Amateur Radio in India

Amateur radio, commonly known as ham radio, is a non-commercial service that allows licensed individuals to experiment with radio communication, exchange messages, and promote technical learning and emergency communication support. In India, amateur radio has played a significant role in technological innovation, disaster response, and international goodwill. The service operates under the supervision and regulation of the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) of the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.

Historical Background

Amateur radio in India dates back to the early 20th century, with enthusiasts experimenting with wireless communication soon after radio technology emerged globally. The first recorded amateur radio activity in India took place in the 1920s, when British and Indian operators began setting up small radio stations using homemade transmitters.
The hobby grew steadily during the colonial era and gained official recognition with the formation of the Indian Radio Club in 1928 in Calcutta (now Kolkata). During World War II, amateur operations were suspended due to security restrictions, but they resumed after India gained independence in 1947.
The Amateur Radio Society of India (ARSI), established in 1954, became the national organisation representing Indian amateur operators internationally, affiliated with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).

Licensing and Regulation

Amateur radio operation in India requires a government-issued amateur station operator licence, granted under the Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules, 1978, which are framed under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
The licensing authority, the WPC Wing under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), regulates frequency allocation, equipment standards, and operational guidelines.
The main types of licences issued in India include:

1. Restricted Grade Licence (now merged categories) – allowing operation with limited power and frequencies, suitable for beginners.
2. General Grade Licence – allowing operation on a wider range of bands and higher transmission power.

Applicants must pass the Amateur Station Operator’s Certificate (ASOC) examination, which tests knowledge in the following areas:

• Radio theory and communication techniques.
• Operating procedures and amateur radio ethics.
• Electronics and transceiver fundamentals.
• National and international radio regulations.

After passing the examination and verification of identity, the applicant is issued a call sign, beginning with prefixes such as VU2, VU3, or VU4, indicating the operator’s region and licence grade.

Frequency Bands and Operation

Amateur radio operators in India are authorised to use specific frequency bands across the high frequency (HF), very high frequency (VHF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF) ranges. Commonly allocated bands include:

• 160 m band (1.8–2.0 MHz)
• 80 m band (3.5–3.9 MHz)
• 40 m band (7.0–7.2 MHz)
• 20 m band (14.0–14.35 MHz)
• 15 m band (21.0–21.45 MHz)
• 10 m band (28.0–29.7 MHz)
• 2 m VHF band (144–146 MHz)
• 70 cm UHF band (430–440 MHz)

Operators engage in communication using voice (AM, FM, SSB), Morse code (CW), digital modes (such as PSK31, FT8, and RTTY), and satellite communication via amateur satellites.

Amateur Radio Organisations and Community

The Amateur Radio Society of India (ARSI) functions as the national representative body for amateur radio operators, promoting the hobby, coordinating contests, and representing India in international forums. In addition, numerous local clubs and societies exist across major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
These organisations conduct:

• Training programmes and workshops for new operators.
• Contests and field events to enhance technical skills.
• Public demonstrations to promote awareness of radio technology.
• Emergency communication exercises to support disaster management efforts.

Role in Disaster Communication

Amateur radio has consistently demonstrated its value in emergency and disaster communication, especially in areas where conventional systems fail. Operators have provided vital support during natural calamities, including:

• 1962 India-China War – hams assisted in transmitting messages across conflict zones.
• 1993 Latur Earthquake (Maharashtra) – ham operators provided emergency links between affected regions and authorities.
• 1999 Orissa Super Cyclone – amateur radio networks helped coordinate relief operations when telecommunication infrastructure collapsed.
• 2001 Gujarat Earthquake – hams played a key role in connecting remote villages with disaster management agencies.
• 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami – amateur operators re-established communication lines in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

These contributions underline amateur radio’s importance as a reliable backup communication system in times of crisis.

Technological and Educational Importance

Beyond emergency communication, amateur radio serves as an educational platform for learning about:

• Radio wave propagation and antenna design.
• Electronics, microcontrollers, and satellite tracking.
• Digital communication technologies.
• Experimentation with new modes and equipment design.

It has inspired careers in engineering, telecommunications, and space science. Indian amateur operators have also contributed to amateur satellite projects and research in wireless communication.

Modern Developments

In recent years, technological advancements have transformed amateur radio in India:

• Growth of digital communication modes such as FT8 and DMR.
• Integration of Internet-linked repeaters using systems like EchoLink and AllStarLink.
• Participation in high-altitude balloon experiments and amateur satellite missions.
• Increased involvement of youth through academic and STEM outreach programmes.

Licensing procedures have also been streamlined, with examinations now conducted by regional monitoring stations and results processed electronically.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its significance, amateur radio in India faces challenges such as:

• Declining public awareness and participation.
• Lengthy licensing procedures and bureaucratic hurdles.
• Limited frequency allocations compared to other countries.