The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has revealed that the average film certification time has been significantly reduced following the implementation of the Online Certification System.

Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said that while the prescribed timeline under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 is 48 working days, the current average time has come down to 22 working days for feature films and just 3 days for short films.

As per Rule 37 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, the prescribed time limit for certification of films is 48 working days. With the implementation of the Online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 22 working days for feature…

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) March 13, 2026

The government also shared data from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), stating that 8,299 films were certified in 2020–21, 12,719 in 2021–22, 18,070 in 2022–23, 17,431 in 2023–24, and 15,444 in 2024–25. Only three films were denied certification during this five-year period.

According to the ministry, cuts are recommended only if the content violates statutory parameters such as sovereignty and integrity of India, state security, public order, decency, morality, defamation, contempt of court, or incitement to an offence.

The CBFC’s functioning recently came under public scrutiny following the alleged delay in certifying Jana Nayagan, the final film of actor-politician Vijay, which was originally scheduled to release in January but is still awaiting clearance.