How to Get a DGCA Remote Pilot License (RPL) in India

Step-by-step DGCA Remote Pilot License guide: eligibility, training schools, exams, costs & timeline from application to certification.

Step-by-step DGCA Remote Pilot License guide: eligibility, training schools, exams, costs & timeline from application to certification.

The DGCA Remote Pilot License (RPL) is the mandatory certification for any individual operating drones commercially in India. Operating a drone commercially without a valid license is illegal and carries severe administrative and legal penalties under the Drone Rules, 2021. This guide outlines the complete, step-by-step roadmap to obtaining your certification in 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Remote Pilot License in India, you must meet the following statutory criteria:

Training Structure

All training must be completed at a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO). The standard training course is divided into ground school and practical flight sessions:

Ground School (25 Hours Minimum)

Aviation Meteorology: Understanding weather patterns, wind shear, cloud formations, and temperature variations affecting flight. Air Regulations: Detailed study of the Aircraft Act, Drone Rules 2021, and temporary flight restrictions. Airspace Classification: Grasping controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace, flight restrictions near airports, borders, and sensitive zones. Aerodynamics & Systems: Basic principles of flight, multirotor mechanics, payload options, and fail-safe setups. Emergency Mitigation: Handling signal loss, battery issues, geofencing breaches, and forced landings.

Practical Flight Training (10 Hours Minimum)

Pre-flight Inspections: Mission planning, site assessment, battery checks, and sensor calibration. Basic Flight Manoeuvres: Supervised hovering, transiting, figure-8 patterns, and altitude control. Emergency Drills: Practising manual overrides, return-to-home overrides, and handling motor failures. Night Operations: Flight coordination using navigation lights (where applicable under the training curriculum). Flight Log Book: Maintaining records of training flights signed by a certified flight instructor.

The Examination

The evaluation process is rigorous and comprises three distinct assessments:

Written Examination: A 100-question multiple-choice test covering aviation weather, regulations, navigation, and systems. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass. Practical Skills Test: A flight test supervised by a DGCA-designated examiner, evaluating the applicant's ability to safely execute takeoff, flight patterns, emergency procedures, and landing. Oral Examination (Viva Voce): A face-to-face session testing theoretical knowledge, air traffic guidelines, and critical decision-making under operational stress.

Costs & Timeline

Component Description Estimated Cost --- --- --- Medical Fitness Class 2 Medical Examination ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 RPTO Training Full Ground School + Flight Training ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 DGCA Exam Examination and Assessment Fees ₹5,000 License Issuance Application processing fee on eGCA ₹3,000 Total All-inclusive Certification Cost ₹61,000 – ₹1,33,000

Timeline: Typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from beginning training to receiving the digital license on the eGCA platform, depending on the RPTO's slot availability and DGCA application queues.

Maintaining Your License

Your Remote Pilot License is valid for 10 years. However, to maintain currency, pilots must: Log a minimum of 10 flight hours annually. Undergo a recurrent proficiency check every 24 months with an authorised trainer. Maintain a clean operational track record without any safety infractions.

Skyviews Studio Editorial Team. Safe Flying. Certified Operations. Professional Standards.

Contact Skyviews Studio: Phone +91 90190 56479 | Email skyviewsdronestudio@gmail.com | Location: Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560043, India.