Thinking about entering the drone industry? Good choice. Whether you want to offer aerial photography, agriculture surveys, or drone delivery — there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll break down How To Start Drone Business In India, legally and profitably. From certifications to startup costs, we’ve got everything covered.
Drone- the booming industry
India’s drone industry is on fire. Thanks to the Make in India drone policy, the government has been actively promoting drone manufacturing, training, and services. Whether for agriculture, real estate, mapping, or logistics — drones are adding value across sectors. Recent drone industry trends in India show a strong upward curve. The global demand is rising, and India is one of the fastest-growing drone markets.
Read also: Indian Military Drone Manufacturers
Drone Business Ideas Worth Exploring
Before diving into registration or investments, think about your niche. Here are some high-demand drone business ideas:
- Aerial photography for weddings or events
- Agriculture drones in India for crop monitoring and spraying
- Drone surveying for mining, construction, and real estate
- Logistics using drones for deliveries
- Drone pilot training schools
- Disaster management and rescue services
Drone Startup Cost in India
Let’s talk money. The drone startup cost in India depends on your business model. Here's a rough estimate:
|
Expense Item |
Estimated Cost |
|
Basic commercial drone |
1.5 – 6 lakhs |
|
Pilot certification course |
50,000 – 1.5 lakhs |
|
Business registration |
10,000 – 30,000 |
|
Insurance |
15,000 – 50,000 per year |
|
Marketing & branding |
20,000 – 1 lakh |
|
Licensing fees |
Varies |
The cost to start drone company in India is between 3 to 10 lakhs.
Steps to Register Drone Business in India
The installation of a drone company legally entails any steps. Here is a simplified roadmap:
Drone Company Registration Process
- Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN) and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Register your company at MCA Portal (Ministry of Corporate Affairs)
- Get GST registration, a business PAN, and a bank account
This covers the steps to register drone business in India legally.
Read also: The Most Exciting Drones Coming in 2025
Government Approval for Drone Business in India
Yes, you’ll need approvals.
1. Drone Type Approval
Your drone should be listed on DGCA (Directorate General for Civil Aviation) Approved drone list. It must follow all security and technical requirements.
2. Drone Service Provider License India
Once approved, you’ll become an authorized drone service provider in India.
3. Import License (if applicable)
If you're importing drones or parts, get clearance from DGFT (Director General of Foreign Trade). Getting government approval for drone business in India is a must. Without it, operations are illegal.
How to Get Drone Pilot License in India
You can't fly commercially without a license.
Step 1: Training
Ensure the course includes:
- Flight simulation training
- Theory classes (rules, weather, airspace, etc.)
- Practical flying lessons
Step 2: Complete the Course & Pass the Test
After training, pass the DGCA exam and get your Drone Pilot Certification.
Step 3: Apply for UIN (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit)
After getting license, you can get flying permissions. The drone pilot course fee in India is between 50,000 to 1.5 lakhs.
Read also: Drones For School Projects In India
Drone Insurance & Legal Safety
Operating a drone without insurance? Risky move. Several insurers now offer drone insurance policies in India. It covers:
- Damage to third parties
- Equipment loss or malfunction
- Accidental injury or property damage
Using Agriculture Drones in India
If you’re targeting rural or farming sectors, consider drones for agriculture. These can:
- Monitor crop health
- Spray pesticides
- Analyze soil conditions
- Provide real-time data to farmers
Government subsidies under Make in India drone policy are available for such applications. It's a hot segment and relatively underserved.
Setting Up the Business: Branding & Operations
After licenses and registration, focus on launching your service.
Name & Brand
Choose a name which catches attention of the people.
Online tactics:
Promote through:
- Google Ads
- Instagram Reels (aerial footage sells)
- Drone expos and local events
Client Outreach
Start by offering free trials to farmers, real estate agents, or event organizers. Word of mouth spreads fast.
Tech Tools & Software to Invest In
To run a successful drone business, you’ll need:
- Flight planning software
- GPS tracking tools
- Thermal and multispectral cameras (if offering advanced surveys)
- Photo/video editing tools for media-related services
Drones are not just hardware anymore. The software makes a big difference.
Current Drone Industry Trends in India
Stay updated. Trends to watch:
- Swarm drones for defense
- AI-powered crop analysis
- Drone taxis and deliveries
- Expansion in urban mapping and traffic monitoring
Invest in skills and hardware that are future-ready.
Partnering With Other Drone Service Providers in India
You don’t have to do it all alone. Consider partnerships with:
- Agriculture tech companies
- Surveying firms
- Local government bodies
- Media production houses
Collaborations can reduce costs and bring more business.
Challenges to Expect
Starting a drone company in India isn’t all smooth flying. You may face:
- Strict regulations and sudden policy changes
- Airspace restrictions in urban areas
- Weather-related cancellations
- High upfront investment
But if you plan well and stay compliant, there’s a massive upside.
Read also: Cost Of Agricultural Drone In India
Quick Checklist Before You Launch
- Choose your drone business idea
- Register your business legally
- Get government approvals and licenses
- Get drone pilot certification
Conclusion on How To Start Drone Business In India
From understanding legal criteria to the management of flight permits, it takes effort and clarity. But once you get started, prices can be so high. The best part? You will be at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and influence. especially if you choose agricultural drones in India or niches such as investigative services in India. So if you are thinking about how to start drone business in India, don't wait.
FAQs
Q1:Will I face any law incompliance? Or is it legal?
Yes, totally legal. But you need approvals from DGCA and must follow drone rules under the Digital Sky platform.
Q2: What's the minimum investment to start a drone company?
4-5 lakhs. High-end surveying or multiple drones will push that up.
Q3: Do I need a license even for small drones?
Yes, for commercial use. Even micro drones (under 2kg) need pilot certification if you're offering paid services.
Q4: Can I offer drone training to others?
Yes, but only after getting your own drone pilot license and DGCA approval as a training partner.
Q5: How long does it take to set up everything?
On average, 2–3 months. Company registration, license applications, pilot training — all take time.
Q6: What are some low-cost drone business ideas?
Start with real estate photography, wedding shoots, or simple crop mapping using budget drones.
