Introduction
The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) registration, functioning under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, is the statutory authority responsible for the registration of newspapers and periodicals in India under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (“PRP Act”). PRGI has replaced the erstwhile Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI).
Under the current legal framework, no newspaper or periodical containing public news or comments on public news can be printed or published in India unless it is registered with PRGI. All applications for title verification, registration, revision, and ownership transfer are processed exclusively through the Press Sewa Portal, the Government of India’s centralized digital platform.
A “periodical” includes newspapers and other recurring publications containing public news or commentary but expressly excludes books, academic journals, scientific journals, news websites, digital portals, and electronic-only media.
Why This Service Is Required (Legal/Business Need)
PRGI registration is a statutory prerequisite, not an optional compliance. Its necessity arises from:
- Legal mandate under the PRP Act, 2023, which prohibits publication without registration.
- Title protection, ensuring exclusivity and preventing misleading similarity with existing publications.
- Regulatory accountability, by recording ownership, editorial responsibility, and printing details in the national register.
- Commercial legitimacy, as advertisers, government departments, and institutions rely on PRGI registration status.
Publishing without registration exposes the publisher to regulatory action and invalidates the legal standing of the publication.
Applicable Laws, Rules & Authorities
Primary Legislation: Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
Subordinate Legislation: Press and Registration of Periodicals Rules, 2024
Competent Authority: Press Registrar General of India (PRGI).
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India
The PRP Act, 2023 repealed the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, modernising registration, enforcement, and compliance through a digital-first framework.
Eligibility Criteria
An applicant is eligible to seek PRGI registration if:
- The proposed publication qualifies as a “periodical” under the PRP Act.
- The content consists of public news or comments on public news.
- The proposed title is not identical or deceptively similar to an existing registered or verified title.
- The applicant is the publisher or owner intending to publish the periodical in India.
Expressly Ineligible Publications
PRGI does not register:
- News agencies or feature agencies
- News websites, blogs, digital portals
- Television channels or electronic media
- Academic, scientific, or technical journals
Documents Required
The following documents are required to be uploaded on the Press Sewa Portal:
- Online Title Verification Application
- Title Verification Letter issued by PRGI
- Form-I Declaration, authenticated by the District Magistrate / authorised licensing authority
- Identity proof of publisher/owner (PAN, Aadhaar, Passport)
- Address proof of place of publication
- Printing press details and address
- Ownership declaration
- Specimen copy or draft layout (if available)
- Imprint line draft complying with PRP Rules
Where the publisher and printer are located in different districts, separate declarations are required.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Title Search
The applicant must search existing verified titles on the PRGI database to avoid rejection due to similarity.
Step 2: Online Title Verification Application
An application is filed through the Press Sewa Portal with proposed title details.
Step 3: PRGI Scrutiny
PRGI examines the title for:
- Uniqueness
- Phonetic similarity
- Prohibited or misleading words
- Use of government or constitutional terms
If approved, a Title Verification Letter is issued.
Step 4: Authentication of Declaration
The applicant submits Form-I along with the verification letter to the District Magistrate or designated authority for authentication.
Step 5: Upload of Authenticated Documents
Authenticated declarations and supporting documents are uploaded on the portal.
Step 6: Grant of Registration Certificate
Upon satisfaction, PRGI issues the Certificate of Registration digitally.
Step 7: Commencement of Publication
The first issue must be published within:
- 42 days (daily/weekly)
- 90 days (fortnightly or longer periodicity)
Timeline & Government Fees (Press Sewa Portal)
Statutory Government Fees (Payable Online via Bharatkosh)
|
Particulars |
Government Fee |
|
New Registration of Newspaper/Periodical |
Rs. 1,000 |
|
Revision of Registration Details (title, language, place, periodicity, etc.) |
Rs. 1,000 |
|
Transfer of Ownership |
Rs. 1,000 |
|
Facsimile Edition of a Foreign Periodical |
Rs. 10,000 |
Important Fee Clarifications
- These fees are mandated under the PRP Rules, 2024.
- Payment is accepted only online through the Bharatkosh payment gateway integrated with the Press Sewa Portal.
- PRGI does not levy any additional registration or certificate issuance fee.
- Any professional or consultancy fee is separate and non-statutory.
Processing Timeline
- Title verification and registration are processed digitally; timelines depend on document accuracy and scrutiny.
- Applicants receive status updates via the portal, email, and SMS.
Benefits of the Service
- Full statutory compliance under Indian press laws
- Exclusive and protected publication title
- Recognition in the national register of periodicals
- Enhanced credibility with advertisers and authorities
- Transparent, online, and trackable registration process
Why Choose Us (Brand Trust Section)
Our PRGI registration service is designed for zero-error compliance:
- Detailed pre-verification title analysis to reduce rejection risk
- Accurate drafting and validation of Form-I and imprint line
- End-to-end handling of Press Sewa Portal filings
- Coordination for District Magistrate authentication
- Guidance on post-registration obligations and revisions
We operate strictly within the statutory framework of the PRP Act and PRP Rules, ensuring legal certainty and procedural efficiency.
FAQ For CORPZO.
Q1. What is PRGI registration for newspapers and periodicals?
Answer: PRGI registration is a legal approval issued by the Press Registrar General of India that allows newspapers and periodicals to be published lawfully in India.
Q2. Is PRGI registration mandatory to publish a newspaper in India?
Answer: Yes, PRGI registration is mandatory for publishing newspapers, magazines, journals, and periodicals in print or digital format.
Q3. Who is eligible to apply for PRGI registration?
Answer: Indian citizens, proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, and companies engaged in publishing activities are eligible to apply.
Q4. What documents are required for PRGI registration?
Answer: Key documents include title verification approval, publisher declaration (Form I), ID and address proof, and printing press details.
Q5. How much time does PRGI registration take?
Answer: The registration process generally takes 30 to 60 days, depending on document verification and government approval.
Q6. What is the validity period of PRGI registration?
Answer: PRGI registration is valid as long as the publisher follows PRGI rules and submits required annual statements regularly.
Q7. Can PRGI registration be applied for online?
Answer: Yes, PRGI registration can be initiated and tracked online through the official PRGI portal.
Q8. Is PRGI registration required for digital newspapers and e-magazines?
Answer: Yes, digital newspapers and online periodicals must also obtain PRGI registration to operate legally.
Q9. What are the consequences of publishing without PRGI registration?
Answer: Publishing without PRGI registration may result in penalties, legal notices, and rejection of circulation recognition.
Q10. How can CorpZo assist with PRGI registration?
Answer: CorpZo provides complete support, including title verification, documentation, application filing, and follow-ups until approval.
