In India, there are more than 16,000 licenced users who participate in amateur radio, also

known as ham radio.[1] The Wireless and Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC), a division of
the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, is responsible for issuing licences.
The WPC also distributes frequency spectrum in India. Five licence categories are listed in the
Indian Wireless Telegraphs (Amateur Service) Rules, 1978:[2]

Candidates must pass the WPC's Amateur Station Operator's Certificate test in order to be
granted a licence.[3] The test consists of two 50-mark written sections on radio theory and
practise and regulations as well as a practical test that requires sending and receiving in Morse
code.[4] The applicant must succeed in a police interview after passing the test. The WPC issues
the licence following clearance.