The Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules, 1978 lists five licence categories:
To obtain a licence, candidates must clear the Amateur Station Operator's Certificate exam, held monthly at the four metropolitan cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai), and quarterly in other smaller towns. The exam consists of two 100-mark written sections: Radio theory and practice, Regulations; and a practical consisting of demonstration of Morse proficiency (sending and receiving).
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The Short Wave Listener's Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License is the lowest of all five licences. The licence can be obtained directly without sitting for the exam. The minimum age limit is 12 years. This licence allows a person to only listen to all the Amateur Band Frequencies. Note: Issue of this licenses has been closed from april 2010 by WPC.
The Restricted Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License is given to those who clear the written exam with minimum 40% in a section, and 50% overall. The minimum age limit is 12 years. The licence allows a user to make terrestrial radio telephony transmission in two VHF frequency bands. The maximum power allowed is 10 W.
The Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License, Grade–II is given to those who clear the written exam with minimum 40% in a section, and 50% overall, and demonstrate a proficiency in sending and receiving Morse code at 5 words per minute. The minimum age limit is 12 years. The licence allows a user to make radio telegraphy and radio telephony transmission in 11 frequency bands. The maximum power allowed is 150W. Note: As per Amendment April 2010 by wpc now this grade is equal to Restricted Grade. No morse code require.
The Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License, Grade–I is given to those who clear the written exam with minimum 50% in a section, and 55% overall, and demonstrate a proficiency in sending and receiving Morse code at 12 words per minute. The minimum age limit is 14 years. The licence allows a user to make radio telegraphy and radio telephony transmission in 14 frequency bands. The maximum power allowed is 150 W. In addition, satellite communication, facsimile, and television modes are also permitted. Note: As per new amendements of April 2010, this grade and Advance Grade is mearged as General Grade and 8 wpm morse code require.
The Advanced Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License is the highest licence category. To obtain the licence, a person must hold an Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License, Grade–I for two years, have made 40 contacts per year, and be 18 years of age. In addition, the person must clear an advanced electronics exam. The maximum power permitted is 400 W in selected sub bands. Note: As per new amendements of April 2010, this grade and Advance Grade is mearged as General Grade.