ARAI Makes UAS Certification Services Fully Operational For Drone Makers In India

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has fully operationalised its certification services for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), giving drone manufacturers in the country access to conformity assessment and certification support. Earlier this year, Acko Drive had report that ARAI will start testing drones after it secured government recognition to test and certify drones.

The move places ARAI within the certification framework governing India’s growing drone industry. The organisation operates under the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CSUAS), administered by the Quality Council of India (QCI) on behalf of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Under the framework, ARAI is authorised to assess UAS platforms against the requirements prescribed under CSUAS. Following a successful evaluation, it can issue a Statement of Conformity that supports the subsequent type certification process with the DGCA.

ARAI Opens UAS Certification Services

The certification process is divided into two stages, covering both documentation and physical assessment of a drone platform. The first stage focuses on the manufacturer's design data, technical specifications and documentation relating to safety and security. This is followed by a physical and flight evaluation in the second stage.

The latter assessment examines factors including the aircraft's performance and stability, while also determining compliance with requirements applicable to its particular UAS category.

ARAI's certification framework covers Micro, Small, Medium and Large UAS, with categorisation based on maximum all-up weight.

The two-stage approach provides a structured route for manufacturers seeking to demonstrate that their drone platforms meet the prescribed technical, safety and performance requirements before moving through the type certification process.

Once a UAS successfully clears both stages of evaluation, ARAI issues a Statement of Conformity to the DGCA. The document supports type certification and the subsequent allotment of a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for compliant drone platforms.

For manufacturers, the certification process is therefore an important part of bringing compliant UAS platforms into India's regulated aviation ecosystem.

ARAI said manufacturers can access the certification procedure, application formats, evaluation criteria, applicable fee structures and technical guidance through its dedicated UAS certification portal.

The organisation's move comes as India's drone sector expands across commercial and industrial applications, increasing the need for standardised testing and certification processes.

“India's drone ecosystem is entering a phase of accelerated growth and technological innovation, creating new opportunities across sectors,” Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, said in a statement.

He added that ARAI’s objective is to support a safe and compliant drone ecosystem and work with industry stakeholders on the deployment of drone technologies meeting safety and performance requirements.

With UAS certification now fully operational at ARAI, drone manufacturers have an additional institutional route for validating their platforms against the country's regulatory requirements. The development also comes as the industry moves towards wider adoption of drones while regulatory compliance, safety and airworthiness remain central to their deployment.