This article deals with the Law on Drones and Unmanned Aircrafts or Aerial Systems in India.
What is a Drone or UAS in India?
UAS is an Unmanned aircraft system It could be any aircraft that can operate
- autonomously
- or can be operated remotely without a pilot
The following are the types of UAS which are categorized as per Indian Law.
| Category | Sub-Categories |
|---|---|
| Aeroplane | • Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) • Model RPAS • Autonomous UAS |
| Rotorcraft | • Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) • Model RPAS • Autonomous UAS |
| Hybrid UAS | • Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) • Model RPAS • Autonomous UAS |
| Category | Weight Range | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Nano | Less than or equal to 250 grams | Toy drones, indoor use, hobby flying |
| Micro | 250 grams – 2 kg | Recreational use, photography, basic surveillance |
| Small | 2 kg – 25 kg | Professional photography, agriculture, surveying |
| Medium | 25 kg – 150 kg | Industrial inspection, logistics, heavy payloads |
| Large | Greater than 150 kg | Cargo transport, defense, large-scale operations |
In which parts of India is it prohibited to fly a drone or UAS?
The list of restricted zones for a UAS or drones in India keeps changing. The official website of the DGCA Digital Sky gives an updated maps of the areas which are restricted for the flying of a drone in that airspace. https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in/airspace-map/#/app
Where can I Lookup the details of a drone registered in India?
https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in/issued_uins
Where can I Lookup the details of a registered drone or UAS Pilot in India?
https://digitalsky.dgca.gov.in/remote_pilots
Do I need permission to fly a Nano drone in India?
Yes. Even a Nano drone needs to be registered with the DGCA and you have to obtain a UIN for it. However, you do not need a pilot license for a Nano or Micro Drone (used for non-commercial purposes).
- Exemption from obtaining licence
No remote pilot licence shall be required for:
(a) operating a nano unmanned aircraft system; and
(b) operating a micro unmanned aircraft system for non-commercial purposes.
Do I need to register a flight plan for every flight of my drone?
Can I fly my drone without permission on my own land or at the top of my own building?
If your building or place of flight is in a green zone, you do not require to take permission. You should check the Digital Sky portal prior to flight. Even a nano or micro drone / UAS cannot fly in a red zone or yellow zone.
- Requirement of prior permission.
(1) No person shall operate an unmanned aircraft system in a red zone or yellow zone without prior permission.
(2) No prior permission shall be required for operating an unmanned aircraft system in a green zone,
subject to the provisions of rule 21.
- Mandatory pre-flight verification of zonal restrictions
Before commencing an unmanned aircraft system operation, a remote pilot shall mandatorily verify the digital sky platform for any notification or restriction applicable to unmanned aircraft system operations in the intended area of operation.
Does every drone in India need to be registered or have a UIN?
As per Rule 13 (2) of Drone Rules, 2021, type certificate is not required for operating a model remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) or Nano UAS.
Which laws are applicable to flying drones in India?
Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021 under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 (formerly the Aircraft Act)
Do I need to take insurance for my drone / UAS?
Yes. Just like a Motor Vehicle / Car, your drone also requires specialized Third Party Insurance before it is flown. You can see more at: https://www.policybazaar.com/commercial-insurance/drone-insurance/