Regulations · 10 Aug 2026 · 7 min read
Green, yellow and red zones, drone categories and registration. The rules every pilot should know before take-off.
The Drone Rules 2021 simplified how drones are flown in India. Fewer forms, clearer categories and an online platform, Digital Sky, where most approvals happen.
Drone categories
- Nano: up to 250 g
- Micro: 250 g to 2 kg
- Small: 2 kg to 25 kg
- Medium: 25 kg to 150 kg
Airspace zones
The airspace map on Digital Sky is divided into three zones. Green zones allow flights up to 400 ft without permission. Yellow zones need permission from the relevant air traffic control authority. Red zones are no-fly areas that require central government approval.
Registration and certification
Every drone needs a Unique Identification Number (UIN), and pilots operating non-nano drones commercially need a Remote Pilot Certificate from a DGCA-authorised training organisation.
