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Licences & certifications

Ham radio, drones, diving, flying: the exam, the paperwork, the fee, in the order to do them.
Licences & certifications · India

Get a DGCA drone Remote Pilot Certificate in India

Train at a DGCA-authorised RPTO, pass its theory and flying assessment, and receive a 10-year Remote Pilot Certificate through the Digital Sky platform.

Time 5–10 days of training · certificate on Digital Sky within a couple of weeks of passing · Cost ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 for training · ₹100 for the RPC on Digital Sky (plus any medical and insurance) · 6 steps · Reviewed 5 Sept 2026

Under the Drone Rules 2021, anyone flying a drone above the nano class — or any drone for commercial work — needs a Remote Pilot Certificate. Unlike the US, there is no self-booked exam: you train and are assessed at a DGCA-authorised training organisation, and the certificate is issued digitally.

You end up with A DGCA Remote Pilot Certificate for the small (and optionally medium) class, valid 10 years
  1. Register on Digital Sky
  2. Pick a DGCA-authorised RPTO
  3. Complete the training
  4. Pass the RPTO's assessment
  5. Receive the RPC
  6. Fly legally

Begin with step 1, Register on Digital Sky →

Get an Indian ham radio licence (ASOC)

An ASOC (Restricted or General grade) and a VU callsign licence from the WPC wing of DoT

3–12 months end to end · ₹100 exam fee per grade · 6 steps

Get a private pilot licence (US, airplane)

An FAA Private Pilot Certificate (airplane single-engine land), no expiry, with a flight review every 24 months

6–12 months at 2 lessons a week · $12,000–$20,000 all-in in 2026 · 7 steps