Times of India Advertisement: Classified and Display Ads, Indicative Rates and Booking

The short answer

A Times of India advertisement can be a text classified, a boxed classified display ad, or a display ad in the main paper or a city supplement such as Delhi Times or Bombay Times. You can book through the Times Group’s ad booking platform or an authorised booking agency, choosing the city edition you want. Classified text ads are priced per line with a minimum (one agency lists TOI text classifieds from ₹12 per line for a five-line minimum in some editions), and display ads are priced per square centimetre. Rates vary sharply by edition, so a Delhi or Mumbai ad costs far more than a smaller city. Add 5% GST.

About the Times of India

The Times of India is an English daily published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (the Times Group). It started in 1838 as The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce. It publishes many city editions. In the ABC audit for January to June 2025, its New Delhi edition was reported at about 4.56 lakh copies, with Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune among other large editions.

Editions, supplements and sections

• Main paper: display ads, from small boxes to full pages and front-page jackets
• City supplements: Delhi Times, Bombay Times and others, popular for retail, lifestyle and events
• Classified sections listed by agencies: Times Ascent (recruitment), Times Property, Times Tribute (obituary), Education Times, public notices, tenders and court notices

For writing tips, see our classified advertisement guide.

Indicative TOI advertisement rates

The Times Group doesn’t publish a simple public rate card. Agency listings captured in October 2026, before 5% GST:

• ads2publish: text classifieds from ₹12 per line (five-line minimum); matrimonial ₹69 per line; classified display from about ₹15 per sq cm (obituary) to ₹46 per sq cm (matrimonial). The edition isn’t stated
• releaseMyAd (Vijayawada edition): text ₹70 for five lines plus ₹20 per extra line; classified display minimum ₹375 for 3 × 5 cm
• Premium positions: front page, back page and page 3 are listed at 50–200% above base rates

Metro editions cost much more. Treat these as starting points and get a current quote.

How to book a TOI ad

1. Choose city edition(s) and section
2. Book through the Times Group’s ad booking platform (ads.timesgroup.com) or an authorised agency
3. Write or upload your ad and approve the proof
4. Pay and collect the GST invoice
5. Deadline: agencies say TOI’s own cut-off is about two days before publication, while some agencies accept bookings until the previous evening; confirm when booking
6. Check publication in print or the e-paper

Choosing the right edition

Pick the edition where your buyers live, not the biggest one. A Pune coaching institute or a Hyderabad property launch gets better value from that city’s edition than from a national package. For southern cities, compare The Hindu ads; for north India, compare Hindustan Times advertisement. Real estate advertisers should also see real estate digital marketing.

Make it measurable

Use a QR code to a landing page tagged with UTM parameters, plus a phone or WhatsApp number used only for TOI.

Checklist

• Edition and supplement chosen
• Ad type and size decided
• Current rate and deadline confirmed
• Booked via official platform or authorised agency
• GST invoice received
• Tracking added

Questions we get asked

How do I give an advertisement in the Times of India?

Book online through the Times Group platform or an authorised agency, choose edition and section, approve the ad and pay.

What is the cheapest TOI ad?

A short text classified in a smaller-city edition. Metro editions and display ads cost much more.

Can I advertise in only one city?

Yes. TOI ads are booked by edition.

Final thoughts

A Times of India advertisement works best when you choose the right city edition and supplement and track responses. For the full process, see how to give advertisement in newspaper.

Planning a launch across print and digital? Book a consultation.You can reach out to us on whatsapp at +91 7738844851.