India to roll out next-generation e-passports with RFID chips, advanced biometrics by 2035; take a look
Under the phased rollout, all newly issued passports will now be e-passports while existing non-electronic passports will stay valid until their expiry
PTC Web Desk: India is set to introduce next-generation e-passports featuring sophisticated security enhancements that promise faster processing and stronger protection against fraud. As per a report in India Today, the upgraded passports will include interlocking microletters, relief tints and encrypted biometric data stored on embedded RFID chips.
Under the phased rollout, all newly issued passports will now be e-passports while existing non-electronic passports will stay valid until their expiry. The government aims to complete a nationwide transition to e-passports by June 2035.
Each e-passport contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna that securely hold encrypted biometric and personal information, including the holder’s photograph, fingerprints and other key identifiers, compliant with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. These chips enable contactless verification, reducing physical wear-and-tear and significantly speeding up authentication at immigration checkpoints. So far, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued approximately 80 lakh e-passports within India and over 60,000 through Indian missions globally.
Officials said the enhanced system will sharply curb identity fraud and eliminate the possibility of individuals acquiring multiple passports. Applicant biometrics will be instantly matched against a central database, with the system automatically identifying any duplication.
AI-driven Passport Seva 2.0
The newly implemented Passport Seva Programme Version 2.0 (PSP V2.0), launched in May 2025, is now active across 37 Regional Passport Offices, 93 Passport Seva Kendras and 451 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras. Its global counterpart, GPSP V2.0, rolled out on October 28, 2025, extends these upgrades to Indian missions abroad.
The platform integrates AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants to guide applicants, streamline grievance redressal, and simplify online document uploads. Auto-filled forms, UPI/QR-based payments and advanced biometric authentication, including facial recognition and AI-driven alerts, further improve efficiency and security. The system is also linked with Aadhaar, PAN and DigiLocker to enable seamless digital verification.
Additional enhancements include Robotic Process Automation for document scrutiny, electronic signature pads, touchscreen feedback systems and real-time MIS dashboards. A multilingual National Call Centre, operating in 17 Indian languages, has been set up to assist citizens.
Three high-security data centres located in Noida, Chennai and Bengaluru support the upgraded network, offering robust cyber protection and threat monitoring.
With India issuing over 15 million passports annually, the MEA said the overhauled services have substantially improved accessibility and citizen experience. Mobile Passport Seva Vans, now operational in all 37 RPOs, are helping extend services to remote areas. Only 32 of India’s 543 Lok Sabha constituencies remain without direct passport service centres, which the government plans to cover within the next six months.