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Digital media and online game rules: documents, fees and how to apply online and offline

Digital news and OTT publishers must give details to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and run a grievance system (IT Rules, 2021). Online money games are banned under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (in force from 1 May 2026); e-sports and social games are allowed and can register with the Online Gaming Authority.

Issued byMinistry of Information and Broadcasting; Ministry of Electronics and IT
Government feeNone
Usual timeWithin 30 days of starting
ValidityOngoing
Apply on the official portalApplying is free of agents; pay only the government fee shown on the portal.
Open the portal

How to apply online, step by step

  1. News or OTT publisher: submit the publisher details on the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's portal and appoint a grievance officer.
  2. Games: keep to games without money stakes; register as an e-sport or social game if you want the Authority's recognition.

How to apply offline (in person)

  1. No paper route.

Documents required for Digital media and online game rules, and how to get each

Constitution documents: incorporation certificate, MoA and AoA (company), LLP agreement, or partnership deed

Get it online

  1. Company: the Certificate of Incorporation, e-MoA and e-AoA come with SPICe+ on the MCA portal.
  2. LLP: the LLP agreement is filed in Form 3 on the MCA portal within 30 days of incorporation.

Get it in person

  1. Partnership: print the deed on stamp paper of the value the State prescribes, sign before witnesses, notarise, and register it with the State Registrar of Firms.

Fee: Stamp duty as per the State · Time: With incorporation · Official site

PAN card of each founder / director / partner

Get it online

  1. Instant e-PAN: on the Income Tax e-filing portal choose 'Instant e-PAN', enter Aadhaar and the OTP; the e-PAN PDF arrives in minutes, free.
  2. Or apply on Protean (NSDL) or UTIITSL with Form 49A for a printed card.

Get it in person

  1. Fill Form 49A at a PAN centre (Protean / UTIITSL facilitation centre), attach ID, address and date of birth proof and a photo, pay the fee; the card is posted to you.

Fee: Instant e-PAN free; printed card about Rs 107 (Indian address) · Time: Minutes (e-PAN); about 2 weeks (printed card) · Official site

Questions people ask

How much does Digital media and online game rules cost?

None

How long does Digital media and online game rules take?

Within 30 days of starting

Who issues Digital media and online game rules?

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Ministry of Electronics and IT

Can I apply for Digital media and online game rules without an agent?

Yes. Every step above can be done by the founder on the official portal or at the office; agents and consultants are optional.

Official source: https://www.meity.gov.in/. Rules and fees change; the official page is the authority. Checked October 2026.

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