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Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a hobby that allows individuals to communicate with other ham radio operators from around the world using waves of fixed frequency. Ham radio can be used for entertainment, experimentation, study, and even in emergency situations. The name "ham" was derived from the initials of Hertz, Armstrong, and Marconi, who were instrumental in the development of wireless communication technology. A ham radio station typically consists of a small transceiver that includes both a transmitter and a receiver. Messages are transmitted and received using this system, which is also referred to as a wireless set or transceiver.
Procedures for licensing

To become a ham radio operator in India, one must be an Indian citizen above the age of 12 and pass an exam, for which educational qualifications are not mandatory. The exam and license application process can now be completed online via https://saralsanchar.gov.in/. The Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), a division of the Ministry of Communications, is responsible for issuing ham radio licenses in India. Two types of licenses are available: General Grade and Restricted Grade. The latter requires passing a relatively easy exam covering three subjects, including radio theory and practice, amateur radio regulations, communication methods, and elementary electronics. Morse code proficiency is not necessary for a Restricted Grade license. A minimum of 40% marks must be obtained in each subject, 50% in total for all subjects, and 50% in each subject and 60% overall for a higher-grade license. After passing the exam, the license fee must be paid, and police and Intelligence Bureau verifications are required before being able to use the wireless set. In Kerala, the ham radio exam is administered by the monitoring station in Thiruvananthapuram, a division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

What are the eligibility criteria for becoming a ham radio operator?
Individuals above the age of 12 years can become ham radio operators by passing an exam.
Is it mandatory to obtain a license, and who issues it?
Yes, a license is required to operate a ham radio. The Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) under the Ministry of Communications in India is responsible for issuing licenses.
How is the exam for a ham radio license conducted, and what are the subjects covered?
The exam for a ham radio license in India has two types of licenses, namely General Grade and Restricted Grade. The exam consists of 100 marks and covers subjects such as Radio Theory and Practice, Radio Regulations, Morse Code, and Basic Electronics.
Can one use a wireless set after passing the exam?
No, after passing the exam, one needs to wait to pay the prescribed license fee. After the police, Intelligence Bureau verifications, and receiving the license by post, one can begin using the wireless set.
Who can one communicate with using a ham radio?
There are over 38,000 licensed ham radio operators in India, and according to a survey conducted a decade ago, there are over five million operators worldwide. Ham radio can be used to communicate with any of them at no cost.
How can you talk to someone far away with a wireless set that only has a five-kilometre range?
Contrary to popular belief, ham radios can communicate over long distances using HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies. Each frequency has different bands, and by using HF, a ham radio operator can communicate with people all over the world, including scientists on the International Space Station.
Can you use a ham radio while walking around?
No, ham radios can only be legally used at the address where the license was issued. However, special licenses can be obtained for experiments, events organized by ham radio operators, and during natural disasters. It is not allowed to use them in vehicles.
In a world where mobile phones are ubiquitous, why is ham radio still relevant?
For many people, ham radio is a hobby that offers the opportunity to make friends and engage in electronic experimentation. It was the original social media platform.
What are the benefits of using a ham radio?
The primary benefit is the opportunity to make friends around the world, regardless of location or background. Ham radio has a diverse community that includes everyone from farmers and auto drivers to NASA scientists and world leaders. Everyone is treated as equals, without fake accounts or social media hierarchies.
How much does it cost to become a licensed ham radio operator?
The exam fee is Rs.100, and the license fee is Rs.2,000 for a 20-year license or Rs.4,000 for a lifetime license. Some fraudulent operators in Kerala may charge exorbitant fees for exam preparation, so it's important to be cautious. Ham radio equipment can be purchased for as little as Rs.1,000 or as much as lakhs of rupees, and other ham radio operators can offer assistance in selecting and using the equipment.
What are the consequences of using a ham radio without a license?
Wireless Monitoring Stations monitor all wireless transmissions, and unauthorized use of ham radios can result in serious consequences, including sedition charges.

Additional information about ham radio operators includes their social commitment, with examples of their essential contributions during times of crises such as providing communication links and aid supplies. Notably, ham radio operators have helped in the aftermath of the tsunami in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Nepal earthquake, the Chennai disaster, and the Kollam cyclone. They have also assisted the army in leaking LTTE messages after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and supported the election commission in Edamalakudi's tribal panchayat.
Furthermore, famous ham radio operators include Yuri Gagarin, Kalpana Chawla, King Hussein of Jordan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Sonia Gandhi, and Mammootty. The post concludes by encouraging others to become ham radio operators and benefit from its unique social media-like community.

An article by Mujeebullah Kaindar
Translated by Deena Hateek
CIGI Career Team