Flying drones in India is no longer just a hobby or a trend it’s a growing industry spanning agriculture, filmmaking, construction, surveillance, and more. But with more drones taking to the skies, the government has tightened regulations to ensure safety, accountability, and organized airspace management.
In 2025, the Drone Rules in India have received a significant update. These changes affect how you register your drone, where you can fly, what permissions you need, and what penalties apply if you break the rules.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a commercial drone operator, or someone managing drone purchases for your company, understanding these laws is non-negotiable.
At Jetayu Gadgets, we help customers not only buy the right drone from top brands like DJI, Autel, IdeaForge, Parrot, Skydio, and Enzo, but also understand what’s legal and what’s not.
This guide simplifies the latest policy changes, registration norms, and airspace rules, so you can fly smarter and safer.
What’s New in India’s Drone Laws in 2025?
India’s drone policy in 2025 continues to evolve with new updates focused on airspace safety, pilot accountability, import regulations, and registration norms. These updates are especially relevant for anyone flying drones recreationally or commercially—whether you’re capturing cinematic content, managing agricultural fields, or surveying construction sites.
Here are the key changes you should know:
1. Mandatory Digital Sky Registration for Most Drone Categories
As of 2025, Digital Sky registration is mandatory for all drones above 250 grams. While hobby-grade drones like the DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro are still allowed in the micro category without UIN (Unique Identification Number), you still need to register as a pilot to stay compliant.
Tip: Don’t know which category your drone fits into? Read: Why Your Drone’s Weight Decides What Rules You Follow
2. Color-Coded Airspace Map Enforcement
The new map divides airspace into:
- Green zones – No prior approval needed
- Yellow zones – Requires permission before each flight
- Red zones – No-fly areas
The map is live-updated on the Digital Sky Platform. Flying without checking this can lead to fines or drone confiscation.
If you’re a new user planning your first trip, check out Touch the Sky. Capture Your India from the Himalayas to the Sea with Your Drone for inspiration and compliance tips.
3. Import Regulations Now Include End-User Declaration
Planning to bring a drone from abroad? As per the latest rules:
- You must submit an End-User Certificate.
- Models like DJI, Autel, and Skydio still require BIS certification if imported directly.
More clarity here: Can You Import a Drone from China to India? Here’s the Truth
Also, if you’re wondering about travel: Can You Carry a Drone with You on an International Flight to India?
4. Commercial Operators Must Hold a Remote Pilot Certificate
Whether you’re flying for filmmaking, agriculture, or site inspections, a valid Remote Pilot Certificate is mandatory.
Get the full process here: How to Get a Commercial Drone License in India in 2025
Jetayu Gadgets often works with commercial buyers. If you’re one of them, don’t miss:
Thinking of Buying a Commercial Drone? Here’s What You Need to Know First
How Cameras in Drones Are Transforming Construction, Farming, and Filmmaking in 2025
5. Refurbished & Grey Market Drones Under Scrutiny
A new crackdown is underway on non-registered refurbished drones and imports without GST and BIS tags. If you’ve recently purchased a drone, make sure to verify its legality.
Read this guide to avoid risks: Bought a Drone Recently? Here’s How to Verify If It’s Not Refurbished
Or explore: New to Drones? Here’s Why Refurbished Is the Smartest Way to Start
Do You Need a License to Fly in 2025? Breaking Down the Rules by Drone Category and Use Case
Not every drone in India needs a pilot license, but the law draws a clear line based on weight category and purpose of use. Whether you’re flying for fun, content creation, or commercial missions, here’s what you need to know.
Drone Categories Defined by Weight
| Drone Category | Weight Range | License Needed? | Registration Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nano | Up to 250g | No | No (for non-commercial use) |
| Micro | 250g – 2kg | Yes (for commercial) | Yes |
| Small | 2kg – 25kg | Yes | Yes |
| Medium | 25kg – 150kg | Yes | Yes |
| Large | Above 150kg | Yes | Yes |
For a full breakdown: Can I Fly My Drone Freely or Do I Need a License? Understand the Rules
Use Case Matters: Hobby vs. Commercial
- Hobby Flyers: If you’re flying a nano or micro drone like the DJI Mini series within green zones, no license is required. Explore this: Buying a Drone for the First Time? The DJI Mini 4 Pro Makes It Easy to Fall in Love with Flying
- Content Creators & Influencers: Whether you’re filming solo adventures or aerial reels for YouTube, a Remote Pilot Certificate may be needed if the flight is monetized or done in public airspace. Get inspired:
Is Buying a Drone Enough to Start My Journey as a Content Creator? - Agriculture, Construction, and Surveillance: Any use in business, mapping, or data collection must be covered under commercial license rules, regardless of drone weight. Popular reads:
Can Drones Solve India’s Labour Crisis in Agriculture?
Where to Apply for a Drone Pilot License
To fly drones weighing above 250g commercially, you must:
- Complete training from a DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation.
- Pass a theory and practical exam.
- Apply for the Remote Pilot Certificate on the Digital Sky platform.
Need help choosing a training program? Planning a Career in Drones? Here’s How to Pick the Best Drone Training Institute
Common No-Fly Zones & What Happens If You Break the Rules in 2025
Drone pilots in India must follow strict airspace protocols, especially with the 2025 update reinforcing digital tracking and automatic violation detection. Knowing where not to fly is just as important as knowing where you can.
Restricted Airspace in India: What You Must Avoid
The Digital Sky Platform marks zones with real-time updates using color codes:
| Zone Type | Color | Permission Required? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | Green | No (for micro drones & hobbyists) | Parks, farmlands (away from airports) |
| Yellow | Yellow | Yes (from Air Traffic Control) | Near airports, military bases, government zones |
| Red | Red | Prohibited | Sensitive zones like Parliament, border areas |
Pro Tip: Always log your flight plan on the Digital Sky app. Even if you’re flying something lightweight like the DJI Mini 3, unauthorized flights near airports can trigger penalties.
What Happens If You Fly in a No-Fly Zone?
Violating airspace rules is a serious offense under the Drone Rules, 2021 and its 2025 update. Here’s what you risk:
- First-time penalty: Up to ₹50,000
- Repeated violations: Drone seizure, legal action
- Flying without a license: Additional penalties depending on weight and use case
- Flying unregistered drones: Fines plus import or GST violations
For hobbyists, especially new buyers, this can be overwhelming. That’s why we recommend reading:
Worried About Crashing Your First Drone? Here’s Why DJI’s Safety Features Have Your Back
Special Note: Commercial Operators Beware
If you’re flying drones for:
- Event surveillance
- Construction site monitoring
- Police or disaster management
- Agricultural spraying
You must apply for temporary permissions even in yellow zones. Don’t risk penalties or contract losses.
Jetayu Gadgets: Your Compliance-Ready Drone Buying Partner
At Jetayu Gadgets, we don’t just sell drones we guide our customers through every legal, technical, and operational detail. In a landscape where regulations are changing fast, having the right partner ensures you don’t waste money on the wrong drone or get caught in a compliance trap.
Here’s how we help:
1. Drones That Match India’s 2025 Legal Requirements
We offer a wide range of BIS-approved, DGCA-compliant drones from leading brands:
- DJI: Known for their camera drones like Mini, Air, and Mavic series
- Autel: Popular among surveyors and security professionals
- IdeaForge: Trusted by Indian defense and government agencies
- Enzo & Parrot: Smart picks for education, research, and agriculture
- Skydio: Strong in autonomous flight and industrial use
Shopping tip: Buying a Camera UAV in 2025? Read This Before You Regret Your Purchase
2. Guidance on Airspace Categories, Weights & Usage
Our team ensures that:
- You understand your drone’s weight category and what rules apply
- You know how to register your drone using Digital Sky
- You get help choosing the right model for hobby, commercial, or mixed use
Want to know if your drone requires a license or certificate?
Check this guide: Can I Fly My Drone Freely or Do I Need a License?
3. Help with Documentation & Imports
Buying a drone from outside India or bringing one during travel? Jetayu Gadgets helps you with:
- Import clearance
- End-User Certificates
- Customs support
We also verify that every drone sold is new, original, and registered, not grey-market or refurbished unless specifically marked as certified refurbished.
For more:
Bought a Drone Recently? Here’s How to Verify If It’s Not Refurbished
4. One-Stop Support for Creators, Surveyors & Institutions
From YouTubers to farmers to drone service companies, we support every stage:
- Drone financing and rental options
- Upgrades and buybacks
- Repair and replacement services
Must-read if you’re planning your next upgrade:
Upgrade Time? Sell Your Old Drone with Just a Few Clicks
Or, if you’re considering renting instead of buying:
Why More Creators and Surveyors Are Renting Drones Instead of Buying
Buying Guide: Best Drones That Follow India’s 2025 Rules
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an enterprise user, choosing a drone that complies with India’s 2025 regulations is key. At Jetayu Gadgets, we curate models that fit within legal weight categories, support digital registration, and offer the right mix of features and flight safety.
Here’s a breakdown of top models for different use cases all available at Jetayu Gadgets.
1. For First-Time Hobbyists & Travel Creators
| Model | Weight | Key Features | Why It’s Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | < 249g | 4K HDR video, obstacle sensing, long battery | Nano category: No license needed |
| DJI Mini 3 | < 249g | Vertical shooting, compact, budget-friendly | Great for beginners in green zones |
Need extra batteries and propellers? Learn about the DJI Fly More Combo
2. For Content Creators & Influencers
| Model | Weight | Features | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Air 3 | ~720g | Dual camera system, smart tracking | Cinematic reels, landscape photography |
| Autel Evo Lite+ | ~835g | Adjustable aperture, low-light capability | Great for YouTube and travel vlogging |
For solo creators: Vlogging Your Solo Adventure? Here’s What Only a Drone Can Film
3. For Agriculture & Farm Use
| Model | Type | Features | Compliant Because |
|---|---|---|---|
| IdeaForge Ninja UAV | Micro/Small | Survey-grade sensors, rugged build | Used in precision farming & land mapping |
| Enzo Agri Drone | Small | Spraying tank, GPS automation | DGCA-ready and BIS-compliant |
Explore: How Agriculture Drones Are Transforming Indian Farms
Plus: How Agri-Tech Companies Are Transforming Indian Farming with Drone Technology
4. For Construction, Surveillance & Industrial Use
| Model | Use Case | Top Features | Why It’s Trusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise | Survey & Inspection | RTK, thermal, high-end zoom | Government-approved drone for mapping |
| Skydio X2 | Security & Patrol | Autonomous flight, FLIR thermal camera | Built for enterprise-grade surveillance |
Related topics:
Why Builders Now Trust Drones More Than Ground Teams for Site Surveys
5. For Emergency Response & Public Sector Use
| Model | Use Case | Special Feature | Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| IdeaForge Q Series | Disaster Response | All-weather flight, long endurance | Used by government agencies |
| DJI Matrice 30T | Fire, Police, Rescue | Thermal + Visual sensor, IP55-rated | Heavy-duty & DGCA approved |
Must-read:
Drones Could Be Heroes in the Northeast’s Flood and Landslide Crisis
FAQs: Drone Laws in India 2025
1. Do I need a license to fly a drone under 250 grams?
No. If your drone weighs under 250g (like the DJI Mini series) and you’re flying in green zones for non-commercial use, you don’t need a license. However, commercial use may still require a Remote Pilot Certificate.
2. Can I buy a drone from outside India and fly it legally here?
Yes, but you’ll need to:
- Get a BIS certificate if it’s not already approved
- Submit an End-User Certificate during customs
- Ensure it can be registered on Digital Sky
3. What happens if I fly in a red zone by mistake?
Flying in restricted airspace without permission can lead to:
- Fines up to ₹50,000
- Drone seizure
- Legal action, especially near airports or military zones
To avoid this, always check the Digital Sky Map before flying.
4. Are refurbished drones legal to fly in India?
Only if they are:
- Certified by the brand or an authorized service center
- Registered on Digital Sky
- BIS-certified (if imported)
5. Where can I get support in choosing the right drone for my use?
At Jetayu Gadgets, we guide customers through:
- Legal drone selection (by weight, category, and use case)
- Digital Sky registration help
- BIS and import queries
- Choosing drones for agriculture, filmmaking, mapping, and more
