India is rapidly positioning itself as a major global player in drone technology. While the government’s liberalized drone policy and incentives for local manufacturing have garnered attention, a quieter revolution is taking place in classrooms, research labs, and training fields across the country. A new wave of educational initiatives is equipping students and job seekers with the tools they need to thrive in the country’s growing drone economy.

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) is leading the charge with the development of a Centre for Sustainable Technology and Artificial Intelligence. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, the center will support interdisciplinary research and innovation, particularly in fields like drone engineering, AI, and green technology. According to IISER Bhopal Director Professor Siva Umapathy, the project is aimed at finding solutions to real-world problems by bringing science and technology together in practical ways.

“Through this centre, we aim to address critical global challenges such as climate change, clean energy, and healthcare,” said Professor Umapathy. “It will serve as a platform for researchers to collaborate and innovate for a sustainable future.” Drones are expected to play a central role in that effort, particularly in areas like environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and disaster management. The center will bring together experts in science, engineering, biology, and computer science to create applications that are not only technically advanced but also socially and environmentally relevant.

Meanwhile, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) is creating new opportunities for young students looking to break into the drone industry. This year, the university launched a suite of undergraduate degree programs aligned with India’s National Education Policy, including a four-year Bachelor of Technology in Drone Technology.

According to RTMNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Subhash Chaudhari, the goal is to prepare students for a future where drone-based solutions are integrated into a wide range of industries. “These futuristic programmes are designed to meet the growing needs of society and industry,” said Vice Chancellor Chaudhari. “They will equip students with the skills to work in domains like agriculture, logistics, surveillance, and disaster response.” The curriculum includes hands-on training in drone design, flight operations, and data analysis, along with foundational studies in electronics, mechanical engineering, and AI. With demand for drone pilots and engineers on the rise, the program has already sparked interest among students in the region.

Further south, in the state of Kerala, drone education is not limited to academic institutions. In an effort to boost employment, especially among youth from rural and underserved areas, a new Advanced Drone Pilot Training initiative has been launched by the Indira Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology. Supported by the state’s Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Development Department and the Scheduled Castes Development Directorate, the program offers intensive drone training at subsidized rates.

“After training, students can find jobs or even start their own businesses in drone services,” explained the institute’s principal, Dr. Pathirikkat Gopakumar. “This initiative is opening new doors for employment, particularly for students from marginalized communities.” The training includes instruction in drone handling, aerial photography, surveying, and flight safety protocols. Upon completion, participants receive certification that qualifies them for work in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and public safety. Many trainees see it as a pathway to stable, future-ready employment.

India’s national drone policy, combined with its “Make in India” initiative, has helped create a favorable environment for growth. According to industry estimates, India’s drone sector is expected to create over 100,000 jobs and reach a market size of $1.8 billion by 2026. The success of that vision, however, hinges on more than just manufacturing and policy support. It depends on creating a skilled workforce ready to meet the evolving demands of a rapidly changing industry.

By embedding drone-related education across academic and vocational channels, India is working to ensure that its workforce is not only tech-savvy but also adaptable and inclusive. These programs are not just about teaching people how to fly drones. They are about laying the foundation for a national ecosystem where drones are used to solve real problems, create jobs, and drive innovation. With educational institutions across the country expanding their focus on drone technology, India is laying the foundation for a skilled workforce equipped to lead the sector’s future growth and innovation.

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