Kolkata, April 16, 2026: In a major step towards advancing drone technology and skill development in eastern India, JIS Group has inaugurated the state’s first and largest university-based DGCA-authorized drone training facility — the JIS Drone Academy (RPTO) — at its SurTech Campus in Dum Dum.
The academy has been approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation as a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO), enabling it to offer certified training programmes aligned with national aviation standards.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries from government and aviation sectors, including officials from the Airports Authority of India, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, the Government of West Bengal, and the National Skill Development Corporation, highlighting the collaborative push behind the initiative.
Boost to Drone Education and Industry Readiness
The JIS Drone Academy aims to build a skilled workforce of licensed drone professionals through DGCA-aligned Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) programmes for micro and small category drones. The facility is designed as a comprehensive hub integrating training, certification, research, and industry collaboration.
With advanced simulation systems, professional-grade drones, and modern infrastructure, the academy will follow a hybrid training model that blends classroom learning with hands-on flight experience. It has also partnered with EduRade and Megh Robotics to strengthen industry-oriented training.
Wide-Ranging Courses for Emerging Sectors
The academy will offer specialized programmes in drone surveying and mapping, repair and maintenance, drone forensics, design and fabrication, GIS data processing, and aeromodelling, alongside certified RPC courses.
These programmes are expected to support the growing adoption of drone technology across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, surveillance, disaster management, logistics, and media.
Live UAV demonstrations and showcases of student-built drones during the launch event underscored the institution’s focus on practical, real-world training.
Vision for the Future
Speaking at the inauguration, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director of JIS Group, described the initiative as a forward-looking step towards equipping youth with future-ready skills in unmanned aviation.
He emphasized that as drone technology reshapes industries, the academy aims to create a strong ecosystem combining training, research, and industry collaboration, ultimately contributing to the growth of the UAV sector in West Bengal.
With this launch, Kolkata strengthens its position as an emerging hub for next-generation aviation technologies and skilled workforce development in India.
