Difference Between Regional Passport Office (RPO) and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

If you're planning to apply for an Indian passport, it's important to understand the difference between Regional Passport Office (RPO) and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). These two entities work together under the Ministry of External Affairs but serve different purposes in the passport issuance process. 

In this guide, we'll compare Regional Passport Office vs Passport Seva Kendra, clarify their roles, and help you decide which one to visit.

Overview of RPO vs PSK

What is an RPO (Regional Passport Office)?

A Regional Passport Office (RPO) is the main government authority that verifies, approves, and issues passports. It oversees the entire process, including police verification, final approval, and dispatch of the passport. 

It operates under the Ministry of External Affairs and has jurisdiction over specific regions in India. Each RPO governs multiple PSKs in its jurisdiction.

RPOs handle:

• Final verification of documents
• Background checks and police verification coordination
• Issuance and printing of passports
• Grievance redressal and complex cases

Examples of RPOs in India

Here are some of the Regional Passport Offices across India:

• RPO Delhi
• RPO Mumbai
• RPO Chennai
• RPO Kolkata
• RPO Hyderabad
• RPO Bangalore

What is a PSK (Passport Seva Kendra)?

A Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is a service centre where citizens can go to submit their passport applications, complete biometrics, and complete initial verification. These are the first point of contact for passport applicants. PSKs operate under the Passport Seva Project, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Ministry of External Affairs and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

PSKs are designed to:

• Accept passport applications
• Collect biometric data (photo, fingerprints)
• Perform initial document verification
• Forward applications to the respective RPO

Examples of PSKs in India

Common PSKs across major cities include:

• PSK Lalbagh, Bengaluru
• PSK Malad, Mumbai
• PSK Saligramam, Chennai
• PSK Bhikaji Cama Place, Delhi
• PSK Aundh, Pune

In addition to full-service PSKs, the government has set up smaller centres to increase accessibility in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns:

Mini PSKs (mPSKs)

These are scaled-down versions of standard PSKs, operating under the jurisdiction of an RPO. They offer the same services but with fewer appointment slots and counters.

Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs)

Set up within India Post offices, POPSKs extend passport services to semi-urban and rural areas. They follow the same process flow as PSKs and operate under the Passport Seva Project.

You can find the nearest PSK, mPSK, or POPSK using the official Passport Seva website.

Key Differences Between RPO and PSK

Here’s the difference between RPO and PSK:

How RPO and PSK Work Together

The PSK is where you begin your passport journey—submit documents, give biometrics, and get your file initiated. This application is then sent to the RPO, which performs final checks, approves the request, and handles passport printing and dispatch. In essence, PSK is the processing centre, while RPO is the final authority.

Here's how their roles complement each other:

• PSKs serve as the applicant’s entry point into the passport system, where citizens physically visit to submit applications and complete biometric procedures.
• TCS staff at PSKs handle front-end operations, including document collection, photograph capture, fingerprint scanning, and applicant data entry.
• Once the application is submitted at the PSK, it is digitally transmitted to the jurisdictional RPO for backend processing.
• The RPO validates all submitted documents, cross-checks data, and determines if any additional information or clarification is required.
• The RPO initiates police verification based on the applicant's current and/or permanent address.
• Upon receiving a clear police verification report, the RPO performs final approval or rejection of the application.
• If approved, the RPO proceeds to print and dispatch the passport to the applicant's registered address via Speed Post.
• In case of issues like adverse police reports, address mismatches, or documentation gaps, the RPO may put the application on hold, request the applicant to visit the RPO for clarification, or reject the application with reasons.
• PSKs and RPOs operate on integrated systems. This ensures real-time data flow and tracking for applicants via the Passport Seva Portal.

Which One Should You Visit – RPO or PSK?

In most cases, you should visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), as it is the designated centre for all standard passport services. This includes applying for a new passport, reissuance, renewal, change of address, and updating personal details. Appointments for both are booked via the Passport Seva Portal.

You should only visit a Regional Passport Office (RPO) in special situations such as:

• You’ve been called by the RPO for document verification, clarification, or police report discrepancies.
• Your case involves Tatkaal, diplomatic, or emergency passport services.
• You need to raise a grievance or escalate an unresolved issue.
• You are applying under special categories that may require direct intervention.

Note: Walk-ins at RPOs are generally not allowed unless you have a prior appointment or have been specifically asked to appear.

To sum up the difference between RPO and PSK, the Regional Passport Office is the main administrative body that issues and approves passports, while the Passport Seva Kendra is the front-facing centre where you begin your application. If you’re wondering about PSK vs RPO, just remember: PSK processes your documents, and RPO finalizes and issues your passport.

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