drones into logistics and urban planning.
Conclusion
The latest DGCA drone regulations in India (2025) are designed to balance innovation with safety. Whether you are a farmer using drones for spraying, a filmmaker capturing aerial shots, or a logistics company exploring drone deliveries, understanding the rules is essential.
By keeping up with DGCA drone licenses, registration processes, and NPNT guidelines, drone operators in India can fly legally, safely, and with confidence.
FAQs: DGCA Drone Rules in India 2025
1. Do I need a DGCA license to fly a drone in India? Yes, except for nano drones (below 250g) used for recreational purposes.
2. How do I register my drone with DGCA? Register on the Digital Sky platform to get a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
3. Can foreigners fly drones in India? Foreign nationals must obtain DGCA approval before operating drones in India.
4. What is NPNT in drone regulations? NPNT (No Permission, No Takeoff) ensures drones cannot operate without prior clearance from DGCA’s digital system.
5. What are the penalties for illegal drone flying in India? Flying without DGCA approval can lead to fines, license cancellation, and drone confiscation.
