🆔 Indian Amateur Radio Callsign System
Understanding the Indian VU callsign allocation system, license grades, and recent format changes introduced in May 2025.
📋 Basic Format Structure
Prefix + License Grade Number + Individual Letters
Prefix
India's ITU allocation
Grade Number
License class indicator
Suffix
Individual identifier
🏆 License Grades & Privileges
General Grade (VU2xxx)
Frequency Privileges
- • All amateur bands (HF, VHF, UHF, SHF)
- • 160m to 2.4 GHz and above
- • Full band segment access
- • DX and contest operation
Operating Modes
- • All modes: CW, SSB, FM, Digital
- • Maximum power allowed by band plan
- • Repeater operation permitted
- • Beacon and auxiliary station operation
Examples: VU2ABC, VU2XYZ, VU22DX (new format), VU22AB (new format)
Restricted Grade (VU3xxx)
Frequency Privileges
- • Limited VHF/UHF bands
- • 144-148 MHz (2 meters)
- • 420-450 MHz (70 cm)
- • Some microwave bands
Operating Modes
- • All modes on permitted bands
- • Limited power output
- • Local/regional communication focus
- • Repeater access permitted
Examples: VU3ABC, VU3XYZ, VU33DX (new format), VU33AB (new format)
🏝️ Special Territory Allocations
VU4xxx
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- • Unique territorial allocation
- • Both General and Restricted grades
- • Examples: VU4ABC, VU4XYZ
VU7xxx
Lakshadweep Islands
- • Unique territorial allocation
- • Both General and Restricted grades
- • Examples: VU7ABC, VU7XYZ
🆕 New Format (May 2025 onwards)
Format Changes
- • Two-digit grade numbers (22, 33)
- • Two-letter suffix (instead of 2-3 letters)
- • Ensures sufficient unique callsigns
- • Maintains license grade indication
Examples
Note: Both old and new formats are valid. Existing licensees keep their current callsigns.
Common Misconceptions
❌ INCORRECT: "VU2 is for Northern India, VU3 is for Southern India"
✅ CORRECT: "VU2 is General Grade license, VU3 is Restricted Grade license"
Callsign allocation is based on license grade and examination performance, not geographical location within India.
📡 SSID (Secondary Station Identifier)
What is SSID?
SSID allows multiple stations or operating modes under one callsign. Format: CALLSIGN-NUMBER
- • Range: -1 to -15
- • No SSID = -0 (implied)
- • Used for different stations/modes