How much does it cost to apply for a passport?

From my recent experience applying for a passport, the basic fee for a normal 36-page fresh passport is ₹1,500, but the total cost can be higher. You'll need to factor in:- Passport photo charges: ₹100-200 at most studios- Document photocopying: ₹20-50 depending on the number of pages- Travel to PSK: Variable based on your location- Optional services: Some centers offer assistance services for around ₹200-300The Tatkal service costs significantly more (₹4,000) but processes your application faster. I'd recommend applying under the normal category unless you have urgent travel plans. The entire process is quite transparent now, and you can track everything on the Passport Seva website.

The passport application fees in India vary based on the type of passport and number of pages. Here are the current fees (2024) for fresh applications: Fresh Passport (36 pages): * Normal Tatkal: ₹4,000 * Normal Application: ₹1,500 Fresh Passport (60 pages): * Normal Tatkal: ₹4,500 * Normal Application: ₹2,000For minors under 18, the fee is ₹1,000 for a 36-page passport. There's an additional Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) fee of ₹500 if required. Remember, these are just the government fees - there might be minor additional charges for photos and documentation services at Passport Seva Kendras.