The Govt of India has facilitated the establishment of 164 Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs) across the country to meet the growing demand for drone pilots. Among these, 24 are government-operated. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversees the authorisation of RPTOs under the Drone Rules, 2021, ensuring compliance for remote pilot training and certification.
The government has designated green zones where no special permission is required, while operations in yellow and red zones require clearances from air traffic control and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, respectively. DGCA has also certified 101 different unmanned aircraft models, 70 of which are dedicated to agricultural applications, reflecting a strong push for drones in precision farming and rural development.
