Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Amateur Radio or HAM Radio?
Amateur (HAM) Radio is both a Hobby activity and Service. It is an activity of
self-learning, inter-communication & technical investigation carried on the duly
authorized persons (i.e. Amateur Radio Operators) for a personal aim and without
pecuniary interest.
2. What does HAM RADIO stand for?
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the Radio Frequency
Spectrum for the purposes of non-commercial exchange of
messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, Radio Sport,
contesting, and emergency communications.
The term "amateur" is used to specify "a duly authorized person interested in
radioelectric practice with a purely personal aim and without pecuniary interest”
3. Who can become a HAM?
Any citizen of India who is above 12 years of age can become a ham by qualifying
the Amateur Station Operators Licence examination and obtaining a valid license.
4. How to become a HAM?
Any individual above the age of 12 can became a ham in India after qualifying in
Amateur Station Operators Certificate examination.
The Officer-In-Charge, Wireless Monitoring Station, Dept. of Telecommunication
under Ministry of Communication, Govt. of India is the authority for conducting the
examination in their own town provided there are sufficient number of applicants.
5. Can I apply for the examination if I am below 18 years?
Any individual above the age of 12 can became a ham in India after qualifying in
Amateur Station Operators Certificate examination.
The Officer-In-Charge, Wireless Monitoring Station, Dept. of Telecommunication
under Ministry of Communication, Govt. of India is the authority for conducting the
examination in their own town provided there are sufficient number of applicants.
6. How many types of Exams are there?
There are 2 grades of licences:
1. Restricted Grade - Permitting use of Medium power.
2. General Grade - Permitting use of Higher power, more type of Frequency Emission modulation types and more Frequencies in Frequency Spectrum.
1. Restricted Grade - Permitting use of Medium power.
2. General Grade - Permitting use of Higher power, more type of Frequency Emission modulation types and more Frequencies in Frequency Spectrum.
7. What is the Pattern and Duration of the Time of the Examination?
The syllabus consists of two parts. Part 1 consists of Written Test with Two
Sections.
Section A: Basic Electronics and Communication Procedure and
Section B: Radio Regulations.
The exam is objective type. The Restricted Grade examination consists of 25 Questions each in Section A and Section B and is for one hour.
The General Grade Examination consists of 50 Questions each in Section A and Section B and is for two hours. The General Grade candidates will have to additionally undertake an examination as Part B. It is sending Morse code by Morse key and Reception of Morse Code (8 Words per Minute). For detailed syllabus, please refer to the circulars in our web portal or www.saralsanchar.gov.in. To qualify in General Grade, one must qualify in Morse Code at 8 words per minute. It takes just a few weeks training to become eligible for the examination. Basic knowledge can be obtained by purchasing study manuals, books on Morse Code from RIRCOM. There are many ways to go about preparing for and taking your ham radio license test. Self-study - Collect the study material and try to learn it yourself. now a days, lot of information is available on internet. Local clubs - For those that like a structured approach, many clubs organize classes to prepare people for their ham radio license test.
Section A: Basic Electronics and Communication Procedure and
Section B: Radio Regulations.
The exam is objective type. The Restricted Grade examination consists of 25 Questions each in Section A and Section B and is for one hour.
The General Grade Examination consists of 50 Questions each in Section A and Section B and is for two hours. The General Grade candidates will have to additionally undertake an examination as Part B. It is sending Morse code by Morse key and Reception of Morse Code (8 Words per Minute). For detailed syllabus, please refer to the circulars in our web portal or www.saralsanchar.gov.in. To qualify in General Grade, one must qualify in Morse Code at 8 words per minute. It takes just a few weeks training to become eligible for the examination. Basic knowledge can be obtained by purchasing study manuals, books on Morse Code from RIRCOM. There are many ways to go about preparing for and taking your ham radio license test. Self-study - Collect the study material and try to learn it yourself. now a days, lot of information is available on internet. Local clubs - For those that like a structured approach, many clubs organize classes to prepare people for their ham radio license test.
8. How many types of licenses are there?
1. ASOC Restricted License - Permitting use of Medium power.
2. ASOC General License - Permitting use of Higher power & more type of Frequency Emission modulations and more Frequencies in Frequency Spectrum.
2. ASOC General License - Permitting use of Higher power & more type of Frequency Emission modulations and more Frequencies in Frequency Spectrum.
9. How many marks are needed to pass the examination?
The maximum marks will be 100 and candidate must secure at least 40 % in each
section in aggregate for a pass. In addition, a candidate shall have to pass both Morse
Reception and Sending simultaneously.
10. How much the exam fee?
The exam fee is ₹100 per grade.
11. Who conducts the exam and issue the License?
The WPC (Wireless Planning and Coordination) Wing, The Department of
Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications, Government of India will conduct the
Examinations and issue the License.
12. Can I apply for both GENERAL and RESTRICTED?
Yes. A candidate can apply for both General and Restricted categories. If a
candidate passes in Section A and B, he/she will be issued a GENERAL Licence. If a
candidate passes only in Section A of the examination, he/she will be issued a
RESTRICTED Licence.
13. Can I take the General Grade examination after passing Restricted Grade?
Yes. You will need to apply again for General Grade after the completion of the
Restricted Grade examination.
14. Are there any exemptions from the exam?
Candidates having the following Qualifications are exempted from appearing in
Section A of the Examination
i) B. Tech/ BE Degree in Electronics or Telecommunication
ii) B.Sc./ M.Sc. with Electronics or Telecommunication
iii) Diploma in Engineering with Electronics or Telecommunication
i) B. Tech/ BE Degree in Electronics or Telecommunication
ii) B.Sc./ M.Sc. with Electronics or Telecommunication
iii) Diploma in Engineering with Electronics or Telecommunication
15. When will the examination be conducted?
The Date, Venue and Time of the examination will be intimated directly to the
candidate by the respective Monitoring Station by SMS and E Mail. The examination will
be conducted as and when there are sufficient number of candidates.
16. Where will be the Examination conducted?
Examination may be conducted at any of the Wireless Monitoring Stations and
International Monitoring Stations in India.
17. What if I reside in another city in which no monitoring station is situated?
For examination venues in cities other than where Wireless Monitoring Stations/
International Monitoring Stations are situated, there should be a minimum of 20
candidates and the centre should be either a School/University/Education Centre/Amateur
Radio Society or Club. The application may be submitted to the nearest monitoring
station.
18. What documents do I need to carry for the examination?
The Admit Card (which is downloaded by Log in in Saral Sanchar portal using your
User Id and Password) is to be produced for verification at the time of the test.
At least one original valid Photo Identification Card (such as Aadhaar Card, Driving
Licence, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID,) should also be presented.
Date of Birth Proof, Address proof, Proof for Exemption in Part A and Undertaking
certificate (For students between ages 12 and 18) may also be produced to the examiner
for verification.
19.How do I check the status of application?
The status of the application can be checked on the Saral Sanchar portal.
20. Does WPC provide any training?
No, WPC does not provide any training for the examination
21. What should I do after passing the examination?
After passing the examination, you may apply for Amateur Wireless Telegraph
Station Licence/ Certificate on the Saral Sanchar Portal.
22. Can I choose my own call sign?
You can give a choice of 3 callsigns. Based on availability, a callsign would be
assigned.
23. How much the licence fee?
A licence fee as below is payable after passing the examination
ASOC Licence – GENERAL for 20 Years ₹ 1000 for Life Long (up to 80 years) ₹ 2000
ASOC Licence – RESTRICTED for 20 Years ₹ 1000 for Life Long (up to 80 years) ₹ 2000
ASOC Licence – GENERAL for 20 Years ₹ 1000 for Life Long (up to 80 years) ₹ 2000
ASOC Licence – RESTRICTED for 20 Years ₹ 1000 for Life Long (up to 80 years) ₹ 2000
24. Do I need to inform WPC for a permanent change of address?
Yes, you need to intimate WPC when there is a permanent change of location. You can apply on the Saral Sanchar portal when there is a permanent change of location and pay the requisite fee of ₹1000/- for re-issue of the licence.
25. Can I get a duplicate copy of the licence?
Yes. In case of loss/damage of original licence, you can apply for a Duplicate copy of licence on the Saral Sanchar Portal and pay the requisite fee of ₹1000/-.
26. How can I get a special call sign?
(1) A special call sign for a specific event may be assigned to ASOC holders and to the amateur societies constituted under rule 12, on receipt of an application in such form as may be specified for this purpose, and payment of fees of two hundred rupees.
(2) A special call sign assigned under sub-rule (1) shall be valid up to ninety calendar days or until the duration of the event, whichever is earlier. The following documents may be submitted to WPC Wing for the issue of special call sign through on line.
a) Application b) Individual Consent c) Copy of valid Amateur License
(2) A special call sign assigned under sub-rule (1) shall be valid up to ninety calendar days or until the duration of the event, whichever is earlier. The following documents may be submitted to WPC Wing for the issue of special call sign through on line.
a) Application b) Individual Consent c) Copy of valid Amateur License
27. What is the period of validity for the license?
20 Years or Life time up to the Age 80 years. Validity of lifetime certificate may be extended for ten years at a time, without any additional fees, upon specific request made by the ASOC holder in the form specified for this purpose.
28. I am a foreign national, can I get amateur radio license in India?
Yes, An ASOC may be granted, on a reciprocal basis, to eligible foreign nationals subject to requisite clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India based on an application submitted in the form as may be specified for this purpose, along with a fee of one thousand rupees. The application form in the prescribed format in the Saral Sanchar portal is available.
29. Who is authorised for Inspection of our Station?
(1) Any officer authorised by the Central Government in writing, to carry out an inspection, may inspect, examine, or test any apparatus, and making available the certificate, the station log or other records for examination by the inspecting officer.
(2) The ASOC holder when called upon to do so by the Central Government shall arrange to forward the certificate, the log book, or any other record or data for examination by the Central Government.
(2) The ASOC holder when called upon to do so by the Central Government shall arrange to forward the certificate, the log book, or any other record or data for examination by the Central Government.
30. Inspection of records and calling for information
It shall be the duty of every ASOC holder to produce for inspection, records as well as amateur radio equipment, and to give any other information in connection therewith as may be required by the Central Government.
31. By which Act, these rules are Digital implementation?
The Central Government, in furtherance of section 53 of the Act, may notify a portal for the digital implementation of these rules, including for submission of applications, publication of syllabus, place, manner, date and time of examination, declaration of results of examinations, and grant of ASOC and other permissions as specified under these rules.
32. Can I get refund of my fees?
No compensation or refund of fees shall be applicable as a result of any suspension or cancellation of the ASOC for any reason whatsoever, or for any modification, variation, cancellation or revocation of terms and conditions of the ASOC.
33. Shall I Transfer or surrender of my amateur station operator’s certificate?
(1) The ASOC shall be non-transferable.
(2) The ASOC holder shall be permitted to surrender such ASOC at any point of time, provided however that no refund of fees shall be granted for such surrender.
(2) The ASOC holder shall be permitted to surrender such ASOC at any point of time, provided however that no refund of fees shall be granted for such surrender.
34. How to pay the examination and License fee?
The prescribed license fee is to be paid through Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP) available on webpage http://bharatkosh.gov.in under the following accounts heads:
a. Purpose head: “Amateur Exam conducted by Wireless Monitoring Stations and RHQs
b. Payment type: “Exam fee”
c. Function head: “127500103050100 - Proficiency Certificate”
d. PAO and DDO details are as under: -
a. Purpose head: “Amateur Exam conducted by Wireless Monitoring Stations and RHQs
b. Payment type: “Exam fee”
c. Function head: “127500103050100 - Proficiency Certificate”
d. PAO and DDO details are as under: -
