An Overview of RNI Registration in India
Planning to launch a newspaper, magazine, or periodical in India? You need an RNI (now PRGI) registration certificate under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023.
Every publication—daily, weekly, monthly, or journal—must register with the Press Registrar General of India for legal compliance before circulation.
The PRGI certificate, governed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, ensures your title is protected and your operations adhere to statutory publishing norms.
Registration Form
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What You Get:
- Personalized Expert Guidance
- Hassle-Free Documentation
- Fast & Transparent Process
- Dedicated Support Team
- Affordable & Flexible Plans
- Secure & Confidential Handling
- Timely Updates & Reminders
Free Consultation by Expert
Features That Empower You
We provide end-to-end solutions with expert support, ensuring your journey is seamless and stress-free.
Modernized Framework
Streamlined under the PRP Act, 2023, replacing the old 1867 Act to reduce bureaucratic delays.
Title Protection
Secures your publication’s title from infringement or third-party claims.
Time-Bound Processing
Automated online workflow via Press Sewa speeds up registration and title verification.
Who Needs to Register?
Ease of Doing Business
Simplified title verification and online filing improve publisher experience.
Transparency
Automated status updates and clear timelines for each step.
Foreign Publication Clarity
Defines rules for foreign title registration and ownership transfer.
Copyright Assurance
Legal protection for your content, masthead, and logo.
How To File It Online?
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your response is submitted correctly
Submit Application
Provide title details and Form 1 declaration via Press Sewa Portal.
Receive ARN
Get a 10-digit Application Reference Number for tracking.
Pay Fee
₹1,000 via Bharatkosh integrated payment gateway.
District Magistrate Review
Within 60 days, DM issues No-Objection or comments.
Download Certificate
On approval, PRGI issues your Registration Cum Membership Certificate.
Deadlines & Penalties
Avoid late fees by submitting on time
Penalty for Late Filing
- Non-submission of title verification letter: rejection.
- Incorrect Form 1 declaration: application held.
- Failure to pay fee within window: session invalidated.
- Incomplete supporting documents: processing delays.
- Bypassing press sewa portal: non-compliance penalty.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- No legal status to publish periodicals.
- Penalties under PRP Act for unregistered publishing.
- Title disputes without statutory backing.
- Ineligibility for government advertising rates.
1Requirements for Title Registration
- Full imprint: publisher, editor, printer, owner details.
- Publication address and press location.
- Issue volume, date, and page numbering.
- Clear display of title on cover and internal pages.
2Publishers Needing PRGI Certificate
- Indian newspapers and journals.
- Magazines, periodicals, weeklies, monthlies.
- Foreign publications operating in India.
- Editorial and commentary publications.
Key Benefits
- Secures legal right to publish.
- Protects title from infringement.
- Ensures transparent approval timelines.
- Opens access to government advertising rates.
- Simplifies foreign publication procedures.
Pitfalls to Avoid During Filing
Common errors that can delay your submission
Invalid Title Format
Follow naming rules.
Non-compliant titles are rejected.
Missing Imprint Details
Include all required names.
Imprint omissions delay approval.
Unpaid Fee
Complete Bharatkosh payment.
Unpaid fees void the application.
Late Submission
Apply before first issue.
Delay may block publication.
Portal Glitches
Save progress regularly.
Session timeouts lose data.
Wrong Declaration
Use correct Form 1.
Wrong form invalidates registration.
| S. No. | PRB Act, 1867 | PRP Act, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covers books & periodicals | Excludes books & academic journals |
| 2 | Manual DM approval | Online via Press Sewa Portal |
| 3 | RNI as authority | PRGI as authority |
| 4 | No appellate body | Includes appellate mechanism |
| 5 | Bureaucratic delays | Automated, time-bound process |
Streamlined Filing Process
- Application submission: immediate.1
- ARN issuance: same day.2
- DM review: up to 60 days.3
- Certificate issuance: within 5 days post-approval.4
- Registration fee: ₹1,000 via Bharatkosh.5
- No renewal required unless title changes.6
Why Trust DoStartup?
Professional services with guaranteed satisfaction
Title Verification Support
Assistance with document preparation and Form 1 drafting.
Online Filing Assistance
Guidance through each Press Sewa Portal step.
Fee Payment Facilitation
Secure payment processing via Bharatkosh.
Status Tracking
Real-time ARN-based tracking until certificate issue.
Post-Registration Compliance
Help with ownership transfer, discontinuation, and annual statements.
Government Liaison
Direct follow-up with District Magistrate and PRGI offices.
24/7 Support
Round-the-clock helpline for publishers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions