The Center informs the new age-based film certification categories under the U/A rating

The CBFC introduced a revised certification structure aligned with social values ​​prevalent last year and its purpose was to increase age-appointed material classification. Representative file image. , Photo Credit: V. Srinivas Murari

The central government on Saturday notified the revised age-based certification categories for films, which was aimed at seeing age-appropriate to see, especially for audiences requiring the guidance of parents.

In a Gazette notification, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting amended the final notified rules in December 1991, which outlines the principles of approved films for the public exhibition.

Under the amended rules, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has the right to issue certificates for unrestricted public exhibitions with specific support indicating nature and type of materials marked as ‘U/A 7+’, ‘U/A 13+’, and ‘U/A 16+’.

“With the appropriate material and guidance of parents for a child above seven years and older, below the age of seven years and it will be classified as a ‘U/A7+’ rating; (ii) For a child, a child will be ranked as a category of ‘U/A. 16. Will be classified, “Notification states.

The CBFC introduced a revised certification structure aligned with social values ​​prevalent last year and its purpose was to increase age-appointed material classification. The reforms demanded to modernize and streamline the overall certification process.

Under the U/A rating, three-tier sub-gradation, applied to children under 12, replaces the U/A classification first. The certification of films is ruled by the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Historically, the film certification in India included only two categories for the unrestricted public exhibition- ‘U’ and only with a ban on clear materials such as ‘A’, nudity for adults. In 1983, the ‘U/A’ category was introduced to allow children under 12 years to allow unrestricted public views with guidance of parents, as well as with a ‘S’ category, for special audiences such as doctors or scientists.

The 1983 rules set a single age limit for U/A films in 12 years, but the 2023 amendment has now refined it with sub-classification at the age of 7, 13 and 16.