IIT Ropar and Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Join Hands to Launch PG Diploma in UAV Operations and Drone Technology
Ropar: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s rapidly growing drone and aviation ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) to jointly offer a one-year Post Graduate Diploma in UAV Operations and Drone Technology.
The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, and Prof. Bhrigu Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of RGNAU, in the presence of faculty members and senior officials from both institutions.
Under the collaborative programme, students will pursue their first semester at RGNAU, where they will receive foundational knowledge in aviation and unmanned aerial systems. The second semester will be conducted at IIT Ropar, providing advanced technical training and practical exposure to drone operations, emerging technologies, and real-world applications.
The curriculum has been designed to combine theoretical understanding with hands-on experience, equipping students with industry-relevant skills in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors. Areas such as precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, disaster management, logistics, surveillance, mapping, and environmental monitoring are expected to benefit from an increasingly skilled drone workforce.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja said the collaboration would create new opportunities for research, innovation, and skill development in the field of drone technology. He emphasized that partnerships between premier academic institutions are essential for building a highly trained workforce capable of supporting India’s technological ambitions.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to working together in advancing technical education, capacity building, and collaborative research, while nurturing professionals who can contribute to the country’s expanding drone and aviation industries.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader push towards innovation-driven growth and the adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, defence support, logistics, and public services. By combining the academic strengths of IIT Ropar and RGNAU, the programme aims to prepare the next generation of specialists for the evolving drone economy.
