India DGCA Drone Regulations 2026: Rules for Flying Drones in India

India DGCA Drone Regulations 2026: Rules for Flying Drones in India

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates drones under the Drone Rules 2021 and subsequent amendments. India has made significant regulatory reforms to promote drone adoption, including a simplified approval framework and a dedicated digital platform for airspace management. This guide covers the key rules for recreational and commercial operators.

Drone Classification by Weight

India classifies drones into five categories:

• Nano: Under 250g — minimal regulatory requirements
• Micro: 250g to 2kg
• Small: 2kg to 25kg
• Medium: 25kg to 150kg
• Large: Over 150kg

Most consumer drones (DJI Mini series, Air series, Mavic series) fall into the Nano or Micro categories.

Digital Sky Platform

All drone operations in India above the Nano category are managed through the Digital Sky platform. Through Digital Sky, operators can:

• Register their drone (UIN — Unique Identification Number)
• Obtain airspace authorization
• Apply for a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL)
• File flight plans

Green, Yellow, and Red Zones

India uses a color-coded airspace map:

• Green Zone: Automatic permission for flights up to 400 feet AGL. No prior approval needed for most categories.
• Yellow Zone: Controlled airspace requiring advance permission through Digital Sky. Permission typically granted within 24 hours for routine operations.
• Red Zone: No drone flights permitted without specific central government approval. Covers sensitive areas including international borders, military installations, and strategic locations.

Registration and Licensing

Drone Registration (UIN): Required for all drones except Nano category (under 250g) used in green zones. Done through Digital Sky. Annual renewal required.

Remote Pilot Licence (RPL): Required for commercial operations and for flying Micro and above categories. Requires:

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Completion of ground training from a DGCA-authorized training organization
• Practical training and skill test
• Medical fitness certificate

India's Drone Promotion Policy

India has actively promoted domestic drone manufacturing through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components. The government has liberalized import restrictions and established a supportive framework for drone startups. Key policy developments:

• Drone Shakti initiative: promoting drone use across agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure inspection, and defense
• Kisan Drone scheme: subsidizing agricultural spray drones for farmers
• BVLOS policy framework: enabling beyond visual line of sight operations for delivery and inspection

For analysis of India's drone policy and market, Drone Industry Insights and the DGCA official portal are authoritative sources.

Key Operational Rules

• Maximum altitude in green zones: 120m AGL
• Always within visual line of sight (VLOS) unless BVLOS approval obtained
• No flight over people without specific approval
• No night flight without DGCA authorization
• Drone must display UIN number
• Third-party insurance required for all operations outside green zones

For current rules and Digital Sky registration, see the Digital Sky platform.

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