In this article
Every film and series on an Indian streaming platform carries an age rating such as U/A 13+. These labels aren’t chosen by each app on its own terms — they come from India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which streaming services follow through self-classification.
The five categories
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| U | Universal — suitable for all ages |
| U/A 7+ | Suitable for viewers aged 7 and above; parental guidance for younger children |
| U/A 13+ | Suitable for viewers aged 13 and above; parental guidance for younger children |
| U/A 16+ | Suitable for viewers aged 16 and above; parental guidance for younger viewers |
| A | Restricted to adults |
What platforms are required to do
- Show the rating, together with a content descriptor (for example, language or violence), before a title plays.
- Offer parental locks for content rated U/A 13+ and above.
- Provide age verification for content rated A.
Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India (February 25, 2021).
Are OTT ratings the same as film certificates?
Not quite. Films released in cinemas are certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which now also uses age-based UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+ markers. Streaming platforms classify their own catalogue under the 2021 rules. A film may carry a CBFC certificate from its theatrical release and a separate OTT rating. Read how CBFC certificates work.
Using ratings at home
Ratings work best combined with a platform’s own controls — profile locks, kids profiles and maturity limits. For a step-by-step example, see how to set up Netflix parental controls.
