If you are getting ready to publish your book, one of the first things you will hear about is the ISBN. Getting an ISBN number in India is not as complicated as it sounds — but there is a process, and knowing it properly will save you a lot of time and confusion.
In this complete guide, we will explain exactly what an ISBN is, why your book needs one, who gives it out in India, how to apply for it step by step, how long it takes, and what to do if you are publishing through a service like Astitva Prakashan. Whether you are a first-time author or someone who has been writing for years, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What is an ISBN?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique 13-digit number that identifies your book. Think of it like an Aadhaar number — but for your book. Every edition and format of a book gets its own separate ISBN.
So if you are publishing a paperback, a hardcover, and an eBook version of the same title, each one will have a different ISBN. This helps booksellers, libraries, distributors, and online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart identify and list your book correctly.
Without an ISBN, your book cannot be listed on most major retail platforms or ordered by bookstores and libraries. It is an essential part of the publishing process.
Who Assigns ISBN Numbers in India?
In India, ISBNs are assigned by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, which operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. The official website where you apply for an ISBN in India is www.isbnindiaonline.gov.in. This is a free service provided by the government for Indian publishers and authors.
ISBN numbers issued through this agency are internationally recognised and accepted by all major book platforms and distributors around the world.
Is ISBN Free in India?
Yes. ISBN registration in India is completely free for publishers and authors who apply through the official government portal. You do not need to pay any fee to get an ISBN for your book.
However, if you are publishing through a professional publishing service, they may handle the ISBN application on your behalf as part of their publishing package. This saves you the effort of navigating the government portal yourself.
Who Can Apply for an ISBN in India?
Any of the following can apply for an ISBN in India:
- Individual authors who are self publishing their own book
- Publishing houses and companies registered in India
- Academic institutions publishing journals, books, or research papers
- Government organisations publishing official documents or books
- NGOs and non-profit organisations publishing educational material
If you are a self publishing author, you can apply as an individual publisher. You do not need to have a registered publishing company to get an ISBN in India.
What Types of Publications Need an ISBN?
Not every document needs an ISBN. Here is what qualifies:
- Printed books — fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, academic texts
- eBooks in any format (EPUB, PDF, MOBI)
- Audiobooks
- Educational workbooks and textbooks
- Illustrated books and graphic novels
The following do NOT need an ISBN:
- Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals (these use ISSN instead)
- Personal diaries or journals not meant for public sale
- Advertising material
- Loose-leaf publications
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get an ISBN Number in India
Here is the complete process for applying for an ISBN in India as a self publishing author or small publisher:
Step 1: Register on the ISBN India Portal
Visit the official ISBN India portal at www.isbnindiaonline.gov.in. Click on the ‘New User Registration’ or ‘Publisher Registration’ option. You will need to create an account with your name, email address, and contact details.
Step 2: Fill in Your Publisher Details
Since you are self publishing, you are the publisher. Fill in your personal details as the publisher. You will need to provide:
- Your full name
- Your postal address in India
- Your email ID and phone number
- Type of publisher (select Individual or Self-Publisher)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport)
- Address proof (same as ID or a utility bill)
- For organisations: registration certificate of the organisation
Make sure your documents are clear and legible. Blurry or incomplete scans can cause delays in your application.
Step 4: Wait for Publisher Approval
After you submit your registration, the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency will review your application. This typically takes 7 to 15 working days. Once approved, you will receive your publisher login credentials and a block of ISBN numbers assigned to you.
Step 5: Apply for an ISBN for Your Specific Book
Once your publisher account is approved, log back in and apply for an ISBN for your specific book. You will need to fill in the following details for each book:
- Title of the book
- Author name(s)
- Language of the book
- Subject or genre category
- Format (paperback, hardcover, eBook, audiobook)
- Approximate number of pages
- Expected year of publication
- Price of the book
Step 6: Receive Your ISBN
After your book details are submitted and verified, you will receive your ISBN. This usually happens within 5 to 10 working days after your book application is submitted. The ISBN will be emailed to you and also available in your online portal account.
Step 7: Print the ISBN on Your Book
Once you have your ISBN, it needs to be printed on the back cover of your book, usually above the barcode. The barcode is generated from the ISBN number. Your cover designer or publishing partner will handle this correctly.
The standard format for displaying the ISBN on a book is:
ISBN 978-XX-XXXXX-XX-X
How Long Does the Entire ISBN Process Take in India?
Here is a realistic timeline for the ISBN process in India:
- Publisher Registration: 7 to 15 working days for approval
- Book-specific ISBN application: 5 to 10 working days after submission
- Total time from start to receiving ISBN: approximately 3 to 5 weeks
This is why it is important to start the ISBN process early — before your book is ready to go to print. If you are working with a professional publishing service, they usually handle this in parallel with the design and editing stages so there is no delay.
Can I Get an ISBN for a Book Already Published?
Technically, an ISBN should be applied for before the book is published. However, if your book has already been printed without an ISBN, you can still apply for one and use it for future print runs or digital editions. The ISBN agency will assign numbers to your existing title.
Do I Need a Separate ISBN for eBook and Paperback?
Yes. Each format of your book is treated as a separate publication and needs its own ISBN. So if you are publishing both a paperback and an eBook version of the same title, you will need two ISBNs — one for each format. If you later release a hardcover edition, that will need a third ISBN.
What if Someone Else Has the Same Book Title — Will ISBN Help?
Yes. This is one of the most important functions of an ISBN. Two books can have the same title, but they will never have the same ISBN. The ISBN uniquely identifies not just the title but the specific edition, format, author, and publisher. Booksellers and platforms use the ISBN — not the title — to identify and stock the right book.
ISBN Through Astitva Prakashan — A Simpler Option
If the government portal process feels too long or complicated, the simplest solution is to publish through a professional service like Astitva Prakashan. As part of the publishing packages, the ISBN registration is handled for you. You do not have to navigate government portals, upload documents, or wait separately for approvals.
Your book gets a valid, internationally recognised ISBN as part of the publishing process. This is particularly useful if you are a first-time author who wants to focus on the writing and leave the technical steps to professionals. Learn more about the full process at astitvaprakashan.com/how-to-publish-a-book-in-india.
Common Mistakes Authors Make with ISBN in India
Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Applying for just one ISBN when planning both print and eBook formats — you need one for each
- Not applying early enough — ISBN processing takes time, do not wait until your book is ready to print
- Applying through unofficial or paid third-party websites — the government portal is free, so there is no need to pay someone just for the ISBN
- Forgetting to print the ISBN and barcode correctly on the back cover — this must be done before going to print
- Using the same ISBN for a revised or updated edition — a new edition needs a new ISBN
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it mandatory to have an ISBN to sell a book in India?
It is not legally mandatory. However, without an ISBN, your book cannot be listed on Amazon, Flipkart, or ordered by bookstores and libraries. For any serious publishing effort, an ISBN is essential.
2. Can I get an ISBN for a book written in Hindi or a regional language?
Yes, absolutely. The ISBN India agency assigns ISBNs to books in all Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, and others. Language does not affect your eligibility.
3. What is the difference between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13?
ISBN-10 was the older format used before 2007. All books published after January 2007 use the ISBN-13 format, which is the current international standard. If you apply for an ISBN in India today, you will receive an ISBN-13. Most systems still recognise ISBN-10 for older books, but you will always get ISBN-13 for new publications.
4. Can I buy ISBNs in bulk if I plan to publish multiple books?
Yes. If you are planning to publish more than one book, you can request a block of ISBNs — for example, 10 or 100 numbers at once. This is more efficient than applying separately for each book. Bulk ISBN requests are handled through the same government portal.
5. Does an ISBN protect my book copyright?
No. An ISBN is only an identification number — it does not protect your copyright. For copyright protection, you need to register separately with the Copyright Office of India. For more information on why copyright registration matters, keep an eye on our upcoming blog on copyright for Indian authors.
Ready to publish your book? Submit your manuscript today at astitvaprakashan.com
Also explore: How to Publish a Book in India | Self Publishing in India | Publishing Packages & Costs
