Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, is set to formally award DGCA-approved drone type certifications during an event on September 10, 2025, in New Delhi. The certifications, which were recommended by the National Test House (NTH), Ghaziabad, underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a robust and competitive drone ecosystem in India.
The National Test House, with a legacy spanning 114 years, has been provisionally approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) to serve as a Certification Body for drones under the Drone Rules 2021. This new role aligns the institution with key government initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
In its new capacity, NTH has already processed more than 50 applications from domestic manufacturers. The two drone models that have received Type Certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following NTH’s recommendation highlight the institution’s role in ensuring quality, reliability, and safety in the rapidly evolving drone industry.
A key aspect of NTH’s service is its highly competitive fee structure. By offering drone certification for ₹4.2 lakh, which is the lowest in the industry, NTH aims to make the certification process more accessible and affordable for Indian manufacturers. This move is designed to encourage innovation and enable domestic drone companies to market their products with greater confidence both at home and globally.
NTH’s expansion into drone certification, building on its rich history of services in testing and quality evaluation, positions it at the forefront of India’s technological advancements.