§1Who it is for

  • Drone and drone-component manufacturers, incl. small firms

Useful if

Drone startups tracking a possible new version.

Do not spend time on it if

Anyone expecting to apply now.

§2Eligibility

  1. Minimum value addition of 40% of net sales (relaxed from 50%).
  2. Covers airframe, propulsion, power systems, batteries, IMU/INS, flight controllers, ground control stations, communications, cameras/sensors/spraying payloads, detect-and-avoid and safety systems.

§3Benefits

  • Incentive up to 20% of value addition, constant for all three years.

§4Norms — pattern of assistance

  1. Value addition = annual sales revenue from drones/components (net of GST) minus purchase cost of drones/components (net of GST).
  2. Total ₹120 crore over three financial years.

§5Documents

Not published

The guideline does not list the documents. Ask the portal or bank before you apply — we do not make up lists.

§6How to apply

  1. 1

    No current window. Watch Ministry of Civil Aviation for a successor scheme.

§7Pros and cons

Merits

  • Value-addition based, so even small startups could qualify (PIB 2021).
  • 20% rate held flat — highest PLI rate.

Demerits

  • Very small outlay (₹120 crore) and only three years.
  • Period has ended; successor not confirmed.

→Related schemes

Need help with PLI Drones?

Eligibility check, DPR and application file — ask us on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp usServices

Our interestHelp is our paid service. You can also apply for the scheme yourself.

Sources

  1. PIB, 15 Sep 2021: Government approves PLI Scheme for Drones and Drone Components
  2. PIB backgrounder, 24 Aug 2025: PLI Scheme — Powering India's Industrial Renaissance

Checked on 18 October 2026. For information only — confirm with the department or bank. Spotted a mistake? Report it.