India’s film-certification rules got their biggest update in decades. The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 bring online applications, faster timelines, perpetual certificate validity, finer age categories and accessibility features — modernising how films are certified.
Background
By notification dated 15 March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduced the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, replacing the 1983 Rules — aiming for clarity and coherence in certification, aligned with contemporary standards.
Key changes
Greater representation for women. The new Rules mandate that at least one-third of Board members be women, and encourage up to half — fostering gender equality.
A streamlined, digital process. Applications to certify a film for public exhibition, and to re-certify or change the category of a finally certified film, can now be filed on the e-cinepramaan online portal (the 1983 Rules required written applications) — digitising certification with clear guidelines.
Faster timelines. Where a film isn’t referred to a Revising Committee, the decision must now be communicated within two days (down from seven). And the Chairman’s power to relax time-limits at discretion has been removed — preventing delays.
Perpetual certificate validity. A certificate is now valid perpetually from the date granted (the 1983 Rules capped validity at 10 years).
Accessibility. The Rules emphasise subtitles/closed captioning for deaf/hard-of-hearing viewers and audio description for the visually impaired — modernising for inclusivity.
Finer age categories. The single UA (12+) category is split into three: UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+ — age-based recommendations to guide suitability.
Priority scheme. By paying three times the examination fee, filmmakers can have a film scheduled for examination on a priority basis within five days — a welcome expedited route.
Why it matters
The 2024 Rules mark a progressive step toward modernising India’s film certification — balancing creative freedom with societal responsibility, with a transparent, digital mechanism and inclusive features.
The takeaways
- Certification goes online via the e-cinepramaan portal.
- Faster decisions (two days) and perpetual certificate validity.
- Finer UA categories — 7+, 13+, 16+ — plus accessibility features.
- A priority scheme for expedited examination (3× fee, within five days).
Frequently asked questions
How are films certified in India now? Under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 — applications are filed online via the e-cinepramaan portal, with faster timelines and perpetual certificate validity.
What are the new age-based categories? The UA category is now split into UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+, replacing the single UA (12+) category.
How long is a certificate valid now? Perpetually from the date it’s granted, replacing the earlier 10-year limit.
Is there a way to expedite certification? Yes — a priority scheme allows scheduling examination within five days on payment of three times the examination fee.
Useful official resources
- The Cinematograph Act, 1952
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)