Agmay Technologies

Top 5 New Rules & Regulations on Drone Pilot License By DGCA

Sep 26,2025 -- By Rithik

KN bioscience partnership

The Draft Civil Drone Bill 2025 introduces stricter rules for drone pilots, including mandatory certification, registration, and insurance. Violations can lead to heavy fines, confiscation of drones, or jail time of up to three years.

Visit us
Introduction

The Government of India has released the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill 2025, which aims to streamline the drone industry, enhance safety, and prevent misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Whether you are a drone pilot, a training institute, or a drone business owner, it’s crucial to understand these upcoming rules to avoid legal trouble. Here are the five most important points you need to know about Drone Pilot Licenses and drone operations in India under the new draft bill:

1️⃣ Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) is Mandatory

To legally operate a drone in India, you must have a valid Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or an authorized officer.
This ensures that all drone operators are properly trained, certified, and accountable for safe flying.

Why it matters:
  • Prevents accidents caused by untrained pilots.
  • Ensures compliance with flight safety protocols and no-fly zones.
  • Helps authorities track drone pilots in case of violations or incidents.
🚫 Penalty for violation:
Operating a drone without a valid RPC can lead to:
  • Fine up to ₹1,00,000, OR
  • Imprisonment up to 1 year, OR both.
  • This offence is non-cognizable and compoundable, meaning it’s punishable but bailable and can be settled in court.

Tip: If you don’t have an RPC, enroll in a DGCA-approved drone training program immediately to get certified.

2️⃣ Training Must Be Taken From DGCA-Authorized Institutes

Not all drone training programs are legal. According to the draft bill, only DGCA-authorized drone training organizations (DTOs) can provide drone pilot training and issue certifications.
Any institute offering training without DGCA authorization will be penalized.

Why it matters:
  • Maintains high-quality, standardized training.
  • Prevents fake certificates and unauthorized operators.
  • Builds a professional ecosystem for India’s drone industry.
🚫 Penalty for violation:
  • Fine up to ₹1,00,000, OR
  • Imprisonment up to 1 year, OR both.

Note: Before joining any course, verify the institute’s DGCA authorization status on the official DGCA DigitalSky portal.

3️⃣ Only Type-Certified Drones Can Be Operated

Under the draft bill, only drones with a valid DGCA Type Certificate can be used for commercial or personal purposes.
The Type Certificate ensures that the drone meets mandatory safety, security, and quality standards.
Tampering with or modifying the drone’s safety features (like geofencing, return-to-home, or anti-collision systems) is strictly prohibited.

Why it matters:
  • Prevents unsafe drones from entering the skies.
  • Ensures accountability in case of accidents.
  • Enhances national security by tracking compliant drones.
🚫 Penalty for violation:
Operating a non-type-certified drone or tampering with safety features can result in:
  • Fine up to ₹1,00,000, OR
  • Imprisonment up to 1 year, OR both.

Example: Buying a low-cost imported drone without DGCA certification and using it for deliveries or photography would be illegal.

4️⃣ Mandatory Drone Registration (UIN Number)

Every drone in India must be registered with the DGCA and issued a Unique Identification Number (UIN) before it can be owned, sold, or flown.
Unregistered drones are considered illegal, and dealing in them (buying or selling) will attract penalties.

Why it matters:
  • Helps track the ownership and movement of drones.
  • Prevents anonymous or untraceable drone flights.
  • Reduces misuse for smuggling, spying, or illegal activities.
🚫 Penalty for violation:
  • Confiscation of the drone, AND
  • Fine up to ₹1,00,000.

Quick check: Just like vehicles need license plates, your drone must have a UIN displayed before it takes flight.

5️⃣ Drone Insurance is Compulsory

The draft bill makes it mandatory for every drone operator to have third-party liability insurance before flying a drone.
This insurance covers injuries or damages caused to people or property during drone operations.

Compensation guidelines:
  • ₹2.5 Lakh in case of death caused by a drone accident.
  • ₹1 Lakh for grievous injury.
All claims will be handled by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), similar to road accident cases.
Why it matters:
  • Protects drone operators from heavy financial liability.
  • Ensures victims receive proper compensation in case of accidents.
  • Promotes responsible drone operations.

Note: Before flying, check that your drone’s insurance policy is active and valid.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Be Ready for the Future of Drone Regulations

The Draft Civil Drone Bill 2025 represents a major step forward for India’s drone ecosystem.
By enforcing proper training, certification, registration, and insurance, the government aims to:

  • Enhance air safety and security.
  • Promote legal and ethical drone usage.
  • Build a thriving drone industry with global standards.

If you are a drone pilot or business, start preparing now by ensuring your drones and certifications comply with these upcoming regulations.

📌 About Agmay Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Agmay Technologies is a pioneering company in drone technology for agriculture in India, offering advanced solutions in crop spraying, precision farming, and agri-data analytics. With a mission to empower farmers through innovation, Agmay is driving sustainable and tech-enabled growth in the agricultural sector.