Drone technology, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), is driving significant transformation across key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, defence, and governance. In agriculture, it enhances productivity, empowers farmers, and supports rural entrepreneurship. Drones are also facilitating village surveys and digital property mapping, contributing to improved planning and citizen empowerment. Infrastructure sectors like mining, highways, and railways benefit from drones through high-resolution data for monitoring and compliance. Recognising their strategic value, the Indian government has liberalised drone policies, introduced the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and banned foreign drone imports to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Drones also play a critical role in defence, intelligence, and border surveillance. With growing use in commercial and public sectors, such as delivery, rescue, and entertainment, the demand for skilled manpower is rapidly rising.

To address this, MeitY launched the “SwaYaan- Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone & Allied Technologies)” project in July 2022, with the goal of nurturing talent and building a robust ecosystem for drone technology in India. The project aims to train 42,560 participants, combining both formal and non-formal educational programs to create a skilled workforce in drone technology. The initiative is implemented through a hub-and-spoke model involving 30 premium institutions like IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, CDAC, and NIELIT. Five key work themes guide the project—Drone Electronics, GNC Algorithms Simulation, Aeromechanics, Drone Applications, and Allied UAS Technologies, ensuring specialised focus areas. To date, over 16,000 beneficiaries have been trained. Notable achievements include the launch of an M.Tech. in UAS Engineering at IIT Kanpur, initiation of multiple minor degree programs, and successful conduct of numerous bootcamps and workshops. SwaYaan engages industry partners through innovation challenges and industry meets, reinforcing the link between academic training and real-world application in drone technology.

NIDAR is India’s largest national drone innovation challenge hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Drone Federation India (DFI) under the SwaYaan Initiative. NIDAR motivates students and researchers from academia to build collaborative autonomous drones to solve real-world problems in disaster management and precision agriculture. With INR 40 Lakhs in prizes, startup incubation, and industry mentorship, NIDAR equips students with hands-on skills and career opportunities in India’s growing drone sector.

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