What is 36 Pages Passport Cost in India? New Fee Guide 2025

One of the most common questions that Indian travelers will have in 2025 is the 36 pages passport cost in India. For adults, standard processing costs INR 1,500 and Tatkal costs INR 3,500. This standard passport format can accommodate most travelers, as it has 34 blank pages on which to stamp visas and immigration stamps.

What is the Exact 36 Pages Passport Cost in India for 2025?

The Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) network is the administrative body in India that determines and regulates the official 36 pages passport cost in India 2025. These charges are uniform throughout India to ensure uniformity and transparency, so applicants in one city or state do not pay less than applicants in another. The precise price you will pay will be based primarily on two things:

• Age of the Applicant- Is the applicant an adult (18 years and above) or a minor (less than 18 years)?

• Processing Type - The regular Normal work with a standard timeline or the Tatkal work with quick delivery.

This construction enables casual and frequent passengers to choose the most appropriate variant and maintain the costs at a predictable level in the country.

Latest Official Fee Structure for Adults (18+ Years)

The 36 pages passport cost in India in 2025 is as follows, in case of an adult (citizen) above 18 years:

• Standard Processing: INR 1,500

• Tatkal Processing: INR 3,500

Typical application is the regular procedure, which usually requires 714 working days based on police checks and the applicant's location. On the other hand, the Tatkal is aimed at emergent travel requirements. Usually, it is processed in 1-3 working days, but applicants must pay an extra 2000 on top of the base fee.

As far as the Tatkal scheme is fast and convenient, it is necessary to mention that the approval is also based on background checks and eligibility. Tatkal Processing may not be given to applicants whose criminal cases are pending or whose documents are incomplete.

Current Minor Passport Costs (Under 18 Years)

The 36 pages passport cost for minors is lower. The validity also changes depending on the child's age.

1. Standard Processing: INR 1,000

2. Tatkal Processing: INR 3,000

3. Validity:

• 5 years (for minors below 15 years)
• 10 years (for minors aged 15–18 years)

How Does 36 Pages Passport Cost Compare to 60 Pages in 2025?

A general dilemma among many applicants is whether they should use the 36 pages passport cost vs 60 pages (jumbo passport). The choice relies on three crucial aspects: price, the frequency of movement, and the convenience, in general.

• The 36-page passport is adequate, typically for students, professionals, or leisure travellers who make a few trips across borders annually. It is also the cheapest and most popular among Indian applicants.

• On the 60-page hand, the 60-page passport (often called the jumbo passport) is aimed at frequent flyers like business travellers, diplomats, or individuals who travel more than once a year. It is more expensive, but it saves the inconvenience of applying again to get a new passport every couple of years as pages fill.

The decision between the two is whether to be cost-effective or convenient in the long run.

Also Read: How to Apply for Lost Passport? Step-by-Step Guide

Latest Cost Difference Breakdown: 36 pages passport cost vs 60 pages

The 36 pages passport cost vs 60 pages cost shows only an INR 500 difference in the normal category.

• Extra Cost for Jumbo Passport: INR 500 (Normal), INR 500 (Tatkal)

• Page Advantage: 24 additional pages

Current Value Analysis: When is the Extra Cost Worth It?

The decision between a 36-page passport and a 60-page passport often comes down to cost versus convenience. The extra INR 500 for a 60-page passport is usually worth it if:

• You are a frequent international traveller who collects stamps quickly.

• You require multiple long-term visas, like the US, UK, or Schengen.

• You often travel for work, study, or business, which means more pages are used faster.

• You want to avoid the hassle of frequent renewals, saving time and effort in the long run.

For those who take only occasional trips (about 1–2 per year), the 36-page passport costs are more economical and practical.

What Additional Charges Apply to 36 Pages Passport Applications in 2025?

Besides the general 36 pages passport cost, the applicant is sometimes charged extra fees based on their situation. These additional charges are not part of the standard fee framework but can significantly affect the price. The following are some typical situations:

• Urgency Fees: Tatkal Fees Applicants who select the Tatkal service are charged an extra 2,000 on top of the base amount as urgency fees.

• Assess Verification Costs: Sometimes, particularly when it comes to police verification, an applicant may pay a small administrative or local fee depending on the jurisdiction.

• Re-Issuance Fees: In the case of loss, damage, or change of name, address, or personal details of the passport, applicants must pay re-issuance fees ranging between 1500 and 3500, depending on the type of application and the speed of service.

Such fees ensure that the applicants have paid the additional verification fee, the expedited services, or the replacement services, other than the everyday issuance issues.

Latest Tatkal Service Charges and Processing Fees

The Tatkal scheme is designed for applicants who need their passports quickly. While it adds an extra charge, it ensures faster Processing, priority verification, and quicker printing. Here's how the costs compare:

• Normal 36 Pages Passport Cost (Adult): INR 1,500

• Tatkal 36 Pages Passport Cost (Adult): INR 3,500

• Extra Paid for Speed: INR 2,000 over the standard fee

This additional amount is often worth paying if you have urgent travel plans, such as last-minute work trips, emergencies, or study-related deadlines.

Current Police Verification and Additional Service Costs

In most cases, police verification charges are already included in the base 36-page passport cost. However, there are situations where applicants may have to pay extra. These include:

• Out-of-turn police verification requests are made for urgent cases.

• Address change verification occurs when you shift to a new location.

• Re-application after rejection, which may involve additional checks and fees.

Apart from these, there are some optional costs that applicants should be aware of:

• SMS Service Updates: INR 40 (for real-time status updates on your mobile).

• Passport Seva Kendra Service Fee: Already included in the base cost, no extra payment needed.

Awareness of these hidden or optional charges helps applicants avoid surprises during the application process.

Also Read: Latest Documents Required for a Lost Indian Passport

How to Pay 36 Pages Passport Fees: New Payment Methods and Process in 2025?

The 36 pages passport cost in India should be paid when applying. Payment is also an essential element of the procedure, and the application will not pass in its absence. Payment can be made online through the Passport Seva portal or other authorised offline applications.

You have two main options:

1. Online Payment (Preferred):

• Internet banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI can be used to make payments via the Passport Seva portal. Online payment makes it faster to process, simpler to track, and confirms that the fees are submitted immediately.

2. Offline Payment:

• The applicants who use the conventional way can pay using bank challans at designated State Bank of India (SBI) branches. This process is slow to converge and has to be verified physically.
• The availability of online and offline options allows the Ministry of External Affairs to serve all applicants equally, as some people may find it easy to use online banking and others may prefer to deal with real people and face-to-face banking.

Latest Online Payment Options for Passport Applications

Applicants can easily pay the 36 pages passport cost using secure online payment methods. The system is designed for convenience and quick confirmation. You can pay using:

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Internet Banking

• UPI / Mobile Wallets

To complete the process, follow these simple steps for online payment:

1. Register on the official Passport Seva Portal with your details.

2. Fill out the online passport application form carefully.

3. Select the 36-page passport option under passport type.

4. Choose your payment mode (Debit/Credit/Net Banking/UPI).

5. Make the payment and download the receipt for future reference.

Paying online is the fastest and most recommended method, as it ensures instant confirmation and smooth scheduling of appointments.

Current Offline Payment Methods and Bank Challan Process

Those not conversant with digital transactions can also pay the 36 pages passport cost offline. These come in particularly handy in places where there is low internet penetration. Applicants can choose:

1. Bank Challan in approved SBI branches.

2. Cash deposit in selected Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs).

It takes a few additional steps than online payment, and it is straightforward:

• Create a challan through the Passport Seva portal by completing your application.

• Go to the closest SBI branch and pay the cash.

• Take the challan receipt as payment evidence.

• Register the challan information using the Passport Seva portal with your online application.

Although this approach is slower in reflecting, it ensures that even those applicants who do not have access to digital payment can complete their passport application process without any hassle.

Also Read: How to Write a Letter to a Regional Passport Officer Format?

When Should You Choose 36 Pages Over 60 Pages Passport in 2025?

Choosing between a 36-page and a 60-page (jumbo) passport depends on your travel frequency, budget, and personal requirements. If you travel only occasionally, the 36-page passport costs less and is sufficient for most visa and stamp needs. However, for frequent flyers, business travellers, or those who visit multiple countries within a short span, the 60-page option can be more convenient, helping avoid frequent re-issuance and saving time in the long run.

Latest Best Scenarios for 36 Pages Passport Selection

The most feasible option is the 36 pages passport cost, the best option available to an applicant who does not need to travel internationally frequently. It is best suited for:

• Students requesting their first-time passports, where start-up fees are relevant.

• Travellers who visit foreign countries once or twice a year.

• Families that go on international vacation or visit occasionally.

• Cost-effective applicants are willing to pay the least amount without incurring the additional costs for the unused pages.

The advantage of this alternative is that it is relatively cheap, and the number of pages allocated to the visas and stamps is sufficient throughout the validity period.

Current Cost-Benefit Analysis for Occasional Travelers

For occasional travelers, choosing the 36 pages passport cost option is the most practical decision. Here's why it works better:

• Saves INR 500 compared to the 60-page jumbo passport.

• Offers the same validity of 10 years, so you don't lose out on duration.

• Most casual travellers never use all 34 pages, making extra pages unnecessary.

• Renewal after 10 years ensures that your passport carries updated details and security features.

This makes the 36-page passport a cost-effective and convenient option for students, families, and budget-conscious applicants.

Government Fee Revisions and Policy Changes in 2025

The 36 pages passport cost in India has not changed much in recent years. The Ministry of External Affairs has not changed anything significant since its last revision. Here are the key highlights:

• Latest Significant Changes: 2018 (no fee increase in 2025).

• Present Charges: INR 1,500 standard processing, INR 3,500 Tatkal processing.

• No Special Discounts: There are no concessions on fees to senior citizens and other categories as of 2025.

This price stability clarifies the applications and gives them the confidence to go about their passport application.

Also Read: What is RPO in Passport? Experts Complete Guide

Latest Digital Processing Improvements and Cost Implications

Over the last few years, the government has ensured that obtaining a passport becomes quicker and more accessible. In addition to the fixed 36 pages passport cost, a few online enhancements have been implemented to make it efficient:

• Quickening of online verification systems and minimising the delays in background checks.

• Digital integration of police clearances will enable faster coordination between the local law enforcement and Passport Seva.

• Regular SMS and email notifications are provided at each processing stage to keep applicants updated.

• No digital tracking services require extra costs, making the process transparent and cost-effective.

Such enhancements imply that applicants can receive faster services without paying any specific amount of money on top of the initial fee.

Latest Updates and Changes to 36 Pages Passport Costs in 2025

Passport costs in India are periodically revised by the Ministry of External Affairs to keep them aligned with administrative expenses and service upgrades. As of 2025, the 36 pages passport cost in India continues to remain the same as the last major update, with no increase or reduction in the official fee.

This stability in pricing benefits applicants by ensuring predictability and affordability, especially for first-time applicants, students, and families. While other aspects of the process—such as digital integration and faster verification systems—have seen improvements, the cost structure for both Normal and Tatkal processing has not been revised since the last update.

Conclusion

The 36 pages passport cost in India is based more on your travel frequency and choice. It is the cheapest and most logical option at INR 1,500 because it suits those who travel once or twice a year. The Tatkal service costs INR 2,000 extra and saves a lot of time, as the processing period is now only 1-3 days instead of 30-45 days, which is very convenient when a person needs travel documents immediately.

The jumbo option is more appropriate for frequent international travellers who must stamp multiple passports and visas, as there is only a slight difference between the 36-page and 60-page passports, costing INR 500. To most applicants, though, the 36-page passport represents the right compromise between spending and utility, whilst frequent flyers might consider the 60-page option worthwhile.

Contact TerraTern for more information on 36 pages passport cost.