What are the new passport rules in India?

MEA has amended passport rules, setting five-year validity for ordinary 36-page passports issued to children below 15, or until they turn 18, whichever comes first. This means that if a child turns 18 before the five-year period ends, the passport will cease to be valid on that date. For applicants aged 18+, a 36-page passport costs ₹2,500 under normal service.