Kisan Drone Operator English
Kisan Drone Operator English
LEARNING OUTCOME
BASED
VOCATIONAL CURRICULUM
SECTOR: AGRICULTURE
Grades 11 and 12
September, 2023
© PSSCIVE, 2023
http://www.psscive.ac.in
PATRONS
Published by:
Joint Director
PSS Central Institute of Vocational
Education, NCERT, Shyamla Hills,
Bhopal – 462 002, M.P., India
FOREWORD
The Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), a constituent of
the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is spearheading the efforts of
developing learning outcome-based curricula and courseware aimed at integrating both
vocational and general education to open pathways of career progression for students. The
curriculum has been developed for the vocational education programme introduced under the
Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Samagra Shiksha of the Ministry of Education (erstwhile, Ministry of
Human Resource Development) and is aligned to the National Skill Qualification Framework
(NSQF). The curricula for vocational courses are being developed under the project approved by
the Project Approval Board (PAB) of ‘Samagra Shiksha’, which is an overarching programme for
the school education sector extending from pre-school to Grade 12.
It is a matter of great pleasure to introduce this learning outcome-based curriculum as part of the
vocational education and training package for the job role/vocational subject of “Kisan Drone
Operator”. The curriculum has been developed for the secondary students of Grades 11 and 12
and is aligned to the National Occupation Standards (NOSs) for the job role. The curriculum aims to
provide children with employability and vocational skills to support occupational mobility and
lifelong learning. It will help them to acquire specific occupational skills that meet employers’
immediate skill needs. The teaching-learning is to be done through interactive sessions in
classrooms, practical activities in laboratories or workshops, projects, field visits, etc. and
professional experience is to be provided through on-the-job training.
The curriculum has been developed and reviewed by a group of experts and their contributions
are duly acknowledged. The utility of the curriculum will be adjudged by the qualitative
improvement that it brings about in teaching-learning. The feedback and suggestions on the
content by the teachers and other stakeholders will be of immense value to us in bringing about
further improvement in this document.
(i)
PREFACE
India today stands poised at a very exciting juncture in its saga. The potential for achieving
inclusive growth is immense and the possibilities are equally exciting. The world is looking at us to
deliver sustainable growth and progress. To meet the growing expectations, India will largely
depend upon its young workforce. In order to fulfil the growing aspirations of our youth and the
demand for skilled human resource, the Ministry of Education, Government of India introduced
the revised Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocationalisation of School Education under
Samagra Shiksha. For spearheading the scheme, the PSS Central Institute of Vocational
Education (PSSCIVE) was entrusted with the responsibility to develop learning outcome- based
curricula, student textbooks and e-learning materials for the job roles in various sectors.
The PSSCIVE firmly believes that the vocationalisation of education in the nation needs to be
established on a strong footing of philosophical, cultural and sociological traditions and it should
aptly address the needs and aspirations of the students besides meeting the skill demands of the
industry. In order to honour its commitment to the nation, the PSSCIVE is developing learning
outcome-based curricula with the involvement of faculty members and leading experts in the
field. It is being done through the concerted efforts of leading academicians, professionals,
policymakers, partner institutions, Vocational Education and Training (VET) experts, industry
representatives, and teachers.
The expert group, through a series of consultations, working group meetings and use of
reference materials develops a National curriculum. We extend our gratitude to all the
contributors for selflessly sharing their precious knowledge, acclaimed expertise, and valuable
time and positively responding to our request for development of curriculum.
The success of this curriculum depends upon its effective implementation, and it is expected
that the managers of vocational education programme, vocational educators, vocational
teachers/trainers, and other stakeholders will make earnest efforts to provide better facilities,
develop linkages with the industry and foster a conducive learning environment for effectively
transacting the curriculum and to achieve the learning outcomes as per the content of the
curriculum document.
DEEPAK PALIWAL
Joint Director
PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education
(ii)
P
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
On behalf of the team at the PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), we are
grateful to the members of the Project Approval Board (PAB) of Samagra Shiksha and the
officials of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India for the financial support to the
project for development of learning outcome-based curricula.
We are grateful to the Director, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
for his support and guidance. We also acknowledge the contributions of our colleagues at the
NCERT, National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) and Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) for their
academic support and cooperation.
We are grateful to Prof. Vinay Swarup Mehrotra, Course Coordinator for his untiring efforts and
contribution to the development of this learning outcome-based curriculum.
The contributions of the experts and the editorial support provided by Mrs. Shubha Misra,
Assistant Professor in Education (Contractual), Mr. Sushant Ram Kamble, Assistant Professor
(Contractual) in Education (Contractual) and Ms Akansha Dubey, Assistant Editor at PSSCIVE,
are appreciated and acknowledged.
(iii)
CONTENTS
A Kisan Drone Operator, who operates the drone in agriculture is responsible for operating and
rendering the specific service using the drone. The individual operating the Kisan drone collects
and analyses different types of data for enhancing productivity and profitability while ensuring
sustainability and protection of the land resources. The Kisan Drone Operator training programme
offers participants a comprehensive understanding and practical skills required to proficiently
operate drones for agricultural applications.
Precision agriculture practices, which can help farmers, make better-informed decisions, have
evolved significantly over recent years. Drone is a part of precision agriculture, wherein Global
Positioning System (GPS) technology is used for crop monitoring and the uniform spray of crop
nutrients and pesticides. Spraying through drones is beneficial for farmers for optimal usage of
agriculture inputs, saving the effort and time and dependency on labour. Drone with suitable
camera, like multi-spectral and hyper-spectral camera can be used for soil analysis. These
advanced cameras capture images in multiple wavelengths beyond what the human eye can
see. By utilizing geo and time tagging, these images can be processed and analyzed to gather
valuable information about soil quality, composition, and health. Hyper-spectral imaging can
identify specific wavelengths absorbed by water. This helps in mapping soil moisture content and
drainage patterns. Certain minerals have unique spectral signatures. By analyzing these
signatures, it's possible to estimate soil nutrient levels, helping farmers optimize fertilizer usage.
Changes in soil composition due to erosion or degradation can be monitored over time.
Comparing geo-tagged images allows for accurate tracking of these changes. With precise soil
data, farmers can apply fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation in specific amounts where and when
they are needed, optimizing resources, which is also known as Variable Rate Application (VRA).
Geo-tagged images can be integrated into Geographic Information System (GIS) for
comprehensive spatial analysis. Time-tagged images over seasons or years provide insights into
soil changes over time, crucial for agricultural planning.
Operating drones for agricultural purposes, especially involving chemical spraying, requires
careful planning, adherence to regulations, and a good understanding of the technology
involved. Safety and environmental concerns should always be a top priority.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: The learner should be holding a 10th Grade pass certificate.
GRADE 11
No. of Hours for
Units Max. Marks for
Theory and
Theory and
Practical
Practical
= 300
= 100
Part A Employability Skills
1. Unit 1: Communication Skills – III 25
2. Unit 2: Self-management Skills – III 25
Unit 3: Information and Communication
3. 20
Technology Skills – III
4. Unit 4: Entrepreneurial Skills – III 25
5. Unit 5: Green Skills – III 15
Total 110 10
Part B Vocational Skills
6. Unit 1: Introduction to Agriculture Practices 30
7. Unit 2: Introduction to Drones 50
8. Unit 3: Drone Operation 50
9. Unit 4: Flight Simulator Training 35
Total 165 40
Part C Practical Work
Practical Examination 06 15
Written Test 01 10
Viva Voce 03 10
Total 10 35
Part D Project Work/Field Visit
Practical File/Student Portfolio 10 10
Viva Voce 05 05
Total 15 15
Grand Total 300 100
GRADE 12
No. of Hours for Max. Marks for
Theory and Theory and
Units
Practical Practical
= 300 = 100
Part A Employability Skills
1. Unit 1: Communication Skills – IV 25
2. Unit 2: Self-management Skills – IV 25
Unit 3: Information and Communication
3. 20 10
Technology Skills – IV
4. Unit 4: Entrepreneurial Skills – IV 25
5. Unit 5: Green Skills – IV 15
Total 110 10
Part B Vocational Skills
6. Unit 1: Drones in Agriculture 30
Unit 2: Operating Procedures for Use of
7. 70
Drone in Agriculture
Unit 3: Rules and Regulations for Drone 40
9. 45
Operation
Unit 4: Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Drone
10. 20
Technology
Total 165 40
Part C Practical Work
Practical Examination 06 15
Written Test 01 10
Viva Voce 03 10
Total 10 35
Part D Project Work/Field Visit
Practical File/Student Portfolio 10 10
Viva Voce 05 05
Total 15 15
Grand Total 300 100
3. TEACHING/TRAINING ACTIVITIES
The teaching and training activities have to be conducted in classroom, laboratory/ workshops
and field visits. Students should be taken to field visits for interaction with experts and to expose
them to the various tools, equipment, materials, procedures and operations in the workplace.
Special emphasis should be laid on safety, health and hygiene during the training and field visits.
Classroom activities are an integral part of this course and interactive lecture sessions, followed by
discussions should be conducted by trained vocational teachers. Vocational teachers should
make effective use of a variety of instructional or teaching aids, such as audio-video materials,
colour slides, charts, diagrams, models, exhibits, hand-outs, online teaching materials, etc. to
impart knowledge, and training on skills and attitude to the students.
Practical work may include, but should not limited to hands-on-training, simulated training, role-
play, case-based studies, exercises, etc. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance
hands-on learning experience of students. Only trained personnel should teach specialised
techniques. A training plan that includes tools, equipment, materials, skills and activities to be
performed by the students, etc. should be submitted by the vocational teacher to the Head of
the Institution.
FIELD VISITS
At least three field visits should be conducted in a year. In field visits, children will go outside the
classroom to obtain specific information from experts or to make observations of the activities. A
checklist of observations to be made by the students during the field visits should be developed
by the Vocational Teacher for systematic collection of information by the students on the various
aspects. Principals and Teachers should identify the different locations for field visits within a short
distance from the school and make necessary arrangements for the visits.
The National Skill Qualifications Framework (NSQF) is based on outcomes referenced to the
National Occupation Standards (NOSs), rather than inputs. The NSQF level descriptors, which are
the learning outcomes for each level, include the process, professional knowledge, professional
skills, core skills and responsibility. The assessment is to be undertaken to verify that individuals have
the knowledge and skills needed to perform a particular job and that the learning programme
undertaken has delivered education at a given standard. The assessment should be reliable,
valid, flexible, convenient, cost-effective and above all, it should be fair and transparent.
Standardised assessment tools should be used for assessment of knowledge of students.
Necessary arrangements should be made for using technology in assessment of students.
Knowledge Assessment should include two components; one-comprising internal assessment and
second- an external examination, including theory examination to be conducted by the Board.
The assessment tools shall contain components for testing the knowledge and application of
knowledge. The knowledge test can be objective paper-based test or short structured questions,
based on the content of the curriculum.
No. of Questions
S. Very Short Long Marks
No. Typology of Question Short Answer Answer
Answer (2 Marks) (3 Marks)
(1 mark)
1. Remembering – (Knowledge-based 3 2 2 13
simple recall questions, to know
specific facts, terms, concepts,
principles, or theories; identify,
define or recite, information)
2. Understanding – (Comprehension – 2 3 2 14
to be familiar with meaning and to
understand conceptually, interpret,
compare, contrast, explain,
paraphrase, or interpret
information)
3. Application– (Use abstract 0 2 1 07
information in concrete situation, to
apply knowledge to new situations:
Use given content to interpret a
situation, provide an example, or
solve a problem)
4. High Order Thinking Skills – (Analysis 0 2 0 04
and Synthesis – classify, compare,
contrast, or differentiate between
different pieces of information;
organise and/ or integrate unique
pieces of information from a variety
of sources)
5. Evaluation – (Appraise, judge, 0 1 0 02
and/or justify the value or worth of a
decision or outcome, or to predict
outcomes based on values)
Total 5x1=5 10x2=20 5x3=15 40
Assessment of skills by the students should be done by the assessors/examiners on the basis of
practical demonstration of skills by the candidate, using a “competency checklist”. The student
has to demonstrate competency against the performance criteria. The assessors assessing the
skills of the students should possess a current experience in the industry and should have
undergone an effective training in assessment principles and practices. The Sector Skill Council
should ensure that the assessors are provided with the training on the assessment of
competencies.
For the practical exam, there should be a team of two evaluators – the subject teacher and the
expert from the relevant industry certified by the Board or concerned Sector Skill Council. The
same team of examiners will conduct the viva voce. They will assess the candidates' skills,
adherence to industry standards, and efficiency in task execution. Special emphasis should be on
assessment of the the candidate's ability to troubleshoot and solve problems related to the tasks.
During the viva-voce, focus should be on assessment of candidate’s communication skills and
understanding of the subject.
Project Work: Project work is a great way to assess the practical skills on a certain period or
timeline. Projects should simulate real-world scenarios, allowing students to solve problems or
create something tangible using the skills and knowledge they've acquired. Projects should align
with the curriculum's learning objectives, ensuring that students are applying relevant concepts
and skills. Clear and detailed guidelines, including project objectives, evaluation criteria, and
deadlines should be provided by the teachers/assessors. Rubrics, which would include aspects
like content, creativity, organization, presentation, and adherence to deadlines, should be used
by the Assessors to establish specific criteria for marking or grading.
Field visits can be followed by the submission of reports by the students, based on checklist.
Teachers will develop a detailed checklist of items or questions students need to address during
the visit. This could include specific observations, data collection, interviews, etc. Teachers will
assess the reports based on the completeness of checklist items, depth of observations, analysis,
and overall presentation. After the visit, teachers will also encourage students to reflect on their
field experience, for example what students learned, how will they apply the knowledge gained
through the field visit, etc.
5. UNIT CONTENTS
GRADE 11
UNIT 2: SELF-MANAGEMENT–III
Theory Practical Duration
Learning Outcome
(10 hrs) (15 hrs) (25 hrs)
1. Identify and 1. Understanding self 1. Activity on writing aims
analyse own 2. Techniques for in life
strengths and identifying strengths 2. Preparing a worksheet
03
weaknesses and weaknesses on interests and abilities
3. Difference between
interests and abilities
2. Demonstrate 1. Guidelines for dressing 1. Role-play on dressing
personal grooming and grooming and grooming
skills 2. Preparing a personal standards
04
grooming checklist 2. Self-reflection activity
on various aspects of
personal grooming
Total 25
Total 50
Total 35
GRADE 12
Part A: Employability Skills
S. No. Units Duration (hrs)
1. Communication Skills- IV 25
2. Self-management Skills – IV 25
3. Information and Communication Technology Skills – IV 20
4. Entrepreneurial Skills – IV 25
5. Green Skills – IV 15
Total 110
a) Crop Types: Students will learn about different types of crops, their growth stages, and
specific needs.
b) Crop Health: Students will understand how to identify healthy crops from diseased or stressed
ones.
c) Soil Analysis: Students will learn about soil types, fertility, and the importance of soil health for
crop growth.
a) Precision Agriculture: Students will learn how drones enable precise application of water,
fertilizers, and pesticides, optimizing resource use.
b) Crop Monitoring: Understand how drones can monitor crop health, growth patterns, and
yield estimation.
c) Pest Detection: Explore methods to identify and monitor pests and diseases using drone-
collected data.
a) Drone Components: Students will understand the basic components of a drone, including
the frame, motors, propellers, and sensors.
b) Flight Operations: Students will learn how to plan drone flights, including takeoff, landing,
and emergency procedures.
a) Remote Sensing: Students will understand how sensors on drones capture data in various
wavelengths (visible, infrared, thermal) for agricultural analysis.
b) Data Interpretation: Students will learn how to interpret data related to plant health, soil
moisture, and pest infestation.
a) GIS Mapping: Students will explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and how mapping
with drones contributes to precision agriculture.
b) Surveying Techniques: Students will understand how drones can create 3D models and
topographic maps for agricultural landscapes.
a) Regulations and Compliance: Students will about DGCA regulations and guidelines for
drone operations in agriculture.
b) Permits and Licenses: Students will understand the process of obtaining permits and licenses
for agricultural drone operations.
7. Practical Training:
a) Flight Simulations: Students will use drone flight simulators to practice flight operations and
maneuvering without the risk of damaging actual drones.
b) Hands-on Flying: Students will learn to fly drones under supervision, allowing them to apply
theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
a) Data Processing Tools: Students will be introduced to software tools for processing and
analyzing drone-collected data, such as GIS software and agricultural analytics platforms.
b) Report Generation: Students will learn how to generate comprehensive reports based on the
collected data, including actionable insights for farmers.
The tools, equipment and material required for training are quite expensive, therefore, only basic
tools, equipment and accessories should be procured by the Institution so that the routine tasks
can be performed by the students regularly for practice and acquiring adequate practical
experience.
(i) directly as per the prescribed qualifications and industry experience suggested by the PSS
Central Institute of Vocational Education (PSSCIVE), NCERT or the respective Sector Skill Council
(SSC) OR (ii) through accredited Vocational Training Providers accredited under the National
Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF*) approved by the National Skills Qualification Committee
on 21.07.2016. If the State is engaging Vocational Teachers/Trainers through the Vocational
Training Provider (VTP), it should ensure that VTP should have been accredited at NQAF Level 2 or
higher.
* The National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF) provides the benchmarks or quality criteria
which the different organisations involved in education and training must meet in order to be
accredited by competent bodies to provide government-funded education and training/skills
activities. This is applicable to all organizations offering NSQF-compliant qualifications.
The educational qualifications required for being a Vocational Teacher/Trainer for a particular job
role are clearly mentioned in the curriculum for the particular NSQF compliant job role. The State
should ensure that teachers / trainers deployed in the schools have relevant technical
competencies for the NSQF qualification being delivered. The Vocational Teachers/Trainers
preferably should be certified by the concerned Sector Skill Council for the particular Qualification
Pack/Job role which he will be teaching. Copies of relevant certificates and/or record of
experience of the teacher/trainer in the industry should be kept as record.
To ensure the quality of the Vocational Teachers/Trainers, the State should ensure that a
standardized procedure for selection of Vocational Teachers/Trainers is followed. The selection
procedure should consist of the following:
1. Written test for the technical/domain specific knowledge related to the sector;
2. Interview for assessing the knowledge, interests and aptitude of trainer through a panel
of experts from the field and state representatives; and
3. Practical test/mock test in classroom/workshop/laboratory. In case of appointment
through VTPs, the selection may be done based on the above procedure by a
committee having representatives of both the State Government and the VTP. The State
should ensure that the Vocational Teachers/Trainers who are recruited should undergo
induction training of 20 days for understanding the scheme, NSQF framework and
Vocational Pedagogy before being deployed in the schools. The State should ensure
that the existing trainers undergo in-service training of 5 days every year to make them
aware of the relevant and new techniques/approaches in their sector and understand
the latest trends and policy reforms in vocational education. The Head Master/Principal
of the school where the scheme is being implemented should facilitate and ensure that
a) Prepare session plans and deliver sessions which have a clear and relevant purpose
and which engage the students;
b) Deliver education and training activities to students, based on the curriculum to
achieve the learning outcomes;
c) Make effective use of learning aids and ICT tools during the classroom sessions;
d) Engage students in learning activities, which include a mix of different
methodologies, such as project-based work, team work, practical and simulation-
based learning experiences;
e) Work with the institution’s management to organize skill demonstrations, site visits, on-
job trainings, and presentations for students in cooperation with industry, enterprises
and other workplaces;
f) Identify the weaknesses of students and assist them in upgradation of competency;
g) Cater to different learning styles and level of ability of students;
h) Assess the learning needs and abilities, when working with students with different
abilities;
i) Identify any additional support the student may need and help to make special
arrangements for that support; and
j) Provide placement assistance.
Assessment and evaluation of Vocational Teachers/Trainers is very critical for making them aware
of their performance and for suggesting corrective actions. The States/UTs should ensure that the
performance of the Vocational Teachers/Trainers is appraised annually. Performance based
appraisal in relation to certain pre-established criteria and objectives should be done periodically
to ensure the quality of the Vocational Teachers/Trainers. Following parameters may be
considered during the appraisal process: