The Information & Broadcasting Ministry on Friday (March 27, 2026) released the TV Ratings Policy (TRP) 2026, replacing the guidelines that were in effect since January 16, 2014. The new policy tightens audit norms, introduces enhanced sample size and representative data for accuracy, and lowers entry barriers for rating agencies.
“The policy defines clear standards for the registration, operation, audit, and oversight of agencies providing TV rating services, with the aim of ensuring transparency, independence, and accountability in audience measurement,” said the Ministry.
Under the new policy, the net-worth requirement for a company willing to register as TV rating agency has been reduced from existing ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore. In order to ensure neutrality, it provides that at least 50% of the board of directors must be independent directors with no ties to broadcasters, advertisers, or advertising agencies. The agencies also cannot engage in consultancy roles that could create conflicts of interest.
“To improve data accuracy, agencies must scale up their operations to 80,000 metered homes within 18 months (six months for existing rating agency), eventually reaching 1,20,000 homes. Measurement must be technology-neutral, capturing data across Cable, DTH, OTT, and Connected TVs. The data shall be captured from all the TV viewing screens of the metered homes,” it said.
