Author: Sonali Mishra, Partner (Media & Entertainment)

September 21, 2026

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued revised Guidelines for Certification of Films for Public Exhibition on September 16, 2026, superseding the guidelines notified in 1991. While the foundational principles remain substantially intact, the revised guidelines incorporate the updated age based classification and certain procedural changes.

A notable feature of the guidelines is its express requirement that scenes depicting or involving the consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances be accompanied by a statutory warning: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs”.

The revised guidelines also incorporate split age-based categories under parental guidance rating, comprising UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+, which were introduced earlier in May 2025. This reflects the continued application of differentiated approaches to audience suitability, particularly for films intended for younger viewers.

Beyond these specific provisions, the revised guidelines continue to place restrictions on content involving the glorification of violence or cruelty, obscenity, sexual violence, degrading portrayals of women, communal attitudes, and matters affecting public order, national security and relations with foreign States.

Further, the reconstitution of the Central Board of Film Certification adds another institutional dimension to this development. The Government has appointed 18 members, including professionals from the film and entertainment industries such as Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, filmmaker Shri Priyadarshan and musician Ricky Kej. The composition brings individuals with experience across diverse creative disciplines within certification body.

The framework also continues to recognize that artistic expression and creative freedom should not be unduly curbed, while requiring the certification process to remain responsive to the values and standards of society. Particularly where films deal with sensitive subject matter, the context, presentation and overall impact of the content on society assume greater significance in applying the revised guidelines. Even where certain aspects may have a societal impact, their inclusion may be considered where they are germane to the theme and presented only to the extent necessary. The assessment of such impact may therefore vary on a case-to-case basis, depending on how the reconstituted Board balances creative expression with the regulatory objectives.

For producers and filmmakers, these changes highlight the importance of factoring certification requirements into content development and the planning of a film’s release at an early stage.