RNI REGISTRATION

1. What is RNI?

RNI stands for Registrar of Newspapers for India, an authority under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. It regulates the registration of newspapers, magazines, journals, and other periodicals published in India.

2. What is RNI Registration?

RNI Registration is a mandatory process for starting a newspaper, magazine, journal, newsletter, or any periodical publication in India.

It ensures that the publication has a unique title and follows government guidelines.

3. Why RNI Registration is Important?

 Legal permission to publish a newspaper/magazine

  Avoids duplication of titles

  Helps in obtaining postal concessions

  Required for Govt. advertisements (DAVP/PIB accreditation)

  Protects title from misuse

  Ensures compliance with the Press & Registration of Books Act, 1867

4. Types of Publications Covered

  Newspapers (daily, weekly, fortnightly)

  Magazines (monthly, quarterly, etc.)

  Journals

  Bulletins

  Newsletters

  Tabloids

  Any periodical in print form

5. Steps for RNI Registration

Step 1: Title Verification

  Apply for title approval online through the RNI portal.

  Choose the language, periodicity, and proposed area of publication.

  RNI approves or rejects the title based on availability.

Step 2: Declaration Filing (Form I)

  After title approval, the publisher must file Form I Declaration before the District Magistrate (DM) / Deputy Commissioner (DC).

Step 3: First Issue Publication

  Publish the first issue of the newspaper/magazine within 42 days (daily/weekly) or 90 days (monthly/quarterly).

Step 4: Submission of Documents to RNI

 Submit published issue along with required documents for final registration.

Step 5: RNI Certificate Issuance

  After verification, RNI issues a Certificate of Registration, making the publication legally valid.

6. Documents Required

  Title Approval Letter from RNI

  Form I Declaration (signed by DM/DC)

  Copy of the first printed issue

  Printer’s Declaration (Form III)

  Printing Press details

  Publisher’s ID & Address Proof

  Editorial details

  Printing press agreement (if printing is outsourced)

7. Validity of RNI Registration

 RNI Registration does not expire.

  However, the publication must comply with guidelines, such as regular publishing.

8. Important Compliance Requirements

  Newspaper must be printed at the declared printing press

  Must follow declared periodicity (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)

  Any change in ownership, address, editor, title, or printing press must be updated with RNI

  Must submit annual statements when required

9. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  Suspension of publication

  Cancellation of RNI registration

  Rejection of future title applications

  Legal action under the Press & Registration of Books Act, 1867

10. Benefits of RNI Registration

  Legal legitimacy for publication

  Eligibility for government advertisements

  Protection of publication title

  Helps in applying for postal license under India Post

  Enhances credibility of the publication