India cuts visa categories from 13 to 9, forms by 70%

Union Ministry of Home Affairs has simplified its visa regime, reducing main categories from 13 to 9 and sub-categories from 49 to 23. Application form fields have been cut by 65-70%. The revised framework includes nine categories: Business, Diplomatic, Work, Journalist, Medical, Official, Student, Visitor, and Miscellaneous. Visa issuance under the new system is expected by year-end.