THE INDIAN WIRELESS TELEGRAPH

(AMATEUR SERVICE) RULES, 1978

as amended by
The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service)
Amendment Rules, 1984 - G.S.R.No.1225/84
G.S.R. No. 1499/78.- In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 and section 7 of the Indian Telegraph
Act, 1885 (13 of 1885), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules for the conduct of wireless
telegraphs in the amateur service, established, maintained, and worked by persons licensed under the said
Act.

1. Short title and commencement:

(1) These rules may be called the Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules, 1978.
(2) They shall come into force on the 17th October, 1984.

2. Definitions :
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) `Act' means the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885)
(b) `Amateur service' means a service of self training, inter-communication and technical investigations
carried on by amateurs that is, by persons duly authorised under these rules interested in radio
technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest; `amateur station', and `station'
shall have the meaning respectively assigned to them in the Convention;
(c) `Amateur Radio Beacon’ means a station in the Amateur Service having transmitter (s) emitting
carrier wave along with identification signals at regular interval. Such beacons can be directional or
non-directional;
(d) `Amateur Station’, and “Amateur Satellite Service” `Station’ shall have the meaning respectively
assigned to them in the Convention;
(e) `Convention' means the International Telecommunication Convention, Malaga=Torremolinos, 1973,
for the time being in force and the Radio Regulations and the Additional Radio Regulations
annexed thereto but does not include any portion of the said Convention or Regulations regarding
which the Central Government makes any reservation;
(f) `Licence' means a licence granted under section 4 of the Act for an amateur wireless telegraph
station.

3. Necessity for licence :

No person shall establish, maintain and work an amateur wireless telegraph station except under and in
accordance with the terms and conditions of an appropriate licence under these rules.

4. Categories of licence :
There shall be five categories of licences, namely :
(i) Advanced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence;
(ii) Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade-I;
(iii) Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade-II;
(iv) Restricted Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence;
(v) Short Wave Listeners' Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence.

5. Eligibility for licence :

(1) A licence may be granted subject to such conditions contained in Annexure I to these rules -
(i) to a person,-
(a) who is a citizen of India;
(b) who is not less than 18 years of age;
(c) who qualifies the Amateur Station Operators’ Examination for the award of licence or holds either of
the following certificate of proficiency, namely:
(i) Radio-communication Operators' General Certificates;
(ii) First or Second Class Radio-telegraph Operators' Certificate;
Provided that the holder of a Special Radio Telegraph Operator’s Certificate may also be considered eligible
for the award of Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence Grade II.
(iii) to a bonafide amateur radio society, club or a school, college, or an institution or a university in India,
which has the aim of investigations in the field of radio or the training of persons in radio communication
techniques.
Provided that the licence shall be issued in the name of an authorized official of the society, club, school,
college, institute or a University in India holding a category of licence appropriate to the transmissions to be
conducted by the station including amateur radio beacon transmission.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-clause (b) of clause (i) of sub-rule (1), the Central
Government may grant, to bonafide experimenters between the ages of 14 and 18 years, Amateur Wireless
Telegraph Station Licence, Grade I and to those between the ages of 12 and 18 years, Amateur Wireless
Telegraph Station Licence, Grade II or Restricted Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence or Short
Wave Listeners' Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence :

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-clause (c) of clause (i) of sub-rule (1), the Central
Government may recognize, subject to any conditions it may prescribe from time to time, such other
radiotelegraph operators' certificates or Amateur Station Operators' Certificates as are issued by a
competent authority in any other country as equivalent to qualifications referred to in aforesaid sub-rule for
the purpose of grant of licence under these rules.

6. An application for licence

An application for the grant of licence from:
(a) an individual, or
(b) an Amateur Radio Society or club or a school, college or an institute or a University in India-
shall be made to the Central Government in Annexure II or Annexure III respectively to these rules, shall be
made to the Central Government in Annexure II or Annexure III respectively to these rules, together with all
the subsidiary forms and documents duly filled in and completed in all respects.

7. Eligibility for admission to amateur station Operators Examination :

No person shall be eligible for admission to an examination for the grant of licence unless :-
(a) such a person fulfils the provisions contained in sub-clauses (a), (b) and (c) of clause (i) of sub-rule (1) of
rule 5;
(b) such person pays the fees on the following scale, namely :-
I. Advanced Amateur Station Operators' Examination Rs. 25.00
II. Amateur Station Operators' Grade I Examination Rs. 20.00
III. Amateur Station Operators' Grade II Examination Rs. 10.00
IV. Amateur Station Operators restricted examination Rs. 10.00 and
(c) a period of at least one month has elapsed since he last appeared in an examination and failed

8. Examinations:
(1) The examinations for the grant of a licence shall be held at a place and on a date as may be notified by
the Central Government from time to time.
(2) An application for licence in Annexure II or, as the case may be, in Annexure III to the rules shall be
submitted not later than the 15th of the month preceding that in which it is desired to take the examination.
(3) Any person admitted to the examination and found guilty of impersonation or of submitting fabricated
documents or documents which have been tampered with or of making statements which are incorrect or
false or of suppressing material information or of using or attempting to use unfair means in the examination
hall or otherwise resorting to any other irregular or improper means for obtaining admission to the
examination may, in addition to rendering himself liable to criminal prosecution, be debarred either
permanently or for a specified period from appearing in any of the examinations held for the award of licence
under these rules:

Provided that no order under this sub-rule shall be made unless the person concerned has been given a
reasonable opportunity or making a representation against the action proposed to be taken.
(4) If any person is found guilty of any malpractice referred to in sub-rule (3) after the grant of a licence to
such person, the Central Government may, in addition to prosecuting him cancell the licence so given :
Provided that the Central Government may, pending the cancellation of the licence, suspend or endorse
such licence :
Provided further that no order under this sub-rule shall be made unless the person concerned has been
given a reasonable opportunity of making a representation against the action proposed to be taken.

9. Grant of licence :
Every category of licence shall be in the form set out in Annexure IV to these rules.
10. Observance of conditions of licence, Convention and rules under the Act :
(1) Every licensed amateur wireless telegraph station shall be established, maintained and worked in
accordance with -
(a) the conditions contained in Annexure I to these rules;
 (b) the provisions of the Convention;
(c) the rules made by the Central Government under section 7 of the Act for the conduct of
wireless telegraphs in so far as they are applicable.

(2) Notwithstanding sub-rule (1) the Central Government may modify, vary, cancel or revoke any of the
conditions of licence contained in the said Annexure I at any time either by specific notice in writing to the
licensee, or by means of a general notice published in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper published in
New Delhi.
(3) The licensee shall at his own expense, give effect to any variations in the conditions of licence,

11. Period of validity :

A licence granted under these rules shall be issued for a period of 2 years or 5 years, as the case may be,
commencing on the date of issue of the licence and expiring on the last day of the month preceding the
month of issue.

12. Fee for licence:

A licence fee on the following scale shall be payable to the Central Government on receipt of instructions
from that Government and in the manner directed bv it:-

Category of licence : Fees in Rupees

2 Years 5 Years
(i) Advanced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence : 50 125
(ii) Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade I 40 100
(iii) Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade II , 25 60
Restricted Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence &
Short wave Listeners' Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence

(2) The licence fee shall not be refundable on ground of licenscee`s inability to establish or make use of the
licenced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station or for adjustment towards higher category of licence.

13. Authorised frequency bands, power and emission :

A holder of licence shall use, as appropriate to the licence, such frequency bands, power and classes of
emission as are set out in Annexure V of these rules : Provided that the Central Government may by special
or general order make changes in the usage of frequency bands, power and types of emission where that
Government is satisfied, that it is expedient to do so, keeping in view, among others, the provisions of the
Convention, need for enforcement of better technical standards in respect of equipment and national
and international radio interference pattern.

14. Renewal of licence :

(1) On the expiry of the validity of a licence, it may be renewed for a period of two years if the licensee,-
(a) makes an application for renewal at least two months before the date of expiry of the licence.
(b) has actively operated his station during the past two years prior to the date of expiry of his licence and
provides a certificate to the effect that he has made contacts with other amateur stations on atleast 40
occasions per year; and in the case of short Wave Listener has intercepted amateur station on at least 40
occasions per year.
(c) pays fees on the following scale, namely :-

Category of licence : Fees in Rupees

2 Years 5 Years
(i) Advanced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence : 50 125
(ii) Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade I 40 100
(iii) Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade II , 25 60
Restricted Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence &
Short wave Listeners' Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence
(2) The licence fee shall not be refundable on ground of licencee’s inability to establish or make use of the
licenced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station or for adjustment towards higher category of licence.
(3) The document showing the renewal of licence issued by the Central Government shall be kept along with
the licence to which it refers.
(4) It shall not be obligatory for the Central Government to issue a notice that the licence is due for renewal.
** Under deserving cases and for exceptionally genuine reasons, the ASOC licence can also be
renewed upto a period of 10 years with charging late fee and for the period beyond 10 years,
the licence can be renewed after getting fresh inter-ministerial consultations. This in no way,
however confers any right to the candidates seeking ASOC renewal under this category and the
right of decision of renewal in such cases will solely remain with the Ministry of Communications
& Information Technology.
15. Surcharge for late renewal :
In case the holder of a licence does not apply for its renewal prior to the date of expiry of the licence referred
to in sub-rule (1) of rule 14, he may apply for the renewal of licence subsequently also but within a period of
two years** after the date of expiry of the licence on payment of a surcharge at the rate of Rs.10/- for every
half-year or part thereof. The licence in such a case, shall be renewed from the date of expiry of the
licence..

16. Register for wireless telegraphy apparatus :

Every licensee shall maintain a register in respect of all wireless telegraphy apparatus established,
maintained and worked by him at the amateur station in the form set out in Annexure VI of these rules.

17. Location of Amateur Station :

The location of the amateur station shall be specified in the licence along with the usual residence of the
licensee endorsed therein and it shall be operated only from the place so fixed. Provided that the Central
Government may, permit the change of location if the licensee applies for it in writing giving particulars of the
change and submits the license for endorsement, and pays a fee of rupees five.

18. Portable and mobile amateur Station :

Without prejudice to rule 17, the Central Government may in addition to an amateur station licensed for a (1)
Specified location issue a special authorisation to establish, maintain and work an amateur station as a
portable station or a mobile station fixed on board a motor vehicle for a specific period in special occasions
like exhibitions and jamborees or for specific technical investigations in radio if-
(i) application for such authorisation is made well in advance indicating, among others, the specific period for
which the authorisation is required, nature of investigations or details in regard to occasion as the case may
be, and area of operation ; (ii) the applicant holds an Advanced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence
or an Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence Grade I; (iii) the applicant pays an additional fee of
Rs.10/-.
(2) The special authorisation shall, in addition to the conditions specified in rule 10, be subject to following,
namely:- (i) The special authorisation shall not be issued for a period more than 90 days. (ii) The
licensee's amateur station at the fixed location and the mobile station shall not communicate with each
others; (iii) the suffix `MO' shall be added to the callsign already authorised to the licensee's amateur station
at the fixed location for use by the portable or mobile station. Such callsign shall be followed by the location
of the station. (iv) Such other conditions as the Central Government may determine from time to time.
(3) The special authorization may be withdrawn or the conditions contained therein varied at any time by the
Government.

19. Amateur Station on board ship :

(1) Without prejudice to rule 17, the Central Government may on receipt of an application authorise
establishment, maintenance and working of an amateur station on board a ship registered in India.
Applications for such authorisation shall be accompanied by a written approval of the master or owners of
the ship concerned.
(2) The establishment, maintenance and working of amateur stations on board ships shall, in addition to the
conditions specified under rule 10, be subject to such other conditions as the Central Government may
determine from time to time and such conditions, among others, shall include the following, namely:-
(i) The amateur station on board ship shall be operated only while the ship is in International waters or
Indian territorial waters. Its operation within the territorial waters of another country shall be in conformity
with laws and regulations of the country concerned. (ii) It shall not be operated whilst the ship is in any
harbour in India.
(iii) The callsign allotted to such stations shall have suffix `MS' followed by the callsign of the ship in case of
radiotelegraphy or the official name of the ship in case of radiotelephony. (iv) The amateur station on board
a ship shall discontinue operation at any time on request of an officer of the Central Government, the Master
or Radio Officer of the ship or any land station.

20. Loss and Issue of Duplicate of Licence and Document showing the Renewal
of Licence :
(1) A person whose Licence or the document showing the renewal of licence has been lost, mutilated or
distroyed shall notify the same to the Central Government. An application in Annexure VII of these rules for
the duplicate shall be made to the Central Government embodying a statement of the circumstances
involved in the loss, mutilation or destruction of the licence or the document showing the renewal of licence
for which a duplicate is required. If the licence or the document showing the renewal of licence has been
lost, the applicant must state the circumstance in which it was lost and the reasonable search has been
made for it, and further that in the event it be found, either the original or the duplicate shall be returned for
cancellation. The mutilated licence or the document showing the renewal of licence for which the duplicate
is required should be forwarded alongwith the application for cancellation.
(2) The Central Government may issue duplicate copy of any licence or the document showing the renewal
of the licence and the following charges shall be levied for such issue-
(i) For duplicate of licence . . ……………… Rs. 10
(ii) For duplicate of the document showing the renewal of licence…… Rs. 5

21. Revocation of licence :

(1) The Central Government may, at any time, revoke the licence
(i) On the breach of any of the conditions of licence contained in Annexure I; or
(ii) In default of payment of any fees payable under these rules :
Provided that, before revoking a licence, the licencsee shall be given a reasonable opportunity of making a
representation against the action proposed to be taken.
(2) The licensee shall not be entitled to any compensation arising out of revocation of his licence nor will any
part of the fees paid for the licence shall be refunded for the period a licence stands revoked.

22. Transfer of licence :

A licence shall not be transferable:
Provided that the Central Government may permit the transfer of a licence granted to an authorised official
of an amateur radio society or club or a school, college or an institute or a University in India in favour of his
successor if such successor holds a category of licence appropriate to the transmissions to be conducted by
the amateur station.

23. Operation of licensed amateur station :

No person other than the licensee shall be permitted to operate the licensed amateur station :
Provided that - (a) in the presence of the licensee himself, the station may be operated by an other person
holding a valid licence of comparable or higher category. The licensee, however, shall be personally
responsible for the observance of these rules as if the station is operated by him.
(b) in case of a licence issued to an authorised official of an amateur radio society or club or a school,
college, or an institution or a University in India, the station may also be operated by a person who holds a
licence of equivalent or higher category with the prior permission of the Central Government in writing; if the
licensee keeps personal surveillance over the operation of the station. The licensee shall be responsible for
the observance of these rules.

24. Surrender of licence :

A licence which is revoked or which has become invalid and licensee does not desire to renew it shall be
surrendered to the Central Government for cancellation and record.

25. Dual holding of licence :

No person shall be granted more than one licence at the same time :
Provided that the Central Government may exempt a person, holding a licence in his name for amateur
radio society or a school, college or an institute or a university in India, from the operation of this rule.

26. Admission of foreign national to examination and grant of licence :

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules, the Central Government may, subject to such terms
and conditions as it may impose from time to time, admit a person, who is not a citizen of India, to an
examination for the grant of a licence or grant him a licence if otherwise qualified.
(2) The conditions under sub-section (1) shall, among others, include the following, namely :-
(i) the country of which the applicant is citizen, grants reciprocal facilities to Indian nationals :
Provided that it shall not apply where the Central Government considers that reciprocal facilities are not
necessary ; (ii) the applicant is above the age of 18 years;
(iii) the applicant's stay in India is not likely to be less than one year from the date of application.
(iv) the applicant is a holder of an appropriate category of amateur station operator's certificate or licence
issued by a competent authority in any other country and recognised by the Central Government.
(v) the licence under this rule shall be initially granted for a period of one year or for the period of validity of
visa, for which the applicant's passport is endorsed, whichever is less.

27. Penalty for breach of these rules :

Any breach of these rules, other than a breach, which is an offence under section 20 or 21 of the Act, shall
be punishable with fine which may extend -
(i) when the person is licensed under the Act, to one thousand rupees and in the case of continuing breach a
further fine of two hundred rupees for every day after the first during the whole of any part of which the
breach continues;
(ii) when a servent of the person so licensed or another person is punishable for the breach one fourth of the
amounts specified in clause (i).

28. Repeal and saving :

(1) On the commencement of these rules, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Amateur Service) Rules, 1958,
shall cease to be in force.
(2) Notwithstanding such cesser,-
(a) Where before such commencement any person has passed the Amateur Station Operators' Certificate
Grade I or Grade II Examination, such person shall not be required to pass any such examination under
these rules;
(b) Where, before such commencement any person was granted Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station
Licence Grade I, or any such Licence was renewed and the period for which such Licence was granted or
renewed extends beyond the commencement of these rules, then, such Licence shall continue to be in force
for the period specified in the Licence.
ANNEXURE I
CONDITIONS FOR THE CONDUCT OF
AMATEUR TELEGRAPH STATION
(See rules 5 & 10)

I. Use of the Amateur Station :

(1) The amateur station shall be used as part of self training, intercommunication and technical
investigations in radio techniques solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest :
Provided that when the station is licensed to an amateur radio society or club, or a school, college or an
institute or a University, the use of the station "shall be" confined to technical investigation and training in
radio communication techniques without pecuniary interest.
(2) The station may also be used for the purpose of receiving transmissions in the Standard Frequency
Service to facilitate operation of the station within the authorised frequency bands.
(3) Except as provided in these rules, the licensee shall not assign, under-let or otherwise dispose off or
admit any person to participate in the benefits of the licence.

II. Messages :
(1) (a) Radio communications may be exchanged with other stations similarly authorised. The amateur
stations are forbidden to communicate with amateur stations of countries whose administrations have
notified the International Telecommunication Union of their objection to such radio communications.
(b) Transmissions shall be made in plain language and limited to messages of a technical nature relating to
tests and to remarks of personal character (excluding business affairs or transactions) in which the licensee,
or the person with whom he is in communication, are directly concerned and for which, by reason of their
unimportance, recourse to the public telecommunication service is not justified.
(c) Special recordings for reproduction sinusoidal tone or tones within the audio frequency spectrum which
may be either constant or steadily changing in frequency may be used.

(2) The licensee is forbidden to transmit,-

(a) messages like the reproduction of broadcast programmes or tape recordings or transmissions of
entertainment value or music;
(b) false or misleading calls, or signals, news, advertisements, communications of business, statements on
topics of political or industrial controversy;
(c) superfluous signals or any matter which is indecent or of obscene character or of a seditious tendency or
which is grossly offensive or such as is likely to arouse racial, religious, or communal animosity;
(d) messages for pecuniary reward or any messages for, or on behalf of third parties;
(3) Notwithstanding clause (a), sub-condition (1) and clause (d), sub-condition (2) the licensees in case of
failure of normal telecommunication facilities, are permitted to handle third party messages, pertaining to
natural calamities such as earthquake, floods, cyclones and wide spread fires, originating from and
addressed to a competent civil authority namely, (a) District Magistrates or Deputy Commissioners or
Collectors of the district and (b) any other officer authorised by authorities mentioned at (a) above. The
licensee shall inform by letter addressed to the licensing authority regarding the use of his amateur station
for such purposes on each such occasions.

III. Frequencies, Emissions and Power :

The amateur station shall be operated on frequencies that are within the frequency bands authorised to
respective categories of licences under rule 13 and on such classes of emissions and power not exceeding
that specified in the said rule.

IV. Frequency Control and Measurement :

(1) The transmitting apparatus shall be tuned as accurately as possible to ensure that no energy is radiant
on any frequency outside the limits of the authorised frequency bands.
(2) The licensee shall have at the licensed amateur station a reliable frequency measuring equipment to
verify, each time the frequency of the transmitter is changed and whenever it is necessary to check the
transmitted frequency, the emissions are within the authorised frequency bands. The licensee shall take all
steps necessary to maintain the accuracy of the frequency measuring equipment.

V. Non-Interference :
(1) The amateur station shall be so designed, constructed, erected, maintained and worked as not to cause
interference with any wireless telegraph service functioning, within or without India, in accordance with the
provisions of the Convention or the wireless signaling between any fixed, land or mobile stations of Indian
Land, Naval or Air Force or between such stations and any station abroad :
Provided that in the event of interference being caused by the station the licensee shall discontinue or
restrict transmissions, pending adjustment of the equipment, on request from,-
(a) the Central Government; or (b) any land station.
(2) The licensee shall deploy all necessary means to ensure that the radiated frequency is free from
harmonics, key clicks, hum and other forms of spurious emissions.
(3) The licensee shall ensure that the transmitter is not over modulated.
(4) The use of class B emissions (damped waves) is forbidden.

VI. Log (Dairy of the radio service) :

(1) A chronological record of all transmissions emanating from or received at the amateur station shall be
kept in bound book (not loose-leaf) showing the following :
(a) Date and time of each transmission;
(b) a summary of the communications exchanged;
(c) a brief description of the experiments and tests undertaken;
(d) the callsign of station or stations with which messages have been exchanged, times and type of emission
employed in each case;
(e) time of opening and closing down the amateur station;
(f) in case of portable or mobile amateur station the particulars of temporary location.
(2) All times in the log shall be stated in the Indian Standard Time.
(3) No gaps shall be left between entries in the log and they shall be made and initalled at the time of
receiving and transmitting.
(4) In case the station is operated by a person other than the licensee (see rule 23), the licensee shall
ensure that log is signed by that person indicating his name, callsign and licence number.
(5) Licensee shall preserve the log for a period of one year from the date of last entry therein before it is
destroyed: Provided that no log shall be destroyed for such further period as the Central Government may
direct.
(6) The form of log is shown in the Table attached to these conditions.

VII. Wireless Telegraphy Apparatus :

(1) The amateur station shall be equipped for reception as well as transmission except in the case of Short
Wave Listeners Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence when it shall be equipped for the former only.
(2) The Wireless telegraphy apparatus and other accessory equipment used or intended to be used by the
licensee shall be so arranged as not to endanger the safety of licensee or other persons.
(3) The wireless telegraph apparatus shall be kept in a safe condition and housed in such manner as to
preclude access to unauthorised persons.
(4) The transmitter shall be of a type that has a frequency stability comparable to that of a crystal control.
(5) Meters of standard accuracy shall be installed to measure the D.C. power input to the anode circuit of the
final radio frequency stage of the transmitter.
(6) The aerial used or intended to be used shall be so erected, fixed, or placed as not to cross above or fall
on to any power, telegraph or telephone line.

VIII. Secrecy of Correspondence :

If any message which the licensee is not entitled to receive is, nevertheless received, the licensee shall not
make known or allow to be made known its contents, its origin or destination, its existence or the fact of its
receipt to any person (Other than duly authorised officer of the Central Government or a competent legal
tribunal) and shall not reproduce in writing, copy or make any use of such message or allow the same to be
reproduced in writing, copied or made use of.

IX. (1) General Radiotelegraph and Radiotelephone Procedure :

(1)(a) Before transmitting, the station shall take precautions to ensure that its emissions will not interfere with
transmissions already in progress. If such interference is likely the transmission shall not commence till
there is an appropriate break in the communications is progress.
(b)The callsign endorsed in the licence shall be sent for identification at the beginning and at the end of each
period of transmission. When the period of transmission exceeds 10 minutes the call sign shall be repeated.
Licensee shall not make transmission without identification or with false identification.
(c) Prolonged calls and transmissions shall be avoided.
(d) When it is necessary to spell out call sign, certain expressions, difficult words, abbreviations, figures
etc., the phonetic alphabet and figure code given in the Convention shall be used.
(2) Call and Reply Procedure
(a) The call shall consist of the call sign of the station called not more than three times;
the word DE (in case of radiotelegraphy) and the words "This is" (in case of radio telephony). the call sign of
the calling station, not more than three times.
(b) The reply to call shall consist of - the call sign of the callsing station, not more than three times ;the word
DE (in case of a radiotelegraphy)and the words "This us" (in case of radio telephony). the call sign of the
station called, not more than three times.
(c) The call may be sent three times at intervals of two minutes; thereafter it shallnot be repeated until an
interval of 10 minutes during which the operator shall listen in the frequency band is which the call has been
made.
(d) In case of general call to all stations the signal `CQ' (in case of radiotelegraphy' and the words `Hello all
stations' or the signal `CQ' (in case of radiotelephony) shall replace the call sign of the station called in the
calling procedure.
(3) End of Transmission and Work :
(a) Transmission of a message shall be terminated by the signal AR (in case of radiotelegraphy) and the
word `Over' (in case of radiotelephony).
(b)The end of work between two stations shall be indicated by each of them by means of signal VA (in case
of radiotelegraph) and by the word `OUT' (or VA spoken as Victor Alfa) in case of radiotelephony.
(4) Tests :
(a) When it is necessary to make test signals either for the adjustment of a transmitter or a receiver or for
any experiment, such signals shall not be continued for more than 30 seconds and shall be composed of
series of VVV followed by the callsign of the station emitting the test signals. In case of radiotelephony
series of VVV shall be replaces by the figures 1,2,3,4...... spoken in the figure code.
(b) For tests exceeding 30 seconds an artificial aerial shall be used.
(c) Emission of carrier wave is forbidden unless such wave is subjected to intelligible modulation.

X. Inspection :
(1) Any officer authorised by the Central Government in that behalf in writing by them, may at all reasonable
times enter the station solely or jointly with any other person or persons for the purpose of inspecting and
may inspect, examine or test any apparatus conduct of such inspections and tests and making available the
licence, the station log or other records for examination by the inspecting officer.
(2) The licensee when called upon to do so by the Central Government shall arrange to forward the licence,
the log book, or any other record or data for examination by that Government.

XI. Powers to take possession of the Amateur Station and to order interception of
messages :
(1) On the occurrence of any public emergency, or in the interest of the public safety, the Central
Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central
Government or a State Government may, if satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, take
temporary possession (for so long as the public emergency exists or the interest of the public safety requires
the taking of such action) of the Amateur Station.
(2) On the occurrence of any public emergency, or in the interest of the public safety, the Central
Government or a State Government may, if satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do in the
interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign state
or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of an offence, for reasons to be recorded in
writing, by order, direct that any message of class of messages relating to any particular subject, shall not be
transmitted or received or shall be intercepted by the station or shall be disclosed to the Government making
the order or an officer thereof mentioned in the order.
(3) The licensee shall not be entitled to any compensation in respect of the exercise of the powers conferred
by sub condition (1) and (2) or this condition.

XII. The licensee shall indemnify the Central Government against all actions, claims and
demands which may be brought or make by any person, body corporate or company in respect
any injury arising from any act licensed or permitted by the licence.

XIII. A copy of the Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules., 1978 shall be kept at
the Amateur Station.

ANNEXURE V
Authorised Frequency Bands, Power and Emission
(rule 13 Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service)Amendment rules, 2003.)

Category of Licence Frequency Bands Emission Max D.C.input power

Restricted Amateur 144-146 Mhz A3E, H3E, 10 Watts
Wireless Telegraph 434-438 Mhz @ J3E, R3E , F3E (Terrestrial Service only authorized)
Station Licence
see note (v) below
Amateur Wireless 1820-1860 * Khz A1A ,A2A,A3E 50 Watts
Telegraph Station Licence 3500-3700 * Khz H3E,J3E,R3E
Grade II 3890-3900 Khz
7000-7100 Khz
See Note (vi) 14000-14350 Khz
18068-18168 Khz&
21000-21450 Khz
24890-24990 Khz&
28000-29700 Khz

144-146 Mhz -Do- 10 Watts

434-438 Mhz@
Amateur Wireless This is In addition to A1A ,A2A,A3E 150 Watts
Telegraph Station Licence frequencies allotted to H3E,J3E,R3E
Grade I Grade II, F1B, F2B, F3E,
F3C, A3X, A3F

144-146 Mhz 25 watts for terrestrial service, Amateur

434-438 Mhz@ Satellite Service is permitted in the
1260-1300 Khz @# -Do- appropriate subbands in accordance with
3300 – 3400 Khz@ Radio Regulations and in those cases
5725-5840 @ the maximum output RF power (e.i.r.p)is
30 dbw
Amateur Wireless This is In addition to A1A ,A2A,A3E 150 Watts
Telegraph Station frequencies allotted to H3E,J3E,R3E
Advanced Grade Grade II, F1B, F2B, F3E,
F3C, A3X, A3F
See note (i) below
144-146 Mhz 50 Watts for the band
434-438 Mhz@ 144-146 Mhz and
1260-1300 Khz @# 25 watts for terrestrial service, Amateur
3300 – 3400 Khz@ Satellite Service is permitted in the
5725-5840 @ appropriate subbands in accordance with
Radio Regulations and in those cases
the maximum out RF power (e.i.r.p.)is 30
dbw

* On primary shared basis as per the relevant provisions of radio regulations.

& the authorization is on non-interference and non-protection basis.
@ On secondary basis as per the relevant provisions of radio regulations.
# 1260-1270 Mhz for Earth to Space Satellite service only. The above authorization is
subject to site clearance as per the procedure prescribed by the Standing Advisory
Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA) as applicable.
Note: (i) Following sub-bands of frequencies are authorized with enhanced RF power
to holder of Advanced Amateur Telegraph Station Licence.
3520-3540 * Khz All emissions 400 watts
7050 – 7100 Khz as authorized
14220 - 14320 Khz
3890 – 3900 Khz
14050 - 14150 Khz
21100 – 21400 Khz
II. For A3F emission, the transmission shall be restricted to call sign of the station, location and other particulars of
the amateur station. They shall be limited to point to point test transmission employing a standard interlace and
scanning with a bandwidth not more than 4 Khz.
III. DC input power is the total direct current power input to the final stage of the transmitter.
IV. In case of Short Wave Listeners Amateur Licence, the holders are permitted to listen to all the bands authorized
to amateur service.
V. The syllabus for the examination of the `Restricted Amateur Wireless Station Licence’ shall be as per Part I of
`Amateur Station Operators II’ examination.
VI. The holder of `Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station Licence, Grade II’ shall be entitled for authorization of
radio telephony emission below 30 MHz on his providing proof of having made 100 contacts with other
amateurs using the morse code.

IMPORT OF AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT BY

HAMS

IMPORTS:
Government of India, Ministry of Commerce, had placed long ago, the import of Amateur Radio
Communication Equipment by licenced Amateur Radio Operators. Under Open General Licence (O.G.L.)
Open General Licence itself a licence and all the items covered by it do not require any import licence from
the Import Licensing Authorities for their imports. These have subsequently been brought under their
imports. These have subsequently been brought under “Free Importability Clause” in the Exim Policy which
also does not require any import licence from the Import Licensing authorities, doing away with the erstwhile
term O.G.L.

Ministry of Commerce announces the Import-Export Policy, every year, applicable from 1 st April to 31st
March. The new exim policy announced on 31-03-2000 for the year 2000-2001 continues to allow these
equipments under Free Importability Clause, when imported by licensed Amateur Radio Operator.

II IMPORT (CUSTOMS) DUTY:

Government of India, Ministry of Finance announces Customs Tariff every year in the annual budget.
This indicates the amount of Customs Duty payable on the import of various Items. The duty structure
includes various segments viz., Basic Duty, Surcharge, Countervailing Duty (CVD) and Special Additional
Duty(SADD). Amateur Radio Equipment falls under S.No.852520.04 of the Indian Customs Tariff, and it
attracts a Basic Duty of 25% plus surcharge, CVD and SADD. The total of which, works out to 50.8% when
imported in the normal course.

However, the Ministry of Finance, has issued a Notification No.16 dated 01-03-2000 which is re-produced
in the Indian Customs Tariff. 2000-2001, prescribing the Basic Duty as 5% only, totally granting exemption
from CVD on Amateur Radio Equipment when imported by licensed Amateur Radio Operators, subject to
the condition No.55 of this Notification. The condition No.55 reads as:-

(a) the total C.I.F. value of the wireless apparatus, accessories and parts imported under this
notification does not exceed Seventyfive thousand rupees.

(b) the total value of the parts imported under this exemption does not exceed Rs.1000/-

(c) the importer at the time of clearance, produces a certificate from an Officer not below the rank of an
Assistant Wireless Adviser to Government of India in the Ministry of Communication to the effect
 that the wireless apparatus, accessories and parts in respect of which this exemption is claimed are
within the value limits specified above, and also recommending the grant of this exemption.

EXPLANATION:

“ Licensed amateur radio operator”, means a person duly authorized under the Indian Wireless
Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules, 1978, made under sections 4 & 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act 1985 (13
to 1885).

To obtain this exemption, licensed amateur radio operators have to submit an application in the
prescribed form, to the Assistant Wireless Adviser, WPC, New Delhi.

(i) A Photostat copy of their valid Ham Licence

(ii) A Photostat copy of proforma invoice of the foreign suppliers, from whom the equipment is to
be imported indicating the full / detailed description of the equipment and accessories, their
C.I.F.value &
(iii) A demand draft for Rs.50/- drawn in favour of P.A.O. (Hqtrs), Dept. of Telecommunications,
payable at the service branch of State Bank of India. New Delhi.

This certificate granting exemption from payment of the normal duty is often called by mistake as Import
Licence or O.G.L. which is not correct.
The Notification No.16 dated 01-03-2000 also contains a detailed list (i.e. list No.24) of Wireless
Apparatus, Accessories and parts which are covered by this exemption.

WIRELESS APPARATUS AND ACCESSORIES:

1. HF, VHF OR UHF transceiver (combination of transmitter and receiver) meant for amateur
frequencies with accessories in assembled or kit form.
2. UHF/VHF or VHF/UHF Repeater (combination of transmitter and receiver) meant for amateur
frequencies with accessories is assembled or kit form.
3. Transverter for amateur frequencies in assembled of kit form.
4. Grid Dip Oscillator, Radio Frequency Interference Filter, BalunTransformer, SWR Bridge or
reflectometer, morse reader or Noise bridge.
5. Antenna with or without feeders /Antenna rotators for amateur frequencies.
6. Digital Frequency Counter (upto 600 Mhz) with accessories.

(B) PARTS:
1. Transistors, diodes, integrated circuits /Chips, thermionic valves or vaccum tubes.
2. Torodial cores, quartz crystals, relays, rotatory switches, ferrite beads.
3. Variable condensers, air-dielectric type.
4. Precision capacitors (fixed type) valve (s) between 1PF to 5000PF.
5. Spare nicad cells or pack, as required or used with thermoinic valves or vaccum tubes or toroidal
cores (in case of hand held transceiver).
6. Slow motion tuning mechanism with or without dials.

III PAYMENT OF SURCHARGE:

Goods falling under customs tariff No.8525.20 are exempted from payment of surcharge as per the
Notification No.19 dated 01-03-2000 reproduced in the Indian Customs Tariff 2000-2001.

IV PAYMENT OF SPECIAL ADDITIONAL DUTY (SADD):

There is no exemption from payment of SADD. It is payable @ 4%. This is calculated on the value of
goods PLUS Duty Payable, which works out to 4.2% Thus the total duty payable is (5% + 4.2%) 9.2%.

It is advisable that Hams desirous of importing these equipments, accessories and parts may get the
position confirmed from the customs authorities before placing orders, to avoid any problems that may be
faced at the time of clearance, as they (customs) are the competent authorities to decide this.

Note: This notification holds good only at the time of this publishing.