India Rolls Out Next-Gen e-Passports With Enhanced Security Features

The government has launched next-generation e-passports featuring an embedded RFID chip to prevent forgery and impersonation. Old passports remain valid until expiry, up to 2035. After pilot tests in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur, e-passports were rolled out nationwide by May 2025, with over 80 lakh issued in India so far. The chip stores read-only data, secured with biometric matching and ICAO-compliant features. The upgraded Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0) offers AI-powered support, simplified applications, and improved digital services. All new passports will now be e-passports, while non-electronic ones remain valid until they expire.