Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023

October 6, 2023

The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has introduced the Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023, which will come into effect from September 27, 2023. These amendments aim to liberalize, promote, and streamline drone operations across the country, with a vision to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030.

Identification Simplified

The most significant change in the new rules is the removal of the requirement for drone pilots to possess a passport for obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Instead, individuals can now use government-issued proof of identity and proof of address, such as Voter ID, Ration Card, or Driving License, to apply for the certificate.
This change is particularly beneficial for aspiring drone pilots in rural areas, especially those in the agricultural sector, who may not have passports.

Remote Pilot Certificate Requirement

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), only individuals holding a valid Remote Pilot Certificate registered on the digital sky platform are authorized to operate unmanned aircraft systems in India.
However, for non-commercial drone use, no Remote Pilot Certificate is required for drones weighing up to 2kg.

Eligibility Criteria

To obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, an individual must be between eighteen and sixty-five years old.
They should have passed the tenth-grade examination or its equivalent from a recognized board.
Successful completion of training from an authorized remote pilot training organization is also a prerequisite.

Certificate Application Process

After completing the required training and passing the necessary tests, the authorized remote pilot training organization must apply for the Remote Pilot Certificate within seven days.
This application should be submitted through the digital sky platform, along with the specified fee and the individual’s details who has successfully completed the training.
The DGCA will then issue the Remote Pilot Certificate to the individual within fifteen days via the digital sky platform.

Certificate Validity

A Remote Pilot Certificate remains valid for ten years if it is registered on the digital sky platform and has not been suspended or canceled by the DGCA.
This new framework aims to standardize and simplify the process for drone operators while ensuring safety and compliance.

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