Drone Pilot License Cost in India (2026): Fees, Duration and What's Included
Here’s the part that surprises most people: the drone license itself costs ₹100. What you’re really paying for is the training.
Before you can get a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), you have to finish a course at a DGCA-authorised training school, called an RPTO. That’s where the money goes. Below is what courses actually cost in 2026, what the fee should cover, the extras people forget to budget for, and how to tell a good school from a merely cheap one.
New to all this? Start with our guide on how to get a drone license in India.
How Much Do Drone Pilot Courses Cost in 2026?
Prices vary with the category, the city and what’s bundled in. This is what well-known RPTOs were charging when we checked their published fees in November 2026:
| Course | Typical duration | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Small category RPC (2–25 kg) | 5–7 days | ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 + GST |
| Medium category RPC (25–150 kg) | About 5 days | Around ₹40,000 + GST |
| Small + Medium combined | 7–13 days | Often less than two separate courses |
| Drone instructor (Train the Trainer) | Varies | From about ₹37,000 + GST |
| Specialist modules (agricultural spraying, survey and mapping) | Varies | Priced separately |
To put real numbers on it: the Small category courses we found were listed between ₹25,000 + GST and ₹32,900 + GST, and Medium category courses at around ₹40,000 + GST. GST is 18%, so a ₹30,000 course comes to ₹35,400. Always ask for the final, all-in price before you compare.
The Government Fee Is Just ₹100
The certificate itself is cheap. The government fee for a Remote Pilot Certificate is ₹100, the same for every drone category, and the certificate stays valid for 10 years. Your RPTO issues it online on DGCA’s eGCA portal after you pass.
What Your Course Fee Should Cover
A proper course fee normally includes:
- Ground school classes and study material that follow the DGCA syllabus
- Simulator time
- Real flying on the school’s drones (you don’t bring your own, and batteries and propellers are on them)
- The theory and practical tests
- Issuing your certificate on eGCA once you pass
Some schools include food and a room for the training days; others charge for them separately. Check this before you compare prices, because it changes the real cost a lot.
Extra Costs People Forget
- GST. Most fees are quoted before 18% GST.
- Travel and stay. If the training ground isn’t in your city, add travel, food and a room for about a week.
- Medical certificate. Some RPTOs ask for one.
- Your own drone. You don’t need one to train, but you’ll want one to start working. This is usually the biggest cost of all.
- Registration and insurance. Once you buy a drone, it needs a UIN on eGCA and third-party insurance, which is mandatory for every drone except nano drones.
How to Choose a Training School Without Overpaying
The cheapest course isn’t always the best deal. Before you pay, ask:
- Is the RPTO on DGCA’s list? If it isn’t authorised, your certificate isn’t valid. Simple as that.
- How much will I actually fly? Ask how many trainees share each drone. Ten people sharing one drone for five days doesn’t leave much stick time.
- Which drones do you use? Train on the kind of drone you want to fly for work.
- Where and when? A centre near home with a batch next week can save you more than a small discount somewhere far away.
- What happens after the course? Help with eGCA, your drone’s UIN, insurance and buying the right first drone is worth a lot.
Is a Drone Pilot License Worth the Money?
If you plan to work with drones, almost certainly. Newly certified pilots typically start at about ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 a month, and pilots who specialise in survey, inspection or agricultural spraying can earn a good deal more. Plenty of pilots also go on to run their own drone-service business.
At ₹25,000 to ₹35,000, the course can pay for itself within your first few months of steady work. Our drone pilot salary guide has the details.
Drone Pilot Training with Dronevex
Dronevex trains you at DGCA-authorised partner RPTOs across India, with new batches every week. Fees change by course and location, so we’ll share this week’s fee for your course when you enquire.
Find training near you in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad or other South Indian cities.
Train at a DGCA-authorised partner RPTO near you. Small, Medium, Agriculture and Instructor courses, with new batches every week.
See Courses & Fees →Find Training Near YouFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a drone license cost in India?
The certificate itself has a ₹100 government fee. The training you need first, at a DGCA-authorised RPTO, typically costs ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 plus GST for the Small category.
Is GST charged on drone pilot training?
Usually, yes. Most RPTOs quote their fees before 18% GST, so ask for the final price including tax.
Is the Medium category course more expensive?
Yes. It covers heavier drones and usually costs around ₹40,000 plus GST. If you need both categories, a combined Small + Medium course is often cheaper than taking them separately.
Do I need to buy a drone to get a license?
No. The training school provides drones for the course. Most pilots buy their own once they’re certified.
