For decades, films in Indian cinemas were certified U, UA, A or S. The Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 split the broad “UA” category into age-based markers, so parents can see more precisely who a film is suitable for.
The certificates now in use
| Certificate | Meaning |
|---|---|
| U | Unrestricted public exhibition |
| UA 7+ | Unrestricted, with parental guidance for children under 7 |
| UA 13+ | Unrestricted, with parental guidance for children under 13 |
| UA 16+ | Unrestricted, with parental guidance for children under 16 |
| A | Restricted to adults |
| S | Restricted to members of a specified profession or class of persons (for example, doctors) |
Timeline
- August 4, 2023: the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 received Presidential assent. Gazette of India
- August 11, 2023: the Act came into force. Gazette notification
- March 2024: the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 were notified. PIB
- October 2024: the CBFC began issuing the new age-based categories, according to trade reports.
Why it matters to streamers
When a film moves from cinemas to an OTT platform, its CBFC certificate doesn’t automatically become its streaming rating — platforms classify content under the IT Rules, 2021. In practice the two often line up, but they are separate systems. See OTT age ratings in India, explained.
