- The Global Newz

2 hours ago

Drones are no longer just fancy gadgets for aerial photography or hobby flying. In India, drones have become powerful tools across multiple industries — from agriculture and infrastructure to logistics and cinematography. With the Indian government easing drone rules, this is the perfect time to start a drone business in India.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to start a drone business in India, the legal requirements, potential business models, costs involved, and tips to grow your venture successfully.

Why Start a Drone Business in India?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand the “why” behind starting a drone business in India:

Huge Market Potential: The Indian drone market is projected to reach ₹500 crore+ by 2030.
Government Support: Initiatives like Drone Shakti and PLI schemes are actively promoting drone usage.
Diverse Applications: Agriculture, real estate, defense, surveillance, weddings, and more.
Low Competition: Still a relatively new and growing space with room for niche players.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Start Drone Business In India

1. Choose Your Drone Business Niche

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” drone business. Select a niche based on your interest, budget, and local demand. Popular drone business ideas in India include:

Aerial Photography/Videography (Weddings, Events, Films)
Drone Surveys (Land, Mining, Construction)
Agricultural Drones (Crop Monitoring, Spraying)
Drone Delivery Services
Drone Mapping and Inspection (Powerlines, Telecom, Solar Panels)
Drone Training Institutes
Drone Repair and Maintenance

2. Register Your Business Legally

To operate legally and attract clients, you’ll need a registered business entity:

Register as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Sole Proprietorship
Apply for a GST Number
Open a business bank account
Get your Udyam (MSME) Registration for subsidies and schemes

3. Understand Drone Rules & Regulations (2025 Update)

Here are the key regulations for drone businesses in India (based on DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation):

Drone Classification

Drones are categorized based on weight:

Most commercial drone operations fall under the Micro or Small category.

Key Requirements

Drone Ownership Registration on Digital Sky Platform
Remote Pilot License (RPL) for drones >2kg
Drone Equipment Type Certification
No-Fly Zones: Avoid airports, military zones, international borders
Green/Yellow/Red Zones as per flight location

4. Get Trained & Licensed

If you plan to fly commercial drones yourself (2kg+), get a Remote Pilot Certificate from a DGCA-authorized training institute.

Top DGCA-certified drone training schools in India:

Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Chandigarh
Drone Destination
Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy
IIT Roorkee’s Drone Centre

Cost of drone training: ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 (depending on the program)

5. Purchase the Right Drones & Equipment

Choose drones that fit your business type. Some popular options:

Budget Estimate:

Entry-level: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Professional: ₹3 lakh – ₹20 lakh+

Also budget for:

Batteries & Chargers
Laptop with Mapping Software
Memory Cards, Cases
Drone Insurance

6. Build a Portfolio and Online Presence

Your brand and credibility matter — especially in a niche market.

Create a Business Website

Include:

Portfolio (photos/videos)
Services offered
Testimonials
Contact details
Drone certifications

Social Media Marketing

Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube work best for drone content. Showcase aerial videos, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes, and case studies.

Register on Marketplaces

UrbanClap (Urban Company) – for drone photography services
JustDial, IndiaMart, and Google Business Profile

7. Start Small and Build Your Network

Take up local gigs — wedding shoots, property surveys, agriculture spraying — and build relationships with:

Event Planners
Farmers
Construction Companies
Real Estate Agents
Government Departments

Offer free demos if needed. Word-of-mouth travels fast in this space.

8. Understand Drone Insurance & Safety Protocols

Drone accidents can happen. Always ensure:

Third-party liability insurance
Maintenance logbooks
Battery management and flight safety checks
Weather tracking before flights
Geo-fencing features enabled

Real-World Drone Business Opportunities in India (2025 Trends)

Agri-Tech: Drone spraying and crop monitoring via NDVI analysis
Solar Plant Inspections: Thermal imaging drones for fault detection
Disaster Management: Real-time monitoring during floods, fires
E-commerce Delivery Trials: Drones for last-mile delivery in remote areas
Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS): Subscription-based drone services for clients

Tips To Grow Your Drone Business

Stay Updated with DGCA policy changes
Invest in Skills: GIS mapping, photogrammetry, thermal imaging
Partner with Gov & Private Projects
Offer Training Services (once experienced)
Attend Drone Events & Expos: Like Drone Festival of India
Keep innovating: Add AI/ML features or SaaS platforms

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Flying without license or registration
Ignoring zone restrictions or weather
Poor quality footage or deliverables
Not insuring drones or equipment
Underpricing services just to get work

Final Thoughts: Is Starting a Drone Business in India Worth It?

Absolutely, yes — but only if done right. With the right niche, legal compliance, technical knowledge, and marketing strategy, the drone industry in India offers huge growth potential in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re passionate about technology, want to work in agriculture, or love photography, there’s a drone business model waiting for you.