Passport Seva Kendra

What is Passport Seva Kendra? 

Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) are extended branches of Passport Offices in India, responsible for delivering passports and related services, mainly in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. PSKs were introduced under the Passport Seva Project (2010) in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services, they provide both offline and online services, eliminating the need for agents and ensuring safer, faster, and more transparent applications. While the Ministry of External Affairs oversees core functions, PSKs integrate multiple departments to streamline passport issuance and improve efficiency across the country.

New Updates under Passport Seva 2.0 (2025)

  • Introduction of chip-enabled e-passports for enhanced security. 
  • Parents’ names removed from the printed passport booklet. 
  • Residential address no longer printed; now digitally encoded. 
  • Birth Certificate mandatory as proof of date of birth for applicants born on or after 1 October 2023. 

Role and Responsibilities of Passport Seva Kendra 

The following are the vital responsibilities and roles of a Passport Seva Kendra:  

  1. Accept Applications: PSKs act as front-end centers to accept passport applications from applicants.  
  1. Document Verification: They check the submitted documents for completeness and accuracy as per government guidelines.  
  1. Biometric & Photograph Capture: Collect applicants’ biometrics (fingerprints), signatures, and photographs.  
  1. Forwarding Applications: Verified applications are forwarded to the concerned Regional Passport Office (RPO) for further processing and approval.  
  1. Public Interface: PSKs provide assistance, resolve applicant queries, and guide applicants about required documents and procedures.  
  1. Compliance Check: Ensure that applications are submitted in line with the rules and documentation requirements.  
  1. Status Updates: Provide acknowledgement receipts (with ARN/File number) so applicants can track their status online. 

How to Apply Online at Passport Seva Kendra and schedule an appointment? 

Follow the steps given below to apply online at PSK and schedule an appointment: 

Step 1: To apply online, you will have to visit the official Passport Seva website. If you are a new user, you will have to register yourself first. 

Step 2: Once registered, log in using your newly created username and password. 

Step 3: Choose the option “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport” and fill in the form with details like your name and contact information. 

Step 4: Navigate to the option “View Saved/Submitted Applications,” select “Pay and Schedule Appointment.” 

Step 5: You will have to complete the online payment (mandatory) using one of the options given below: 

  1. Internet Banking (SBI and partner banks) 
  1. Debit/Credit Card (Visa/MasterCard) 
  1. SBI Bank Challan 

Step 6: Click on the option “Print Application Receipt” if you want a copy of your application. Do note that carrying the printout to PSK is not mandatory. If you have an SMS with your Appointment Reference Number (ARN), it will be considered valid. 

How to Apply Offline at Passport Seva Kendra and schedule an appointment? 

Follow the steps given below to apply offline at PSK and schedule an appointment: 

Step 1: You will have to download the application form from the Passport Seva portal and take a printout. 

Step 2: Fill it with the required details (application type, name, place of birth, etc.). 

Step 3: Next, upload the completed form online. 

Once submitted, visit your nearest PSK on the scheduled date with your original documents. 

Passport seva

How to check the appointment availability at PSK?

The step-by-step procedure to check the appointment availability at a PSK is mentioned below 

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Portal

Step 2: On the homepage, click on “Appointment Availability Status” (this option is available without login). 

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select the desired Passport Office / PSK / Post Office PSK (POPSK). 

Step 4: Enter the captcha code displayed. 

Step 5: Click on “Check Appointment Availability”. 

Step 6: The system will display available dates and time slots for different application types (Fresh Passport / Reissue / PCC / Diplomatic / Official). 

How to Check Passport Seva Kendra Application Status Online?

The following are the steps to check the PSK application status online:

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Portal

Step 2: On the homepage, click on “Track Application Status”. 

Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select your Application Type (e.g., Passport/PCC/IC, Diplomatic/Official, RTI, etc.). 

Step 4: Enter your File Number (ARN – Application Reference Number) and Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY). 

Step 5: Click on “Track Status”. 

Step 6: The current status of your application (e.g., Submitted, Under Review, Pending Police Verification, Granted, Printed, Dispatched) will be displayed on the screen. 

How to Check Passport Seva Kendra Application Status Offline? 

You can check your passport application status offline using the following methods:  

  1. SMS Service: Send an SMS in the format STATUS <File Number> to 9704100100 (standard SMS charges apply).  
  1. National Call Centre: Call the toll-free number 1800-258-1800, available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Monday to Saturday) for application status and general passport-related queries.  

In-Person Inquiry: Visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) to check the status directly. 

Points to Remember when visiting Passport Seva Kendra on Appointment Day

Make a note of the points given below to ensure your visit to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) simple and stress-free, keep these points in mind: 

  1. Reach Before Time: It is advisable to reach the centre at least 15 to 20 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time for security checks and locating your counter. 
  1. Carry All Required Documents: Ensure that you are carrying all the original documents like photographs, ID proof, address proof, and any other supporting documents, along with copies, to avoid delays. 
  1. Wear Appropriate Dress: You need not wear formal dress when visiting the passport office, but it is advisable to choose modest and comfortable clothing. Avoid attire with offensive or distracting prints. 
  1. Follow the Rules: It is important to respect the PSK’s guidelines, wait in designated areas, avoid using mobile phones, and maintain discipline inside the office. 
  1. Stay Patient: PSKs can get crowded, and waiting is common. In such a scenario, it is advisable to stay calm and remember the staff is working to serve everyone as quickly as possible. 
  1. Ask for Help: If you face any confusion or need guidance, don’t hesitate to approach the officials. They’re there to support you. 

Other Services Offered by Passport Seva

  1. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):  Issued to individuals for purposes like employment, long-term visa, migration, or residential status abroad. 
  1. Background Verification for Global Entry Program (GEP):  Available for Indian citizens applying for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry Program. The Passport Office carries out necessary background verification. 
  1. Surrender Certificate:  Issued to Indian citizens who have renounced their Indian citizenship after acquiring foreign nationality. This is mandatory before obtaining an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. 
  1. Line of Control (LoC) Permits:  Issued by Regional Passport Offices in Jammu and Srinagar to residents of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for visiting relatives across the LoC for valid reasons. 
  1. Certificate of Identity:  Issued to stateless persons and certain categories of foreign nationals residing in India, including Tibetan refugees, when they are unable to obtain travel documents from any other authority. 

Contact Details of Passport Seva 

Phone number : 1800-258-1800

Email: passport.pg@mea.gov.in 

You can contact Passport Seva on this contact number any day between Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

FAQs on Passport Seva Kendra

  • What is Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) or PSK?

    Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) provide front-end services associated with passport issues and are the expanded branches of passport offices.

  • What are the working hours of a Passport Seva Kendra?

    The working hours of Passport Seva Kendra are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Is it mandatory to visit a Passport Seva Kendra after applying online?

    No, an applicant has to be physically present when submitting the passport application at the Passport Seva Kendra as per the new system.

  • What services are offered at PSK or POPSK?

    The services offered by PSK or POPSK are reissue of passports, issuance of fresh passports, passport renewals, and police clearance certificates. 

  • Can I visit the Passport Seva Kendra without an appointment?

    No, you cannot visit the Passport Seva Kendra without an appointment. 

  • Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra?

    Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your appointment at Passport Seva Kendra twice a year. 

  • How can I track my application status after visiting the Passport Seva Kendra?

    To track your application status after visiting the Passport Seva Kendra, you can use the Passport Seva portal and click the Track Application status link under the Passport service section. 

  • How long will I take to get a passport through PSK?

    It would take around two to three weeks to get a passport through PSK. 

News on Passport Seva Kendra

New Passport Office Opens at MGBS Metro Station in Hyderabad

On 16 September 2025, Tuesday, a new Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) was inaugurated by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) Metro Station in Hyderabad. This centre is equipped with 28 service counters, spacious waiting areas, and modern infrastructure. It is expected to handle up to 1,200 appointments per day and improve processing time for applicants. The facility will make the passport services more accessible for residents of the Old City because they do not need to travel to other parts of the city to access the services. Moreover, the center will also house a TRIFED stall, which has tribal handicrafts, including jewellery, pottery, and artwork, to promote tribal artisans and their work. 

23 September 2025

Two Passport Seva Kendras Relocated in Hyderabad

Two Passport Seva Kendras in Hyderabad will function from new locations starting 16th September. The Ameerpet and Tolichowki Passport Seva Kendras in Hyderabad have been relocated to new buildings. The new locations are the MGBS Metro station and the Siri Building on Old Mumbai Road, Raidurg, respectively. The new Passport Seva Kendras will start operating on Tuesday, 16th September. The relocation makes it easier for people to access passport services, and the centres are equipped with better infrastructure and facilities to handle a larger number of applicants. 

15 September 2025

Regional Passport Office to Host Special Camp at IISER Kolkata

The Regional Passport Office, Kolkata, is organizing a two-day passport service camp for the first time at IISER Kolkata, Mohanpur. This camp will take place on 16 September and 17 September 2025 in which 40 slots are available under the normal category for new passport applications and re-issues. Applicants are required to bring their Application Reference Number (ARN) sheet, proof of address, proof of date of birth, and educational documents. Also, appointments must be booked in advance through the official portal www.passportindia.gov.in. The use of the DigiLocker app is encouraged to ensure smoother and faster verification. The camp is expected to benefit residents of Nadia and the surrounding areas by sparing them the inconvenience of traveling to Kolkata for passport-related services. 

10 September 2025

India’s Passport Gains Global Reach with Access to 59 Countries

In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, India’s passport has achieved a big rise as it jumped eight places to reach 77th in the world. Indian citizens can now visit 59 countries without needing a visa in advance, as they can either have visa‑free or visa-on-arrival access. Some countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand allow visa-free travel, while other countries like Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar offer a visa-on-arrival. This is the achievement that India has made in the rankings in recent years. The improvement shows that travel is getting easier for Indians, and more countries are opening up. Globally, Singapore has the most powerful passport, which has access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea are in the second position. The UK and US passport rankings dropped in 2025, with the UK passport allowing travel to 186 countries, while the US passport offers access to 182. On the other end, Afghanistan has the weakest passport which has access to only 25 countries.   

23 July 2025
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