The New Price for a Standard Passport
Starting July 1, 2026, the cost for a fresh or re-issued 36-page passport for adults under the normal scheme will increase from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. For those who travel frequently and require a larger 60-page booklet, the fee will rise from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
This substantial increase, enacted through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, marks the first major fee revision in 14 years. The government has cited rising operational costs, enhanced security features in passports, and the ongoing modernisation of the Passport Seva system as reasons for the change.
Urgent Applications: The Tatkal Cost
For those in a hurry, the Tatkal (expedited) service will also see a significant price jump. The fee for a 36-page passport under the Tatkal scheme will be ₹5,000, up from the previous ₹3,500. Similarly, the Tatkal cost for a 60-page passport will increase from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. This means applicants needing a passport on an urgent basis will have to budget for a considerably higher expense. The new rates apply to both fresh applications and re-issues.
Costs for Minors and Special Cases
The fee hike also extends to passports for applicants under 18 years of age. A fresh or re-issued 36-page passport for a minor will now cost ₹1,750, up from ₹1,000. The Tatkal service for minors will be priced at ₹4,250. There are steep new charges for replacing lost or damaged passports. A replacement 36-page booklet for an adult will cost ₹5,000 under the normal scheme and ₹7,500 under Tatkal. For a 60-page replacement, the fees are ₹6,000 (normal) and ₹8,500 (Tatkal). Even the fee for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) has been increased from ₹500 to ₹750.
Are There Any Discounts?
Despite the broad increases, some concessions remain. The government has confirmed a 10% discount on the fee for fresh passport applications for two groups: senior citizens (above 60 years) and minors up to the age of 8. It is important to note that this discount applies only to fresh applications and not to re-issues or renewals. The validity period for passports remains unchanged: up to 10 years for adults and five years (or until the age of 18) for minors.
What Should Applicants Do?
This fee revision affects all applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, including those at Indian missions and consulates abroad. For individuals planning to apply for a new passport or renew an existing one in the near future, submitting the application before the deadline would have resulted in significant savings. With the new structure now in effect, it is crucial for applicants to budget for these higher costs. Always verify the exact fee using the official Passport Fee Calculator on the Passport India website before starting your application, as other minor charges may also apply.
