Gujarat is set to roll out drone pilot training in 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state, under the leadership of Kaushalya – The Skill University (KSU). The move aims to boost the state’s role in India’s growing drone education and manufacturing sector. So far, KSU’s School of Drones has trained 504 individuals and issued certified pilot licenses. The institute has also developed and assembled over 100 drones indigenously.
State officials have confirmed that ITIs in Bilimora and Mandvi have received DGCA approval to function as Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs), with 17 more centres set to follow. The initiative is part of a broader expansion led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Labour and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput.
Beyond pilot training, the School of Drones has introduced a comprehensive model called “Drone Mantra”, which offers advanced training in drone manufacturing, programming, and operations through cutting-edge machinery and simulation labs.
The curriculum is also supported by partnerships with leading technology firms, offering students exposure to real-world industrial applications. KSU currently operates six specialised schools offering more than 110 vocational programmes. Its upcoming campus in Shilaj, Ahmedabad — being constructed at a cost exceeding Rs164 crore — is expected to become a central hub for high-skill training in sectors such as robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and drone technology. The initiative comes at a time when drone technology is rapidly transforming multiple sectors, including agriculture, logistics, defence, and infrastructure monitoring.
India’s drone market is projected to reach Rs1.21 billion by 2030, and Gujarat’s proactive investments in training and certification are designed to prepare its youth for high-demand roles in the evolving economy. Officials noted that over 1,000 candidates have already been trained in drone assembly and manufacturing at KSU, further supporting the state’s goal of building a self-sufficient drone ecosystem. By localising both production and talent development, Gujarat aims to reduce dependence on imports while boosting innovation and employment. “This isn’t just about flying drones,” said a senior official in the labour department. “This is about integrating a generation of workers into the future of work, where automation, data, and intelligent machines will drive industry.”