Passport Fees in India: New Charges, Tatkal Rates & How to Apply in 2026

If you’re planning to study abroad in 2026, your passport is the very first document on your checklist — and the rules around it have just changed. Effective 1 July 2026, the Government of India revised passport fees across every category: fresh applications, renewals, Tatkal services, and lost or damaged passport replacements. This is the first major fee revision in 14 years, so even if you’ve applied for a passport before, the numbers you remember are no longer accurate.

Whether you’re a first-time applicant, renewing an expiring passport before a university intake, or need a Tatkal passport urgently for an upcoming visa interview, this guide breaks down the complete updated fee structure, how to apply online, and everything you need to avoid last-minute surprises.

Why Were Passport Fees Revised in 2026?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) periodically reviews passport service charges to keep up with rising operational costs. The 2026 revision is aimed at improving passport infrastructure, strengthening digital services, enhancing cybersecurity, and modernising passport printing facilities across the country — ultimately to provide faster, more secure, citizen-centric services.

The revised charges apply uniformly to both ordinary and Tatkal passport applicants, across fresh, renewal, minor, and lost/damaged categories.

New Passport Fees in India (2026) — Normal Processing

Here is the updated fee structure for fresh and renewal passport applications under normal (non-Tatkal) processing, effective 1 July 2026:

*Indicative minor passport fees — always confirm the exact figure on the official Passport Seva fee calculator before applying, since rates can vary by booklet type and applicant category.

Additional PSK Service Fee

On top of the application fee, an additional Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) fee of ₹500 applies to every application, including Tatkal. Factor this into your total budget when planning your payment.

Tatkal Passport Fees 2026

The Tatkal scheme is for applicants who need their passport urgently, commonly for time-sensitive visa interviews, sudden admission deadlines, or emergency travel. It is available for both fresh applications and renewals, but it comes at a significantly higher cost than normal processing.

*Figures for 60-page and minor Tatkal categories should be cross-checked against the live MEA fee calculator, as exact slabs can be revised. Use the official calculator linked below before making payment.

How Fast Is Tatkal Processing?

Under Tatkal, passports are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days of your application being marked “Granted,” compared to up to 30 days for normal processing. If police verification isn’t required, some applicants receive their passport within just 1 working day.

Who Is NOT Eligible for Tatkal?

Not every applicant qualifies for Tatkal processing. You may be excluded from the scheme if you fall under any of these categories:

• Applicants born to Indian parents in a foreign country (persons of Indian origin applying from abroad)
• Individuals who were deported to India
• Applicants with a change in appearance or sex
• Changes to personal credentials, such as signature
• Children adopted by Indian and foreign parents
• Minors with a single parent, or born out of wedlock or surrogacy, in certain documentation scenarios
• Applicants with an adverse police report or on a watchlist
• Habitual passport losers, or those who previously travelled on forged/fake passports
• Passports damaged beyond recognition

Student Tip: If you’re applying for Tatkal because of a tight visa interview or admission deadline, double-check your eligibility before paying — a rejected Tatkal application can cost you both time and the non-refundable fee.

Lost or Damaged Passport Reissue Fees

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to apply for a reissue — and these charges are higher than a standard renewal due to additional verification requirements.

*Reissue charges are generally equivalent to Tatkal-level fees even under normal processing, due to the added scrutiny involved. Confirm exact amounts on the official fee calculator.

When applying for a reissue, keep these documents ready:

• FIR copy (mandatory for lost passports)
• A self-declaration explaining the circumstances of loss or damage
• Your old passport, if damaged but available

How to Calculate Your Exact Passport Fee

Since fees vary by age, booklet size, and processing type, the most reliable way to confirm your exact amount is through the official MEA Passport Fee Calculator:

1. Visit the Passport Fee Calculator on the official Passport Seva website.
2. Select your application type — Fresh or Reissue.
3. Choose your processing mode — Normal or Tatkal.
4. Enter your age group and preferred booklet type (36 or 60 pages).
5. The calculator instantly displays the exact fee you need to pay.

Always use the calculator before scheduling your appointment. This avoids underpayment issues that can delay your application.

How to Apply for a Passport Online in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official Passport Seva website (passportindia.gov.in).
2. Log in to your existing account, or register as a new user.
3. Fill in your application form with personal, address, and travel details.
4. Generate your Application Reference Number (ARN).
5. Pay the applicable fee online based on your category.
6. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
7. Print your application receipt, which includes your payment reference — carry this to your appointment along with original documents.

Why Timing Matters for Students: Most universities and visa offices require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date. If your passport is close to expiry, start your renewal at least 2–3 months before you plan to submit your visa application — this gives you a buffer even if normal processing takes the full 30 days.

How to Pay Passport Fees — Payment Options

You can pay your passport fees through any of the following methods:

• Internet Banking: Via State Bank of India (SBI) or other authorised banks linked to the Passport Seva portal
• Cash Payment via SBI Branch: Using a completed SBI challan, with the stamped copy submitted at your PSK appointment
• Offline Payment at PSK: Available for applicants who prefer not to pay online in advance

For Tatkal applications specifically, you typically pay the normal processing fee online first, with the remaining Tatkal balance paid in person once your appointment is confirmed at the PSK.

Are Passport Fees Refundable?

In most cases, passport fees in India are non-refundable once paid. However, partial refunds may be considered in a few limited situations:

• Duplicate payment or a failed transaction during the payment process
• An appointment that could not be scheduled due to a technical issue on the Passport Seva system

Diplomatic and official passport holders are generally exempt from standard fee requirements.

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