Indian telecom operators must now refuse new mobile connections to subscribers who have reached the maximum allowed number of SIM cards [3].
The measure aims to curb the misuse of multiple SIM cards to reduce security risks and fraud across the country. The Department of Telecommunications directed the change to tighten oversight on how many active lines a single individual can maintain [1].
Under the rules effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2026 [2], the limit on the number of SIM cards a person can hold is nine nationwide [1]. This total is calculated across all telecom operators combined, meaning a user cannot bypass the limit by switching providers.
Certain regions face stricter limitations due to specific security requirements. In Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the North-East region, the maximum number of allowed SIM cards per person is six [1].
Telecom operators are required to verify the number of existing connections linked to a subscriber's identity before issuing a new card. If the subscriber has already hit the threshold of six or nine, depending on their location, the operator must deny the request [1], [2].
Users who currently hold more than the allowed number of SIMs may find themselves unable to acquire new lines until they deactivate existing ones. The directive ensures that the limit is enforced strictly across the industry to prevent the proliferation of anonymous or fraudulent accounts [1].
“The limit applies across all operators combined.”
This policy represents a shift toward stricter digital identity management in India. By capping SIM ownership, the government intends to limit the ability of bad actors to create large networks of disposable numbers often used in phishing scams and other cybercrimes. The regional discrepancy in limits highlights the government's continued focus on heightened security in sensitive border and conflict-prone areas.
