# Centre scraps 12-minute ad cap for TV channels

2026-08-14T18:31:18+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 5 independent outlets

The government has removed the 12-minute-per-hour advertisement cap on television channels, citing a transformed broadcasting landscape. The restriction, introduced in 2006 when India had only 62 TV channels, will end once the amended Cable Television Networks Rules are notified in the Gazette. The information and broadcasting ministry said the move creates a level playing field with digital media, which has no such cap. There are now over 900 channels and digital distribution platforms carrying up to 500 channels. The decision comes months after the Delhi High Court upheld the cap. Viewers can expect longer commercial breaks across all channels.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tv-channels-can-now-run-more-than-12-minutes-of-ads-under-new-rules-government-centre-television-advertisement-101786720930083.html>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-scraps-12-minute-ad-cap-for-tv-channel/articleshow/133247089.cms>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ad-breaks-to-get-longer-centre-scraps-20-year-old-12-minute-cap-on-tv-what-does-it-mean-for-viewers-11786722555520.html>
- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Aug/14/centre-lifts-12-minute-ad-duration-cap-for-tv-channels-cites-changing-broadcast-landscape>
- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-drops-12-minute-per-hour-advertisement-cap-on-tv-channels-11911808#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: Cable Television Networks Rules, Delhi High Court, I&B Ministry, TRAI
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/government-scraps-12-minute-ad-cap-for-tv-channels/
License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources.
Cite: https://indianopinion.org/government-scraps-12-minute-ad-cap-for-tv-channels/#story-in-brief

Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.