New Passport Rules: Many people believe that a passport is required solely for international travel, but that is a misconception. A passport also serves as a crucial identity document; it establishes your identity internationally and is accepted as proof of address and identity in various places. If you are considering applying for a passport, you should first familiarise yourself with the new rules. The Ministry of External Affairs has implemented the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
This change affects new applicants as well as those seeking renewals and Tatkaal (expedited) services. Additionally, amendments have been made regarding the validity and application conditions for passports for children under the age of 15. Let us look at the new costs for obtaining a Tatkaal passport.
New Rates for Standard Passports (36 and 60 Pages)
The government has increased the fees for standard passport services for adult applicants. The cost for a 36-page standard passport, previously ₹1,500, has increased by ₹1,000; you will now pay ₹2,500 for it. Similarly, the fee for a 60-page standard passport has been increased by ₹1,000—rising from the previous ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
What Are the New Rates for Tatkaal Passports?
Obtaining a Tatkaal passport has also become significantly more expensive. The fee for a 36-page Tatkaal passport, previously ₹3,500, has seen a direct hike of ₹1,500, meaning you must now pay ₹5,000 for it. Meanwhile, the cost for a 60-page *Tatkaal* passport has been increased by ₹2,000—rising from the previous ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
Passport Replacement: Reissuing a 60-page passport under the Tatkaal (expedited) mode will now cost ₹8,500; previously, the fee was ₹5,500.
Passport Fees for Children: For children under 15 years of age, the fee for a standard 36-page passport will now be ₹1,750, while a Tatkaal passport will cost ₹3,000.
Concession: Children under the age of 8 and senior citizens over the age of 60 will receive a 10% discount on new passport applications.