India
I&B Ministry Raises Government Ad Rates by 26% to Boost Print Media Ecosystem: In a significant policy step, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has approved a revised rate structure for government advertisements, aiming to reinforce India’s print media ecosystem. The ministry announced a 26% increase in advertisement rates, along with new premium charges for colour ads and preferential positioning. This decision marks a major boost for newspapers of all sizes across the country.
According to the notification issued on 17 November 2025, the media rates for print advertisements per sq. cm. for dailies with one lakh copies in black and white have risen from ₹47.40 to ₹59.68. This sharp upward revision comes at a time when print media faces rising costs and stiff competition from digital platforms.
CBC Leads Government’s Advertising Outreach
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), the key media unit of the Ministry of I&B, continues to oversee publicity campaigns for all central ministries and departments. CBC manages advertisement releases across multiple platforms, including print media empanelled with the bureau.
Previously, the last major rate update took place on 9 January 2019 based on the 8th Rate Structure Committee (RSC). Those rates remained valid for three years, leaving a considerable gap before the current revision.
Committee Evaluates Print Media Costs
To address long-pending concerns, the government constituted the 9th Rate Structure Committee on 11 November 2021 under the chairmanship of AS&FA (I&B). The committee conducted extensive deliberations between November 2021 and August 2023.
During the review, it examined submissions from leading industry groups including:
- Indian Newspaper Society (INS)
- All India Small Newspapers Association (AISNA)
- Small-Medium-Big Newspapers Society (SMBNS)
- Other regional and sectoral stakeholders
The committee analysed key cost drivers such as WPI inflation in newsprint, wage increments, imported newsprint price trends, and processing costs. After two years of consultations, the committee submitted its final recommendations on 23 September 2023.
Higher Rates to Boost Revenues
As the government implements the revised rates, the decision is expected to strengthen the financial backbone of the print media sector. Consequently, higher advertisement revenues will help newspapers sustain operations, maintain credible journalism, and support local newsrooms that have struggled under rising costs.
Furthermore, the enhanced rates will empower media houses to invest in content quality, technology upgrades, and regional coverage, thereby improving public communication.
Strengthening India’s Media Ecosystem
Additionally, the upward rate revision aligns with current media consumption trends. By acknowledging the continued relevance of print media within a diversified landscape, the government aims to craft communication strategies that reach citizens more effectively.
In conclusion, the revised advertisement rate structure represents a timely and strategic move. As print media navigates economic pressures and digital competition, this policy intervention seeks to preserve a crucial pillar of India’s democratic information ecosystem.
