Amateur Station Operator Certificate (ASOC)

The Amateur Station Operator Certificate is issued to individuals for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by an amateur, that is, by a duly authorised person interested in radio technique, solely with a personal aim and without any pecuniary interest;

Details of Service

The Amateur Station Operator Certificate allows individuals to set up and operate personal radio stations for recreation, experimentation, or emergency communication. There are two categories of certificates granted one is General and other is restricted based on the skill level and technical expertise. HAM operators are essential for emergency communication and disaster response, providing additional communication support during crises. This certificate requires passing an examination on radio operation and regulations, ensuring that operators are knowledgeable and capable of adhering to WPC and ITU guidelines. Any person, who is citizen of India; is not less than twelve years of age; and qualifies the Amateur station operator examination conducted by DoT is eligible to obtain the certificate. The Telecommunications (Amateur Services) Rules, 2024 for more information.

Who Can Apply

The ASOC (General) or the ASOC (Restricted), as the case may be, shall be granted under sub-rule (1) of rule 6 of the Telecommunications (Amateur Services) Rules, 2024 to any person, being a citizen of India, who,- (a) is not less than twelve years of age; and (b) qualifies the examination specified under rule 5 of Telecommunications (Amateur Services) Rules, 2024 for the grant of an ASOC:

Provided that the Central Government may, subject to administrative clearance and such terms and conditions as it may specify from time to time, permit a person, not being a citizen of India, to undertake the examination under rule 5 for consideration of the grant of an ASOC, or grant him such certificate, subject to the provisions of sub-rule (2).

The Central Government may, subject to the terms and conditions and administrative clearance of the Ministry of External Affairs, permit any person, not being citizen of India, who holds a certificate issued by a competent authority of that country similar to that granted under rule 6, to apply for grant of ASO Certificate under these rules, in the form as may specified for this purpose in the portal along with a fee of one thousand rupees.

The Central Government may specify the list of countries, the certificates granted by which, may be considered for grant of ASOC