Union Minister Pralhad Joshi will, on September 10, award DGCA-approved drone type certifications recommended by National Test House (NTH), Ghaziabad, at an event in New Delhi. The move is seen as a major boost to the government’s efforts to build a robust and competitive drone ecosystem in the country under the Drone Rules 2021.
NTH, provisionally approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) as a Certification Body for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), has already processed more than 50 applications from Indian drone manufacturers for type certification.
Following a rigorous evaluation, two drone models recommended by NTH have received final certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), highlighting the institution’s credibility and expertise in ensuring global standards of reliability, safety, and quality.
To support small and medium players, NTH has set the certification fee at Rs 4.2 lakh, the lowest in the industry. This initiative reduces barriers for startups and manufacturers while enabling them to market their products with greater confidence both in India and abroad. By offering trusted certification at an affordable cost, NTH is helping the Indian drone sector expand in line with national priorities such as “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
The push for affordable drone certification is also expected to benefit Indian agriculture, where drones are increasingly being used for crop monitoring, precision farming, pesticide spraying, and soil health assessment. With trusted certification in place, farmers and agri-tech startups will gain access to safer, more reliable drone technology, helping boost productivity, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable practices in rural areas.
Established in 1912, NTH has played a vital role in India’s industrial progress through testing, calibration, and quality evaluation across sectors such as engineering, textiles, electricals, and food sciences. With its entry into drone certification, the institution is diversifying its portfolio while contributing to the country’s technological advancement.
As NTH marks 114 years of service this year, the drone certification initiative is being seen as another milestone in strengthening its role as a key government-backed agency driving innovation, safety, and growth in India’s evolving technology landscape.
