India’s new SIM card rules require telecom operators to stop issuing connections to customers who have reached the permitted limit of nine mobile numbers, or six in J&K, Assam and the North-East. Operators will initially conduct post-facto checks before shifting to real-time verification by November 30, 2026, with DoT using the Digital Intelligence Platform.

New Delhi: New SIM card rules came into effect in India from Monday, and telecom companies have been instructed to stop issuing mobile connections to people who have already reached the permitted limit.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom operators to identify customers who already hold the maximum number of SIM cards allowed in their name and inform them that a new connection cannot be issued.

Initially, the system will operate on a post‑facto basis, wherein operators can carry out the verification after a new connection has been enrolled and immediately suspend any connection that exceeds the limit.

However, telecom companies have been directed to move to real‑time checks by November 30, 2026.