{"id":2276,"date":"2026-10-13T20:58:07","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T15:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tiwaripedia.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/13\/cbfc-film-certification-explained\/"},"modified":"2026-10-13T21:18:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T15:48:28","slug":"cbfc-film-certification-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiwaripedia.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/13\/cbfc-film-certification-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"CBFC Film Certificates Explained: U, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+, A and S"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last updated: October 2026 \u00b7 3 min read<\/em><\/p>\n

Before a film is shown in Indian cinemas, it must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)<\/b>, often called the censor board. The certificate tells you which age group the film suits.<\/p>\n

\"Infographic:
CBFC Film Certificates Explained: U, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+, A and S \u2013 infographic by Tiwaripedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is the CBFC?<\/h2>\n

The CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, working under the Cinematograph Act, 1952<\/b>. It has its headquarters in Mumbai and regional offices in cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.<\/p>\n

The certificate categories<\/h2>\n
Certificate<\/th>Meaning<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
U<\/td>Unrestricted public exhibition: suitable for all ages<\/td><\/tr>
UA 7+<\/td>Suitable for all, with parental guidance for children under 7<\/td><\/tr>
UA 13+<\/td>Parental guidance for children under 13<\/td><\/tr>
UA 16+<\/td>Parental guidance for children under 16<\/td><\/tr>
A<\/td>Restricted to adults (18 and above)<\/td><\/tr>
S<\/td>Restricted to specialised audiences such as doctors or scientists<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n

What changed in 2023-24<\/h2>\n

The Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023<\/b> split the old UA category into age-based UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+, made certificates valid permanently instead of for 10 years, and introduced tougher penalties for film piracy. The new categories came into use in 2024.<\/p>\n

How certification works<\/h2>\n
  1. Producer applies online with the film and documents.<\/li>
  2. An examining committee watches the film.<\/li>
  3. It may grant a certificate, suggest cuts or modifications, or refuse.<\/li>
  4. The producer can ask for a revising committee.<\/li>
  5. Further appeals go to the High Court (the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal was abolished in 2021).<\/li><\/ol>\n

    What about OTT platforms?<\/h2>\n

    Streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video do not need CBFC certificates. Under the IT Rules, 2021<\/b>, they self-classify content as U, U\/A 7+, U\/A 13+, U\/A 16+ and A, and must offer parental locks for mature content.<\/p>\n

    Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

    Can children watch an A-rated film with parents?<\/h3>\n

    No. An A certificate restricts the film to adults in cinemas regardless of parental permission.<\/p>\n

    Who appoints the CBFC chairperson?<\/h3>\n

    The central government appoints the chairperson and board members.<\/p>\n

    Does the CBFC certify TV shows?<\/h3>\n

    No. Television content follows broadcasting codes; the CBFC certifies films for public exhibition.<\/p>\n

    Keep exploring<\/h2>\n