What is India’s new Cell Broadcast System? Everything you need to know

As part of the drill, citizens may receive an emergency alert notification on their mobile phones, which could be accompanied by a loud sound or vibration. Officials have urged people not to panic as it does not indicate a real emergency. File | This is part of the Government of India’s initiative to establish its own dedicated alert system to safeguard its citizens during national calamities. The test covers Delhi NCR and the capital cities of all States and Union Territories, excluding border areas and poll-bound States.During the exercise, citizens may receive an emergency alert notification on their mobile phones, which could be accompanied by a loud sound or vibration. Officials clarified that the alert is only a test message intended to assess the effectiveness of the system and does not indicate any real emergency. Published - May 02, 2026 12:56 pm IST