Pralhad Joshi to Confer Drone Certifications Recommended by National Test House
NTH (North Region), Ghaziabad, has been provisionally approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) as a certification body for drone type certification.
New Delhi, September 8: Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi will award DGCA-approved drone type certifications recommended by the National Test House (NTH), Ghaziabad, at a ceremony in New Delhi on September 10.
The certifications mark a milestone under the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). NTH (North Region), Ghaziabad, has been provisionally approved by the Quality Council of India (QCI) as a certification body for drone type certification — a move aligned with the government’s Drone Rules 2021 aimed at fostering a safe, competitive, and globally relevant drone ecosystem.
Affordable Certification for Indian Innovators
In less than a year of operations, NTH has already processed more than 50 applications from Indian drone manufacturers. After rigorous evaluations, two models recommended by NTH received type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), demonstrating the institution’s credibility in strengthening safety and quality standards.
Significantly, NTH has set its certification fee at ₹4.2 lakh — the lowest in the industry. This cost-effective model is designed to empower Indian startups and manufacturers by lowering entry barriers while providing trusted government-backed certification. By doing so, NTH is helping domestic drone makers build global market confidence and scale their operations.
Legacy of Excellence
Established in 1912, the National Test House has long been a cornerstone of India’s industrial growth, offering testing, calibration, and quality evaluation services in sectors such as engineering, textiles, electrical, and food sciences. Its expansion into drone certification marks both a continuity of its quality mission and a bold step into emerging technology domains.
As NTH celebrates 114 years of service, officials say the institution’s role in drone certification reinforces flagship initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, while also supporting the government’s vision of a robust and self-reliant drone ecosystem.
With the upcoming certification ceremony, India’s drone sector gains not only momentum but also institutional trust, giving manufacturers a platform to innovate responsibly and compete globally.
