The Ministry of Civil Aviation has published the Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence Rules, 2025 on June 25, 2025 and have come into immediate effect. This marks an update to the regulatory framework governing radio communication in Indian aviation. These new rules, enacted under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, supersede previous regulations and establish a detailed process for obtaining and operating restricted radio telephone services for aircraft and aircraft earth stations.
The draft rules were initially published on February 3, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions from the public, which were duly considered before finalization.
A core principle of these rules is that no individual may operate or permit the operation of radio telephone services for any aircraft station or aircraft earth station on allocated aeronautical frequencies without holding a valid Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence issued or recognized by the Central Government. The Central Government will serve as the sole authority for granting or extending these certificates and licenses.
Key Provisions of the New Rules
Eligibility for Examination for Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence
Applicants must be at least 16 years old on the date of application and have passed Class X or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board. Non-Indian citizens require a security clearance from the Government of India.
The examination comprises a written test and a practical test. Passing the written examination is a prerequisite for appearing in the practical test:
- Written Exam Syllabus: Covers aviation regulations and procedures, radio principles and practice, and radio telephony, as specified by the Director General.
- Practical Exam: A simulated test of radio telephony, requiring proficiency in using phonetic alphabets, general radio-telephone procedures, preparing messages, exchanging traffic, handling priorities, obtaining meteorological information, and reporting distress/urgency.
Examination Exemptions
Certain qualified individuals may be exempted from the written examination, including:
- Qualified pilots from the Indian Air Force, Navy, Army, or Coast Guard with specified flying experience and competency.
- Holders of valid Radio Telephone Operator’s (Restricted) Certificates and Licences issued under the older Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Commercial Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency and Licence to Operate Wireless Telegraphy) Rules 1954.
- Holders of valid Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licences or equivalent from Commonwealth countries or the Philippines.
Fees
- Written Examination: ₹2,000 per examination.
- Practical Examination: ₹500 per examination.
- Issuance of Certificate and Licence: ₹5,000.
- Duplicate Certificate and Licence: ₹500.
- All fees are payable electronically.
The certificate and licence will generally remain valid until the holder reaches 80 years of age, with provisions for extensions beyond this age subject to specific requirements. Existing valid certificates issued under previous rules will continue until their expiry, with a pathway for holders to obtain the new certificate by passing the practical examination.
Holders are authorized to operate mobile stations, including radiotelephone services of aircraft stations on maritime mobile service frequencies (with specific power limits) and aeronautical mobile service frequencies (requiring only simple external switching devices for transmitter operation).
The rules also outline procedures for the production of certificates for inspection, issuance of duplicates, disqualification for misconduct (e.g., suppression of information, tampering), and cancellation or suspension for contraventions, fraud, or public interest reasons. An appeal process is available for aggrieved persons.
Breaching the rule regarding unauthorized operation of radio telephone apparatus (Rule 3) can result in a fine of up to one crore rupees. Such offenses may be compounded by the Director General for an amount of one lakh rupees.
These comprehensive rules aim to standardize and regulate the competency of aviation personnel involved in radio communications, contributing to safer and more efficient air operations across India.
