The announcement of the deal, which has been expected for several months, has been delayed by protracted contract negotiations.

But several senior members of BBC's sports staff have been visiting the Indian capital in recent weeks to get ready to cover the event.

The event, which is due to open on October 3 and last until October 14, will be available on television, radio, on-line, iPlayer, mobile and other new media outlets across the UK.

"We're delighted to have exclusive rights for the UK," said BBC Sport's head of major events Dave Gordon.

"The Games mark another step for athletes across the world as they prepare for the 2012 Olympics.

"We have a rich history of covering the Commonwealth Games and are looking forward to bringing the best of the action to the UK public."

With a total of 17 sports, the Commonwealth Games are considered the third largest multi-sport event in the world, behind the Olympic Games and the Asian Games.

Much of the build-up to the event has been overshadowed by security concerns, with England forced to deny rumours that they would pull out.

A BBC spokesman insisted that full precautions would be taken to protect the staff covering the event in Delhi.

"We never discuss our security plans in advance, but we will naturally be taking all necessary steps, as we always do, to ensure the safety of all members of the BBC team," said the spokesman.