Why in news?
The National Test House (NTH), a premier testing institution under the Department of Consumer Affairs, has partnered with the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification Directorate to provide electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing for drones. It has also rolled out accredited certification services for unmanned aircraft, reflecting India’s efforts to build a robust drone ecosystem.
Background
NTH began in 1912 as the Government Test House in Calcutta, initially serving the railway and engineering sectors. It gradually expanded into a network of laboratories across India. Today it operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, with its headquarters at Kolkata and regional centres in Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati and Jaipur.
Functions and services
- Testing and evaluation: NTH offers quality testing of materials and products across civil engineering, electrical, electronics, chemical, textile and mechanical domains. It calibrates instruments, certifies welders and provides consultancy for quality improvement.
- Standardisation support: It assists the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in developing Indian Standards and helps laboratories obtain accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- Modernisation initiatives: In recent years NTH has adopted digital Laboratory Information Management Systems, courier‑based sample submission and consumer‑friendly service delivery. Specialised facilities such as a microbiology lab in Guwahati and a transformer testing centre in Jaipur are being developed.
Drone certification and new collaboration
- Under the Drone Rules 2021 and the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, NTH’s Ghaziabad laboratory became the first government body to offer accredited certification for drones. This certification assures that drones meet technical and safety standards.
- In February 2026 NTH partnered with the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification Directorate’s Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (North) to provide electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing. Such testing ensures that drones do not interfere with other devices and can operate safely in diverse environments.
- The collaboration will help start‑ups and micro‑small enterprises access affordable, government‑backed certification. Certifications are aligned with global standards such as IEC, ISO, MIL‑STD, ASTM and RTCA, which will facilitate export of Indian‑made drones.
Vision and expansion
Government plans envisage transforming NTH into a comprehensive national quality assurance authority. New laboratories are being established nationwide, and mandatory product certification is being introduced to ensure that Indian goods meet international benchmarks. These efforts aim to reduce product rejections abroad and to promote trust in “Made in India” products.
Conclusion
NTH’s role has evolved from a colonial‑era testing house to a modern certification hub. By venturing into drone certification and high‑tech testing, it supports India’s push for self‑reliance in emerging sectors. Continued investment in infrastructure and standards will strengthen consumer protection and enhance global competitiveness.
