Drones Classification in India: A Step-by-Step Guide by Aebocode Technologies

In the past few years, there has been phenomenal expansion of drone technology use across various industries — defense, agriculture, films, delivery systems, to name a few. The Drones Classification in India plays a key role in ensuring their responsible and efficient use across these sectors.

With new rules brought in by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s drone space is becoming organized, safe, and innovative. This blog explains the Drones Classification in India, why these classifications matter, and how they benefit various industries.

A Beginner’s Guide: What is a Drone?

A drone, as defined by an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), is an unmanned aircraft with no pilot. Operators may control drones remotely or program them to fly autonomously using software-stored flight plans.

They find use in surveillance, mapping, photography, delivery, defense, and disaster management. Realizing their increasing importance, India has adopted a formal framework to classify drones under various parameters.

Official Classifications of Drones in India

As per the Drone Rules, 2021 by the government of India, drones are classified primarily in terms of their maximum take-off weight (MTOW). The weight includes the drone and any payload, such as cameras or sensors, it is capable of carrying. This system is an essential part of the Drones Classification in India, ensuring proper regulation and use of drones across various industries.

The following is a classification:

1. Nano Drones

Weight: Up to 250 grams

Height Limit: Up to 50 feet (15 meters) above ground level

License Requirement: No pilot’s license or UIN (Unique Identification Number) required

Usage: Primarily for training, toy drones, hobby photography, and recreational flight.

Nano drones are very safe due to their light weight and low altitude. This class makes drone use accessible to hobbyists and young business owners, encouraging early exposure to drone technology.

2. Micro Drones

Weight: 250 grams to 2 kilograms

Height Limit: Up to 200 feet (60 meters) above ground level

License Requirement: Registration and a remote pilot’s license if it’s utilized for non-recreational activities

Usage: Surveying, real estate photography, small-scale inspections, and educational projects.

Micro drones are more convenient than nano drones and are widely utilized by startups, schools, and media firms.

3. Small Drones

Weight: 2 kilograms to 25 kilograms

Height Limit: Up to 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level

License Requirement: Remote pilot license and mandatory registration

Usage: Agriculture (crop monitoring and spraying), industrial surveys, logistics, filmmaking, and surveillance.

Small drones have important applications in commercial operations, including the defense sector. Aebocode Technologies, for instance, uses small drones with sensor systems for reconnaissance and tactical operations.

4. Medium Drones

Weight: 25 kilograms to 150 kilograms

Height Limit: Typically up to 400 feet but operating heights may vary under allowances.

License Requirement: Has a tendency to need special authorization of the DGCA and MoCA

Usage: Defense, delivery of heavy cargo, large-scale surveillance, and industrial applications.

Large drones are workhorse vehicles used for more critical missions. They have a tendency to be carrying specialized loads like LiDAR scanners, thermal video cameras, or even medical equipment for far-flung health care.

5. Large Drones

Weight: Over 150 kilograms

Height Restriction: Subject to certain permits

License Required: Complete approvals, licensing, and regulation by air agencies

Application: Defense use, cargo transportation, disaster response.

Large drones essentially follow the same regulations as crewed aircraft. They require sophisticated handling, so they are a precious asset for defense, where dependability and longevity are top priorities.

Why Drone Classification Matters

At Aebocode Technologies, we believe drone classification isn’t just about following rules — it actually helps drive innovation. Here’s why these categories are so important:

Safety: Different sizes of drones create different hazards. Classification helps implement the right safety protocols.

Innovation: By setting clear rules, the Indian government makes it easier for startups, researchers, and companies to work on new drone ideas without any confusion.

Particular categories streamline how the defense sector procures and develops drones — a field Aebocode is proud to serve.

Indeed, businesses—from agriculture to mining—can easily identify which drone category best suits their operations.

International Competitiveness: Transparency enables Indian drone manufacturers and service firms to maintain pace with international standards.

Pivotal Points in Drone Rules 2021 Worth Knowing

The Drone Rules, 2021 relaxed all the earlier ones to make it simpler. The highlights are:

No security clearance required for registering most drones.

Lower charges: Drones now have low charges, which would be simple for startups and individuals to comply with.

Single window clearance: The government introduced a Digital Sky platform for simple permissions.

Green, Yellow, and Red Zones: These are the zones where one can fly a drone without limit, where there should be permission, and where there is prohibition of flying.

Remote Pilot License: Required for drones of more than nano category in case they are used commercially.

All these changes have turned India into one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries regarding drone regulation.

Conclusion

Drone technology is transforming industries, and India is quickly becoming a hub of drone innovation. With a transparent and efficient system for Drones Classification in India, the government is making it easier for businesses and defense organizations to leverage drones in a responsible and effective manner.

At Aebocode Technologies, we are excited to lead this revolution! Whether securing our skies, transporting vital supplies, or helping with businesses of all kinds — drones are here to stay now, and an awareness of their categorization is where it begins to tap into the entire potential!

Stay in touch with Aebocode Technologies for more news, facts, and achievements in the world of drones!