The Central Board of Film Certification has significantly streamlined the film certification process through digital transformation, reducing certification timelines while continuing to function under statutory provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph Certification Rules, 2024.
Information presented in the Rajya Sabha on March 13 by L Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, stated that the certification workflow at CBFC has become largely digital since the launch of the e Cinepramaan online certification platform in 2017.
Through the platform, applications for film certification, processing of submissions and approvals are carried out online, making the certification process faster and more transparent. Meetings of CBFC Board Members are also conducted online, while Examining and Revising Committee meetings are held as required depending on the volume of films submitted for certification to ensure timely decisions.
CBFC submits its annual report to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting every year. The information is incorporated into the consolidated annual report of the ministry which is published regularly on the ministry’s official website.
The tenure of members of the Central Board of Film Certification is governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the rules framed under it. Under Rule 3 of the Cinematograph Certification Rules, 2024, each member holds office during the pleasure of the Central Government for a period not exceeding three years. However, members continue in office until new members are appointed in their place.
CBFC functions as a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India. Certification decisions are taken under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph Certification Rules, 2024 and the guidelines issued under these provisions.
Cuts or modifications in films are recommended only if the content violates statutory parameters related to sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence.
According to the information submitted in Parliament, CBFC certified 71,963 films during the last five years between 2020–21 and 2024–25.
Year wise number of films certified and certification actions
Year Total Films Certified Films Certified With Cuts Or Modifications Refused Certification
2020–21 8,299 1,475 0
2021–22 12,719 1,911 0
2022–23 18,070 2,205 1
2023–24 17,431 2,440 0
2024–25 15,444 3,033 2
The category wise distribution of films certified during the period shows that the majority of films received Universal certification.
Category wise certification of films
Certification Category Total Films Certified
U 41,817
UA 28,268
A 1,878
S 0
Age based sub categories under the UA classification were introduced under the Cinematograph Certification Rules, 2024.
Under Rule 37 of the Cinematograph Certification Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for certification of films is 48 working days. However, with the introduction of the Online Certification System, the average time taken for certification has been reduced significantly.
At present, the average certification time is about 22 working days for feature films and three working days for short films.
The Cinematograph Act also provides a legal mechanism to challenge certification decisions. Appeals against orders of the Central Board of Film Certification can be filed before the High Courts and are adjudicated in accordance with judicial proceedings.
Year wise cases of CBFC decisions challenged before High Courts
Year Cases Challenged Before High Court
2021 2
2022 4
2023 1
2024 4
2025 10
The government said the digital certification framework and statutory oversight are aimed at ensuring timely certification of films while maintaining compliance with legal and content guidelines governing public exhibition in India.
