In a significant move aimed at bolstering the financial health of India’s print media industry, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) on Monday approved a 26% increase in the rates paid by the government for advertisements published in newspapers. The revision—effective from December 1, 2025—is expected to offer crucial support to print publications struggling with rising operational costs and intensifying competition from digital news platforms.

A Boost for Newspapers Amid Rising Costs

The I&B Ministry emphasised that the higher advertisement rates will strengthen the revenue base of print media organisations, many of which have faced financial strain due to escalating newsprint prices, increased wages, and diversified operating expenses. According to the government’s press release, the upward revision will help sustain operations, maintain quality journalism, and promote local news initiatives.

“Higher rates for government advertisements will provide essential revenue support to print media, especially in an era of competition from various other media platforms and in view of the escalation in cost in the last few years,” the release noted. “This can help sustain operations, maintain quality journalism, and support local news initiatives.”

The ministry official who confirmed the move to Hindustan Times said the new rates will officially be implemented beginning December 1, 2025.

What the New Rate Structure Looks Like

Under the revised framework, the rate for black-and-white advertisements in daily newspapers with a circulation of one lakh has been increased from ₹47.40 to ₹59.68 per square centimetre. For the first time, the government has also introduced premium pricing for colour advertisements and special rates for preferential placement within newspapers—an important measure that gives publications more flexibility and potential for increased earnings.

These changes align the government’s print advertising model with evolving industry practices, where colour and placement-based pricing already play a significant role in commercial advertising markets.

Timing of the Announcement

The rate revision comes shortly after the lifting of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which was in place due to the Bihar elections. On October 25, HT had reported that I&B ministry insiders suggested the revision would be announced only after the elections concluded. The MCC was officially lifted on Sunday, November 16, clearing the way for the new rates to be published.

Last Major Rate Hike Came in 2019

The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC)—the body responsible for releasing government advertisements on behalf of various ministries—last revised print ad rates in January 2019, approving a 25% increase based on the recommendations of the 8th Rate Structure Committee (RSC). Those rates remained valid until 2022. Before that, print ad rates were revised in 2013 with a 19% increase over the 2010 structure.

The latest revision follows recommendations from the 9th RSC, set up in November 2021. After nearly two years of consultations and reviews stretching from November 2021 to August 2023, the committee submitted its final report in September 2023.

How the Committee Arrived at Its Decision

While preparing its recommendations, the 9th RSC examined analyses and submissions from major newspaper associations, including:

• The Indian Newspaper Society (INS)
• All India Small Newspapers Association
• Other regional and industry-specific bodies

The committee assessed inflation trends, global and domestic newsprint prices, wage increases, printing and processing costs, and shifts in media consumption patterns. These findings helped shape the recommendation for a 26% hike—justified as necessary for preserving the viability of the print industry.

Industry Reaction: “Long Awaited and Welcome”

Members of the Indian Newspaper Society, reacting to the announcement, expressed satisfaction, calling it a timely and much-needed development. One INS representative, speaking anonymously, said: “This is a good move and the body is happy as this was long awaited.”

The government echoed these sentiments in its statement, noting that the revision reflects broader media trends and acknowledges the continued relevance of print in a rapidly digitising information ecosystem.

“The upward revision in advertisement rates can align with broader trends in media consumption. By recognizing the value of print media in a diversified media ecosystem, the government can better target its communications strategies, ensuring that they reach citizens effectively across various platforms,” the press release said.

A Step Toward Balancing the Media Landscape

As digital platforms expand and audiences shift online, traditional newspapers have been battling dwindling revenues, increased cost pressures, and uncertainty about future sustainability. Government advertisements form a significant portion of income for many small and medium-sized publications, especially in rural and regional areas.

This increase in advertisement rates is expected to provide a financial cushion to such publications, enabling them to continue offering local reporting, in-depth journalism, and reliable information to communities that often rely heavily on print.

Conclusion

The 26% hike in government advertisement rates marks an important policy intervention aimed at stabilising India’s print media sector in a time of rapid technological and economic transformation. With operational costs rising and competition from digital platforms intensifying, the revised structure is poised to become a vital source of support for newspapers—particularly those serving regional and local audiences.

By aligning compensation with current industry realities and recognising the enduring significance of print journalism, the government has signalled its commitment to fostering a balanced, diverse, and resilient media ecosystem.