Drone Rules 2025: The Basics You Must Follow

Thinking about flying a drone in India this year? The rules have changed a bit, but the core ideas stay the same. You need a DGCA permit, you must stay out of no‑fly zones, and you have to keep your drone under 2 kg for most hobby flights. Below we break down the must‑know points so you can fly safely and legally.

Getting the DGCA Permission

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) now runs an online portal called UAV‑Portal. Sign up, upload your ID, and pay the fee – usually around ₹2,000 for a hobby license. The permit is valid for one year and covers flights up to 400 ft altitude. If you plan to use the drone for commercial work, you’ll need a separate commercial permit and extra insurance.

Where You Can (and Can’t) Fly

India’s no‑fly zones include airports, military bases, and certain state capitals. The DGCA app shows a live map; turn it on before you launch. If you’re near a city, stay at least 5 km away from any airport runway. Parks and open fields are usually fine, but always double‑check local council rules – some municipalities ban drones altogether.

For drone shows, the rules are stricter. You must file a special event request at least 30 days in advance, include a safety plan, and have a qualified pilot on site. The show can’t exceed 25 minutes of continuous flight and must stay below 500 ft.

Flying a DJI drone? The same DGCA rules apply, but import rules are tighter. You need an import clearance from customs, and the drone’s serial number must match the one you register on the portal. If your DJI model was on the banned list before 2024, you’ll need a retro‑fit certificate to prove it meets the new safety standards.

Traveling with a drone? Pack it in a hard case, keep the battery at 30‑70% charge, and declare it at customs. Indian customs may ask for the purchase invoice and your DGCA registration number. If everything matches, you’ll be cleared without a hitch.

Remember to always keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS). Flying beyond that requires a special VLOS‑plus exception and a trained observer. Also, never fly over crowds – the penalty can be a hefty fine and a possible ban.

Finally, keep your drone’s firmware up to date. The DGCA mandates that all drones have a ‘geo‑fencing’ chip installed. An update will usually add the latest no‑fly zones automatically.

Following these steps will keep you on the right side of the law and let you capture amazing footage without worrying about fines. Got more questions? The DGCA portal has a FAQ section, and local drone clubs are a great place to share tips and stay updated on any rule changes throughout 2025.