With the adoption of the Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, India has made a big step in shaping the future of drone technology. This is the first full-fledged law that officially calls drones “Unmanned Aircraft Systems” (UAS) and focuses on both encouraging innovation and making sure they are safely regulated.
This new law supersedes the old Drone Rules (2021, 2022, and 2023) and gives the law more power. It applies to any drones that weigh less than 500 kg, except for military drones. Let’s go over the most crucial parts of this bill in simple terms.
1. Purpose of the Bill
- Makes the first strong law in India to control and promote drones.
- Applies to hobbyists, professionals, corporations, and drones that transport packages.
- It covers all UAS that weigh less than 500 kg.
2. Who Regulates Drones?
- DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is in charge of safety, licensing, and certifications.
- The Airports Authority of India will set up and run the Drone Traffic Management Systems (UTM).
3. Drone Registration (UIN)
- A Unique Identification Number (UIN) is required for every drone.
- It is against the law to sell, buy, or give away something without a UIN.
- There are rules on how ownership changes hands.
4. Manufacturing & Safety Rules
- You can only sell drones that have Type Certification from the DGCA.
- Geo-fencing and remote ID are two safety and security measures that are necessary.
- It is against the law to mess with safety features.
5. Insurance & Compensation
- You have to get third-party insurance.
- Pay for accidents:
- ₹2.5 lakh for a death.
- ₹1 lakh for a bad injury.
- Motor Accident Tribunals take care of claims.
6. Pilot Licensing & Training
- You need a Remote Pilot Certificate to fly.
- Only institutes that have been approved by the DGCA can train.
7. Airspace Rules (Red, Yellow, Green Zones)
- In the green zone, you can fly without any special rules.
- Yellow Zone: You need authorization from ATC.
- Red Zone: Only allowed with permission from the Central Government.
- An online airspace map with a 10m resolution will be made available.
- If you break the law, you could go to jail for three years or pay a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both.
8. Prohibited Uses
- Without approval, drones can’t carry weapons, explosives, or other risky products.
- You can’t utilize drones to commit crimes or as weapons.
- If you misuse it, you could go to jail for up to three years or pay a fine.
9. Penalties & Fines
- Fines of up to ₹1 lakh.
- Flying without a license or registration might land you in jail for up to a year.
- If you break the rules too many times, your drones may be taken away.
10. Government Powers
- The government can take away or suspend licenses, ban drones in some regions, or take drones away in an emergency.
- The government can take control drones if there is a security threat.
11. Legal & Enforcement
- Flying in areas where it is not allowed is a crime that authorities can arrest you for.
- Minor breaches are not cognizable and can be addressed with a fine.
12. Miscellaneous Highlights
- Supports research and development and testing of prototypes.
- After someone is found guilty, a court might order the loss of their drones.
- The old drone rules (2021–2023) are no longer in effect.
Conclusion
The Civil Drone Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025 is a big deal for India’s drone sector. It strikes a balance between safety, accountability, and innovation, making sure that hobbyists, corporations, and professionals may fly safely while also keeping the public safe and national security.
From 2025 on, you will have to follow these restrictions if you possess or want to buy a drone in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions – About Drones Rules 2025
1. Do I need to register my drone in India in 2025?
Yes, every drone must have a Unique Identification Number (UIN) under the new law.
2. Do I need a license to fly a drone in India?
Yes, you need a Remote Pilot Certificate from DGCA (except for very small toy-like drones if exempted).
3. Can I fly a drone anywhere in India?
No. You can only fly freely in Green Zones. For Yellow Zones, ATC permission is needed, and Red Zones are prohibited without Central Govt. approval.
4. Is drone insurance mandatory in India?
Yes, third-party insurance is compulsory before operating any drone.
5. What are the penalties for illegal drone flying in India?
Flying without registration, license, or in restricted zones can lead to fines up to ₹1 lakh and even jail up to 3 years.
6. Can I use my drone for delivery or commercial purposes?
Yes, but only with proper DGCA certification, UIN registration, and pilot license.
