1. What is a SIM Card?
SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small smart card that stores the subscriber’s information. It connects your mobile phone to the cellular network and enables
- Making & receiving calls
- Sending SMS
- Accessing mobile internet
- Using services like UPI, Aadhaar OTP, etc.
2. Types of SIM Cards in India
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Mini SIM | Old format, rarely used now |
| Micro SIM | Mid-sized, found in older smartphones |
| Nano SIM | Most common in modern smartphones |
| eSIM | Embedded SIM – no physical card, works digitally |
3. Top SIM Card Providers in India (2025)
| Provider | Network Type | Popular Services |
|---|---|---|
| Jio | 4G, 5G | Cheapest data plans, Jio Fiber, JioTV |
| Airtel | 4G, 5G | Airtel Xstream, banking, broadband |
| Vi (Vodafone Idea) | 4G | Combo offers, data rollover |
| BSNL/MTNL | 3G/4G | Government-run, rural coverage |
4. Documents Required to Get a SIM in India
As per TRAI and DoT (Department of Telecom) guidelines:
Indian Citizens:
- ✅ Aadhaar Card (biometric eKYC)
- OR
- ✅ Any one of the following:
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Address Proof (Electricity bill, Rental agreement, etc.)
Foreigners:
- Valid Passport and Visa
- Local Address Proof
- Passport size photo
5. SIM Card Activation Process (2025)
- 📍 Visit the nearest SIM store (Jio, Airtel, Vi, etc.)
- 🧾 Fill out the Customer Application Form (CAF)
- 📸 Provide ID proof and biometric verification (for Aadhaar users)
- 🔁 Receive SIM
- ⏱️ Activation Time:
- Aadhaar eKYC: Within 15 minutes
- Manual: Up to 24 hours
6. Types of Mobile Plans Available
| Plan Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Prepaid | Pay in advance. Validity-based recharge (e.g., ₹199 for 28 days) |
| Postpaid | Pay after usage, monthly bills, family packs |
| Data SIM | Only for internet use – dongles, tablets |
| eSIM | Digital SIMs for premium smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel) |
7. eSIM in India
eSIM is now supported by:
- Jio
- Airtel
- Vi
✔️ Supported in latest Apple, Samsung, Google devices
✔️ eSIMs are safer, no need to swap physical SIMs
8. SIM Card Regulations in India
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ensures:
- Maximum of 9 SIMs per person
- KYC is mandatory for every SIM purchase
- SIMs with no activity for 90 days may be deactivated
- Use of fake documents is punishable under law
9. SIM Porting (MNP – Mobile Number Portability)
You can change your mobile operator without changing your number.
Process:
- SMS:
PORT <YourNumber>to 1900 - Receive UPC (Unique Porting Code)
- Visit new operator’s store with UPC & ID
- Porting completed in 3-5 working days
10. Dual SIM Phones in India
Most Indian smartphones are dual SIM compatible, supporting:
- 2 active SIMs
- Ability to use 1 for calls and 1 for data
- Easy switching between networks
11. Common SIM Services Offered
- 🔁 Call forwarding / waiting / barring
- 📩 Voicemail setup
- 📱 SIM Toolkit for value-added services
- 🔐 SIM PIN security
- 🆘 Emergency calls without balance
12. Lost or Damaged SIM?
- Visit your operator’s store
- Provide ID proof
- Request SIM replacement
- You’ll receive a duplicate SIM with the same number
⏳ Time: ~30 mins to 4 hours
13. International Roaming & SIM Use
Indian SIMs can work globally if International Roaming is activated.
- Expensive by default
- Ideal for short-term travel
- Alternatives: Buy a local SIM abroad or use international eSIMs
14. Buying SIM Cards for Tourists in India
Foreign nationals can buy prepaid SIMs at:
- Airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru)
- Authorized telecom stores
- Need passport, visa, photo, and Indian address
BSNL and Airtel offer tourist SIM packs with data, calls, and SMS.
15. How to Check SIM Owner Details?
Only the telecom operator has this data legally. However, you can:
- Visit the store with the number
- Use TRAI’s TAFCOP Portal: https://tafcop.dgtelecom.gov.in/
(To check how many numbers are linked to your Aadhaar)
16. Popular SIM Plans (2025)
| Operator | Plan | Validity | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | ₹239 | 28 days | 1.5GB/day + unlimited calls |
| Airtel | ₹299 | 28 days | 2GB/day, SMS, OTT |
| Vi | ₹299 | 28 days | 2GB/day + weekend data rollover |
| BSNL | ₹199 | 30 days | 2GB/day + free 100 SMS/day |
Use official apps (MyJio, Airtel Thanks, Vi app, etc.) to recharge.
17. SIM Fraud & Precautions
Beware of:
- SIM Swap Fraud: Fraudsters get a duplicate SIM and steal OTPs
- Fake Calls: Claiming to update KYC
- Cloned SIMs: Using your mobile number illegally
Prevention Tips:
- Never share OTPs
- Don’t click suspicious links
- Don’t respond to unknown KYC calls
18. Telecom Helpline Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| TRAI Complaint | 198 |
| Jio Customer Care | 199 |
| Airtel Customer Care | 121 |
| Vi Customer Care | 199 |
| BSNL Helpline | 1503 |
19. Useful SIM Apps in India
- MyJio – Jio management
- Airtel Thanks – Airtel SIM, broadband, bank, recharge
- Vi App – Vi plan management
- BSNL Selfcare – Recharge & complaint
- TRAI DND App – Block spam SMS/calls
20. SIM for IoT, Smart Devices
Special M2M (Machine to Machine) SIMs are used for:
- GPS trackers
- Smart meters
- Security cameras
- IoT devices (used in agriculture, health, transport)
These require special activation & data plans.
Conclusion
India’s SIM card ecosystem is highly regulated, competitive, and customer-friendly. Whether you’re a resident, traveler, student, or entrepreneur, SIM cards are easy to acquire and use with proper documentation.
