Quick answer
To become a certified agriculture drone pilot in India, enrol at a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO), complete the theory and practical training for the relevant drone category, pass the test, and receive your Remote Pilot Certificate through Digital Sky. Eligibility generally requires being at least 18 and having passed class 10.
Key takeaways
- The RPC is issued via Digital Sky after training at an authorised RPTO.
- Training covers theory, simulator and practical flying.
- Choose an RPTO with agriculture spraying experience.
- Keep your certificate and flight records ready for customers and employers.
Eligibility (general)
- Minimum age of 18 years (and an upper age limit as per rules)
- Class 10 pass or equivalent
- Completion of training at a DGCA-authorised RPTO
- Passing the test conducted by the RPTO
The RPC process step by step
1. Register on Digital Sky
Create your profile on DGCA's Digital Sky platform as required by the RPTO.
2. Enrol at an authorised RPTO
Choose an institute from the authorised list and select the course for the drone category you will fly.
3. Theory and simulator
Learn rules, airspace, weather, flight planning and emergency procedures, and practise on a simulator.
4. Practical flying
Fly under supervision until you can perform the required manoeuvres safely.
5. Test and certificate
Pass the test, after which the RPC is issued through Digital Sky.
How to choose the right RPTO
- Confirm it appears on DGCA's authorised RPTO list
- Ask if the course covers the drone category used for spraying
- Check whether an agriculture spraying module is included
- Ask how many flying hours each student gets
- Compare fees, location, batch dates and accommodation
- Talk to past students about their experience
RPC course vs agriculture spraying training
| Point | RPC course | Agriculture module |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Legal certification to fly | Practical spraying skills |
| Content | Rules, flying, safety | Calibration, mixing, SOP, crop knowledge |
| Required by law | Yes | Not separately, but strongly recommended |
Our training details
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Career paths after certification
Certified agriculture drone pilots work with drone service companies, FPOs, cooperatives, Custom Hiring Centres and agri-input companies, or start their own spraying business. Demand is seasonal, so many pilots combine spraying with mapping, survey or maintenance work. Building a reputation for safe, careful spraying is the best way to grow.
Preparing for the RPC test
Most trainees who fail do so because of rushed checks or nervous flying, not lack of knowledge. Calm, methodical practice is the best preparation.
- Revise drone rules, airspace zones and Digital Sky procedures
- Practise pre-flight checks until they become automatic
- Spend extra simulator time on emergency procedures
- Learn to read weather — wind, temperature and visibility
- Ask instructors for feedback after every practical session
Responsibilities of a certified pilot
With the certificate comes responsibility. A remote pilot must fly only registered drones, respect airspace zones, keep people safe, follow the spraying SOP and maintain records. Customers and employers will expect to see your certificate, so keep a copy handy on your phone.
Costs to budget for training
Compare total cost, not just the course fee. A slightly more expensive course with more flying hours and agriculture practice can be better value if it makes you job-ready faster.
- Course fee at the RPTO
- Travel and accommodation if the institute is far away
- Time away from work during the course
- Any additional agriculture spraying module
After you get your certificate
- Keep your certificate and Digital Sky details safe and accessible
- Fly only registered drones of a certified type
- Join an experienced operator for supervised field work
- Keep a personal logbook of flights and jobs
- Stay updated on rule changes and new product approvals
Frequently asked questions
Is a drone pilot licence needed for agriculture drones?
Yes, in the form of a Remote Pilot Certificate from a DGCA-authorised RPTO, for commercial agriculture drone operations.
What is an RPTO?
A Remote Pilot Training Organisation authorised by DGCA to train and test drone pilots.
How much does drone pilot training cost?
Fees vary by RPTO, course and location. Ask several authorised institutes for current fees.
Can I train for agriculture drones without a degree?
Yes. The general educational requirement is class 10 pass, as per the Drone Rules.
Is the RPC enough to start spraying?
It is the legal requirement, but practical agriculture spraying training and supervised field experience are strongly recommended.
Where can I find authorised RPTOs?
On DGCA's Digital Sky platform, which publishes the list of authorised RPTOs.
Can women train as agriculture drone pilots?
Yes. Women pilots are increasingly active, including through initiatives for women's self-help groups.
Can I fly any drone with my RPC?
The certificate relates to the drone category and class you trained for. Confirm with your RPTO that your training matches the agriculture drone you plan to fly.
Is the training conducted in Hindi or regional languages?
Many RPTOs offer instruction in Hindi and some regional languages. Ask the institute about the medium of instruction before enrolling.
What happens if I fail the RPC test?
RPTOs generally allow a retest after further practice. Ask about the retest policy and any additional fees before enrolling.
About this guide
- Written by
- Kisan Drone team, Noida. We work with farmers, FPOs and drone operators on spraying, buying and training questions.
- Reviewed by
- Mohit Singh, Drone Operator — 10 years of drone-spraying experience
- Last updated
How we write
We do not publish invented prices, subsidy amounts, yields or reviews. Rules and schemes are checked against official sources, and anything that depends on your crop, product or location is marked as such. Found an error? Email enquiry@kisandrone.co.in.