DGCA drone pilot licence cost in India
A DGCA remote pilot certificate for the small category costs roughly ₹35,000 to ₹65,000 at an approved RPTO and takes 5 to 7 days. That single course is what legally allows you to fly a 10–20 litre agricultural sprayer for money. There is no online-only shortcut: the flying and assessment must happen at a DGCA-authorised training organisation.
| Item | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small category RPC (2–25 kg) | ₹35,000 – ₹65,000 | The certificate almost every agri-spray pilot needs |
| Medium category RPC (25–150 kg) | ₹55,000 – ₹90,000 | Required for heavy sprayers above 25 kg all-up weight |
| Course duration | 5 – 7 days | Theory, simulator and supervised flying at an approved RPTO |
| Minimum age | 18 years | Upper limit 65 years |
| Education | Class 10 pass | Plus a valid government photo ID and Aadhaar |
| Medical | Basic fitness certificate | From a registered medical practitioner, not a DGCA class-1 exam |
| Validity | 10 years | Renewable; keep flying hours logged |
What the fee does and does not include
The course fee normally covers theory, simulator time, supervised flying, the assessment and the certificate issued through the DigitalSky portal. It does not cover travel and accommodation for the week, the drone itself, the UIN registration for the aircraft you eventually buy, third-party insurance, or the agricultural spraying-specific training that a good dealer will insist on before handing over a loaded tank.
Who is paying zero
Several routes cover the fee entirely. Namo Drone Didi covers training for women SHG members along with the drone package. Several state agriculture departments and Krishi Vigyan Kendras run sponsored batches, and some manufacturers bundle pilot training into a fleet purchase. If you are buying a machine anyway, negotiate training into the deal before you sign — it is the cheapest concession a dealer can give. See the current schemes.
The certificate is only half of compliance
A certified pilot flying an unregistered aircraft is still illegal. You need a UIN for the drone, the right airspace zone for the field, insurance, and in most agricultural cases a pesticide-handling protocol that matches the label. The full picture is in the DGCA rules for agriculture guide.
Next
Fees vary by RPTO and change without notice. Confirm the current fee and batch dates directly with the training organisation before booking travel.