NSDC, AVPL to Set Up 350 Drone Skill Centres Across India in Three Years

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New Delhi, July 29 (APAC Media): In a major boost to India’s drone ecosystem and higher education sector, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has partnered with AVPL International.

The partnership aims to establish 350 Advanced Skill Centres (ASCs) for Drone Technology across the country over the next three years.

The initiative aims to create one of India’s largest industry-integrated skilling networks and equip thousands of students with job-ready skills for the rapidly expanding drone and advanced technology industries.

The rollout will begin with 75 Advanced Skill Centres in the first year at leading private universities and engineering colleges. These centres will function as industry-operated Centres of Excellence, offering students practical exposure alongside classroom education.

Industry-Focused Training and Infrastructure

Under the collaboration, NSDC will co-invest the majority of the capital required to establish the centres, while AVPL International will manage operations, including laboratory management, curriculum delivery, faculty training, internships, placements, and entrepreneurship support.

Each centre will feature advanced drone laboratories and practical learning facilities covering drone pilot training, manufacturing and assembly, maintenance and repair, precision agriculture, surveying and GIS, AI-enabled drone applications, infrastructure inspection, drone data analytics and startup development.

Students will also participate in live industry projects, hackathons, innovation challenges and incubation programmes.

Aligned with NEP 2020 Vision

The initiative supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting experiential learning, vocational education and stronger industry-academia collaboration. Subject to institutional and regulatory guidelines, students may also earn academic credits under the National Credit Framework, enhancing their employability while pursuing degree programmes.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce

Speaking on the partnership, Arun Pillai of NSDC said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to integrating industry-led skill development with higher education and preparing students for emerging opportunities in India’s technology-driven economy.

K. Mohapatra, Group CEO of AVPL International, said the collaboration would bring industry directly into classrooms, helping develop globally competitive talent and supporting India’s ambition to become a global leader in drone technology and advanced manufacturing.

The programme is expected to benefit thousands of students annually while strengthening research, innovation, startup creation and employment opportunities. It also aligns with national initiatives such as Viksit Bharat 2047, Skill India, Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, creating a strong talent pipeline for India’s fast-growing drone industry.