Drone Regulations in India – What You Need to Know

Got a drone and want to fly it over Mumbai or any other Indian city? The rules might look confusing, but they’re actually pretty clear once you break them down. This guide will show you who needs a licence, the latest DGCA requirements, and the do‑and‑don’ts for safe, legal flying.

Who Must Get a Drone Licence?

If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) says you need a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL). That includes most popular consumer models, especially the DJI series that many photographers love. Even if you’re just a hobbyist, you’ll have to register the drone on the Digital Sky portal and pass a short online test.

For drones under 250 grams, you’re generally exempt from the licence, but you still have to follow basic flight rules: keep the drone below 120 feet, stay 5 km away from airports, and never fly over crowds or private property without permission.

Key DGCA Rules for 2025

Here are the must‑remember points that the DGCA rolled out this year:

• Registration: Every drone, regardless of size, must be registered on the Digital Sky app. You’ll receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN) that you need to display on the aircraft.
• No‑Fly Zones: You cannot fly within 5 km of airports, 3 km of helipads, or over government, military, or heritage sites. The app shows live no‑fly zones, so check before you launch.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Keep the drone in sight at all times. If you need to go beyond VLOS, you must get a special permit and use a certified controller.
• Night Flights: Only allowed with an approved night‑operation permission and proper lighting on the drone.
• Insurance: Commercial operators must have third‑party liability insurance. Hobbyists are encouraged to get it, too.

Missing any of these steps can lead to fines or even seizure of the drone, so keep your paperwork tidy.

For travelers, the rules get a bit trickier. If you’re bringing a DJI drone into India, you’ll need to declare it at customs, paste the UIN on the frame, and ensure the drone’s firmware is up‑to‑date with the latest DGCA guidelines. The import duty is usually 10 % of the drone’s value, but you won’t face extra bans if you follow the registration process.

One common mistake is assuming that a “fly‑free” app means you can ignore local laws. The Digital Sky portal is the official source, and it will warn you if you’re about to enter restricted airspace. Always respect those alerts – they exist to protect both people on the ground and your equipment.

Want to keep your drone flying hassle‑free? Here’s a quick checklist before every flight:

1. Check the Digital Sky app for updated no‑fly zones.
2. Verify that your UIN is properly displayed on the drone.
3. Make sure the battery is fully charged and the firmware is current.
4. Confirm that you have the required licence or exemption.
5. Do a visual inspection for any damage or loose parts.

Following this routine takes less than a minute but saves you from headaches later.

Bottom line: India’s drone regulations aim to keep the skies safe while still letting enthusiasts capture stunning aerial shots. Register, get the right licence, respect no‑fly zones, and you’ll enjoy guilt‑free flights over the cityscape, the sea, or any wedding venue you’re shooting.

Ready to take off? Open the Digital Sky app, enter your UIN, and start exploring the sky – legally.