Introduction
The drone industry in India is growing rapidly and so is the demand for skilled and certified drone pilots. With the introduction of DGCA Drone Rules and the Digital Sky platform, the process of becoming a certified pilot has become structured and accessible. Whether you want to join the industry for aerial mapping, filmmaking, inspection, agriculture, or defence projects, understanding the pathway to becoming a certified pilot is the first step.
Step 1: Understand the Eligibility
To apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate, the applicant must meet the following basic requirements
Must be 18 years or older
Must have completed class 10 or equivalent education
Must have basic physical and mental fitness suitable for aviation tasks
Step 2: Choose a DGCA Approved RPTO
Only DGCA approved Remote Pilot Training Organisations are authorised to conduct training and certify pilots. Training through non approved institutes does not qualify for licence issuance.
When choosing an RPTO, look for:
DGCA approval
Experienced instructors
Practical flying exposure
Training infrastructure including simulators and controlled airspace
Step 3: Complete the Training
Most RPTO courses span 5 to 7 days and include both theory and practical sessions. The curriculum typically covers:
Airspace rules and regulations
Flight safety and emergency procedures
Weather and aerodynamics
Drone structure and maintenance
Flight simulation
Live flight assessment
Step 4: Assessment and Certification
At the end of training, candidates undergo:
Written test
Simulator assessment
Live flying evaluation
Once passed, the candidate receives a course completion certificate approved by DGCA.
Step 5: Apply for Remote Pilot Certificate on Digital Sky
The RPTO uploads the training completion details to DGCA’s Digital Sky platform. The candidate then receives their Remote Pilot Certificate digitally.
Step 6: Stay Compliant and Updated
Drone rules and technology evolve constantly. Certified pilots are expected to stay updated with:
No fly zones
Flight permissions using NPNT
Equipment classification and upgrades
Data protection responsibilities
Conclusion
Becoming a certified drone pilot in India is now a recognised and structured career pathway. For individuals and organisations, certification ensures compliance, credibility, and access to high value operational opportunities across government and private sectors.
