The university’s School of Drones has prepared 504 individuals and given them authorised pilot licences.
Gandhinagar: In a strategic push to lead India’s drone revolution, the Gujarat government is expanding drone pilot training to 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state. Spearheaded by the government-run Kaushalya – The Skill University (KSU), this initiative aligns with the state’s ambition to be a frontrunner in drone education, manufacturing, and innovation.
504 Drone Pilots Licensed, 100+ Drones Assembled
So far, the School of Drones at KSU has trained 504 certified drone pilots and assembled over 100 indigenous drones, demonstrating both capacity and capability. Two ITIs — Bilimora and Mandvi — have already received DGCA recognition to operate as Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs). Seventeen more centres are in the pipeline under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Labour and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput.
Introducing “Drone Mantra” – A Holistic Learning Model
KSU’s flagship training approach, known as “Drone Mantra,” goes beyond pilot licensing. It includes hands-on learning in drone assembly, programming, and real-time operations, supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and advanced machinery. This model is designed to create well-rounded professionals capable of contributing across the drone ecosystem.
Tech Partnerships and Industry Exposure
The curriculum is bolstered through collaborations with top technology companies, enabling students to work on real-world applications in fields such as agriculture, logistics, defence, and infrastructure monitoring. These partnerships aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.
Mega Campus in Shilaj to Power Advanced Skill Development
KSU’s upcoming campus in Shilaj, Ahmedabad, with an investment of over ₹164 crore, is set to become a high-skill hub focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and drone technology. The university already runs six specialised schools offering more than 110 vocational programs.
Gujarat’s Drone Vision: A Self-Sustained Ecosystem
With India’s drone market projected to touch ₹1.21 billion by 2030, Gujarat’s early and aggressive push into drone education is timely. Over 1,000 individuals have already been trained in drone assembly and manufacturing at KSU, supporting the goal of creating a self-reliant drone ecosystem that can serve both domestic and global markets.
This initiative places Gujarat firmly on the national map as a leader in future-focused skilling, offering youth a direct pathway to high-demand careers in a fast-evolving technological landscape.
