In today’s fast-paced world, emergencies can arise when one needs a passport urgently—whether for business travel, education, medical reasons, or other unforeseen circumstances. That’s where the Tatkal Passport Scheme comes into play. It is a fast-track passport issuance program initiated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, designed to speed up the processing of passports for Indian citizens who require them urgently.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Tatkal passport scheme, including eligibility, documents required, processing time, fees, and benefits. It is a complete guide for those considering this expedited service.
What is the Tatkal Passport Scheme?
The Tatkal Scheme is a premium passport issuance service that enables applicants to receive their passport within 1 to 3 working days from the date of appointment (subject to police verification in certain cases). The term 'Tatkal' literally means 'immediate' or 'urgent', and the scheme lives up to its name by offering the quickest turnaround time among all passport services.
It applies to both:
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Fresh Passport Applications
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Re-issue of Passports (due to expiry, exhaustion of pages, or changes in personal details)
Benefits of Tatkal Passport Scheme
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Fast processing time: Receive the passport within 1-3 days
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Priority appointment slots at PSKs (Passport Seva Kendras)
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Ideal for people with urgent travel plans
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Available across all major Indian cities and towns
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No need to provide proof of urgency (unlike in the past)
Who is Eligible for Tatkal Passport?
Not every applicant is eligible for a Tatkal passport. However, the scheme is available to most Indian citizens, provided they meet the following conditions:
✅ Eligible Applicants:
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Indian citizens aged above 18 years with a clean police record
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Individuals applying for renewal of passports that are about to expire
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Applicants whose previous passports were issued under normal or Tatkal scheme
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Applicants not involved in criminal proceedings or pending cases
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Individuals who can furnish the necessary identity and verification documents
❌ Ineligible Applicants:
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Minors below 18 years (in most cases; exceptions apply)
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Persons with adverse police verification reports
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Individuals with criminal cases or court matters pending
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Applicants whose previous passports were impounded or revoked
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People with complex citizenship or documentation issues
Documents Required for Tatkal Passport
The MEA has simplified the documentation process under the Tatkal scheme. You no longer need to submit Annexure F and I, which were previously mandatory.
Here is the latest list of required documents:
For Adults (18+):
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Proof of Address (any one):
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Aadhaar Card
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Voter ID
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Electricity Bill
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Rental Agreement
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Proof of Date of Birth:
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Photo ID Proof:
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Old Passport (if applying for re-issue)
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Annexure E (self-declaration affidavit on plain paper)
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Verification Certificate (Annexure B) from a gazetted officer (only if police verification is to be done after issuance)
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Documentary proof of urgency (not mandatory but may help in case of scrutiny)
Fees for Tatkal Passport
Tatkal service is costlier than the normal application, given the expedited processing. The total fees vary depending on the type and pages of passport:
| Type of Passport | Pages | Validity | Normal Fee | Tatkal Fee (Total) |
|---|
| Fresh or Reissue | 36 | 10 years | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Fresh or Reissue | 60 | 10 years | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Minor Passport | 36 | 5 years | ₹1,000 | ₹3,000 |
Note: Tatkal fee = Normal Passport Fee + Additional Tatkal Charges
Tatkal Passport Processing Timeline
The biggest advantage of the Tatkal scheme is the rapid processing time:
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Day 1: Appointment at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK)
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Day 2-3: Passport is printed and dispatched
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Police Verification: Done after passport issuance (Post-Police Verification) for most cases
In non-sensitive or clean records, the passport is issued before police verification. However, in some cases, especially for first-time applicants, police verification may be pre-issued, slightly increasing the timeline.
How to Apply for Tatkal Passport Online
Follow these steps for smooth application:
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Visit passportindia.gov.in
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Register/Login to your account
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Fill the application form for Fresh or Re-issue
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Choose the ‘Tatkal’ option
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Upload documents and schedule an appointment
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Pay the required Tatkal fee online
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Visit PSK/POPSK with original documents for biometric and verification
Tips for Smooth Tatkal Processing
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Ensure all documents are self-attested and original copies are available
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Book your appointment early in the day for faster processing
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Be ready for possible police verification at your residence
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If unsure, consider consulting a registered passport agent
Common FAQs on Tatkal Passport
❓Can I convert a normal passport application to Tatkal?
No, once submitted as a normal application, it cannot be upgraded to Tatkal. You must apply afresh with Tatkal option selected.
❓Is Tatkal available for passport renewal?
Yes, Tatkal is available for both fresh and renewal of passports.
❓Is police verification required?
Yes, but in many Tatkal cases, it's done after the passport is issued (Post Police Verification), unless otherwise flagged.
Conclusion: Is Tatkal Passport Right for You?
The Tatkal Passport Scheme is ideal for individuals who require a passport on short notice. With minimal documentation, quick appointments, and expedited delivery, it is the fastest route to getting a passport in India today. However, ensure that your records are clean, and documents are in order to avoid delays.
At Smot Pro India Pvt Ltd, we simplify the entire Tatkal process for you. Whether it’s documentation, appointment booking, or follow-up support, our dedicated team provides 24×7 assistance across India. We offer services for new, Tatkal, renewal, kids, lost/stolen, and ECNR/ECR passport types—all with a focus on speed and compliance.
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