How to Give Advertisement in Newspaper in India: Types, Costs, Rules and Booking Steps

The short answer

Here is how to give advertisement in newspaper in India: choose the paper and edition your audience reads, pick an ad type (a text classified, a boxed classified display ad, or a full display ad), write and design it, then book through the newspaper’s own classifieds desk or an authorised booking agency, pay, and approve the proof. Classified text ads are priced per word or line; display ads are priced per square centimetre, multiplied by width and height, with extra charges for colour and premium pages. Newspaper ad space carries 5% GST. Small classifieds can often be booked a day before; display ads and premium positions need several days.

Key takeaways

• Three ad types: classified text, classified display, display
• Price depends on paper, edition, page, size, colour and day
• Book through the newspaper’s official classifieds channel or an authorised agency
• Your ad must follow the ASCI Code and the Consumer Protection Act rules on misleading ads
• Add a QR code and a tracked link so you can measure results

The three types of newspaper ads

1. Classified text ads. Plain text under a category heading such as matrimonial, property, recruitment or name change. Cheapest option. See our classified advertisement guide.

2. Classified display ads. Still in the classifieds section, but in a box with borders, a logo, a photo or colour. Priced by area.

3. Display ads. Placed among news pages, from small boxes to full pages and front-page jackets. Used for brand launches, sales, real estate projects, education admissions and events.

How newspaper ad pricing works

• Classified text: a minimum charge for the first few words or lines, then a rate for each extra word or line
• Classified display and display: rate per sq cm × width (cm) × height (cm), with a minimum size
• Premiums: booking agencies list front page, back page and page 3 at 50–200% above the base rate
• Colour costs more than black and white
• Editions: one city edition is cheapest; multi-edition packages cost more

As one published example, releaseMyAd lists Mid-day’s personal text ad at ₹1,503 for the first 15 words, then ₹54 per extra word, plus GST. Rates differ widely between papers, so check the current rate for your edition.

On tax, CBIC states that selling advertisement space in print media attracts 5% GST, while separate design services by an agency attract 18%.

How to give an advertisement in a newspaper: 7 steps

1. Define the goal. Leads, footfall, recruitment, a legal notice or brand awareness
2. Choose the paper and edition. Match language and city to your audience (see the guides below)
3. Pick the ad type and size. Text classified for notices and jobs; display for launches and offers
4. Write the ad. One clear offer, key facts, and a single call to action with phone, WhatsApp or QR code
5. Book. Through the newspaper’s official classifieds website or office, or an authorised booking agency. Ask for a GST invoice
6. Approve the proof and confirm the publication date and edition
7. Check publication in the print or e-paper edition and keep it as proof

Choosing the right newspaper

India has strong papers in every major language. Our booking guides cover:

• English: Times of India advertisement, Hindustan Times advertisement, The Hindu ads
• Hindi: Dainik Bhaskar advertisement, Dainik Jagran advertisement
• Regional: Gujarat Samachar advertisement (Gujarati), Anandabazar Patrika advertisement (Bengali), Malayala Manorama advertisement (Malayalam), Eenadu advertisement (Telugu)

The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) certifies newspaper circulation every six months. Ask the paper or agency for current ABC figures for your edition before spending on large display ads.

Rules your ad must follow

• ASCI Code: ads must be truthful, honest and substantiated, not offensive, and fair to competitors
• CCPA guidelines, 2022: misleading ads can attract penalties of up to ₹10 lakh, and up to ₹50 lakh for repeat offences; disclaimers must be in the same language and similar font as the claim
• Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, 1954: bans ads claiming to treat certain listed conditions
• Press Council of India norms: advertorials must be clearly marked as “Advertisement” or “Advertorial”

This is general information, not legal advice.

Is newspaper advertising still worth it?

Print still matters in India. The FICCI-EY report published in March 2026 put print at ₹25,900 crore of revenue in 2025, with print ad revenue up about 2%, while digital took nearly two-thirds of all advertising. ABC reported total daily circulation of about 2.97 crore copies for January to June 2025. Print works best for local reach, older and regional-language audiences, legal and public notices, and building trust for big-ticket purchases. Pair it with digital, such as local SEO, for the people who search after seeing your ad.

Make your print ad measurable

• QR code to a landing page with UTM parameters naming the paper and date
• A dedicated phone or WhatsApp number for each paper
• An offer code printed only in that ad
• Compare cost per enquiry across papers to judge ROI

Checklist

• Goal and audience defined
• Paper, edition and date chosen
• Ad type and size picked
• Copy checked against ASCI and CCPA rules
• Booked through an official or authorised channel with GST invoice
• Proof approved
• QR code, tracked link or unique number added

Questions we get asked

How much does a newspaper ad cost in India?

From a few hundred rupees for a small classified to lakhs for a full-page display ad. It depends on paper, edition, size, colour and page.

How many days before should I book?

Many classifieds can be booked by the previous afternoon or evening; display ads and premium pages need several days. Confirm with the booking channel.

Can I book a newspaper ad online?

Yes, through many newspapers’ official classifieds sites and through authorised booking agencies.

Final thoughts

Giving an advertisement in a newspaper is simple once you know the ad types, how pricing works and the rules. Choose the right paper, keep the message clear and make every ad trackable. Start with the guide for your chosen paper above.

Want print and digital planned together, with tracking that shows what worked? Book a consultation with Findise.You can reach out to us on whatsapp at +91 7738844851 .