Overview
- The Ministry of External Affairs published the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 in the Official Gazette and brought them into force on September 15, with the notification signed by Joint Secretary and Chief Passport Officer B S Mubarak.
- The amendment substitutes Rule 12(1A) to fix a 36‑page ordinary passport issued to a child under 15 at five years' validity or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.
- Rule 8 was revised to bind application fees to the updated Schedule IV rates, formally enshrining fee increases the MEA announced would take effect from July 1.
- Under the new schedule adult normal fees rise to Rs 2,500 for a 36‑page and Rs 3,500 for a 60‑page booklet, while Tatkaal charges increase to Rs 5,000 for a 36‑page and Rs 6,000 for a 60‑page with certain replacement Tatkaal fees rising to Rs 8,500.
- Reports differ on exact minor-category figures but all sources confirm higher costs overall, a continued 10% fresh-application concession for children under eight and seniors over 60, and the concession's inapplicability to reissues; applicants should check the Gazette Schedule IV for final rates.