Parliament Question: Film certification timelines under CBFC

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1697 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.02.2026 FILM CERTIFICATION TIMELINES UNDER CBFC 1697: SHRI S NIRANJAN REDDY:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has reviewed recent industry concerns about delays in film certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC);

(b) the average time taken for certification during the last year;

(c) whether reforms have been initiated to improve transparency and efficiency; and

(d) the steps taken to modernise film certification processes? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

(a) to (d): The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) functions in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

Under Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the stipulated time limit for the certification of films is 48 working days. Further, to modernize the process and address industry concerns regarding efficiency, the Government has implemented a fully digitized Online Certification System through the e-Cinepramaan portal. This system has significantly improved transparency and reduced timelines. As a result, the present average time taken for certification is well within the stipulated limit, standing at 18 working days for feature films and 3 working days for short films.

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