1.1 Internet Domain Names worldwide have assumed greater significance in recent times with the Internet increasingly being used as an effective medium for commerce, governance, education and communication. The system of registration of Internet Domain Names can facilitate the proliferation of Internet in a country. Many countries have, therefore, adopted liberal and market friendly policies to register large number of Domain Names under their country code, broadly consistent with globally accepted policy and procedures of Domain registration.

1.2 In India, .IN is the allocated country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD). It is recognized that its all round adoption by Indian residents, individuals, Government entities, public service organizations and businesses will help in establishing their Indian identity in the Internet space using a short and unique Domain Name.

1.3 The number of .IN Domain Names so far registered does not truly represent the penetration of information technology in India when seen in conjunction with the dimension and vibrancy of the Indian economy and the number of companies and public institutions operating in the area of Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology enabled Services (ITeS). An overcautious registration policy and absence of contemporary processes and infrastructure for registration have so far hindered the growth of .IN Domain. It is widely recognized that .IN Domain Name has an untapped growth potential. A proactive policy for .IN Domain proliferation can help establish .IN as a globally recognized symbol of India's growth in the area of IT.

1.4 After an indepth review of the situation, the Government has decided to revamp the .IN Domain Name Registry in India to provide a greater thrust to its activities. The new policy for .IN Domain Name registration covers the following main elements:

i. Unlimited generic .IN registration will be offered at 2nd level of Domain Name and also at the 3rd level in the globally popular zones of Domain registration, e.g., .co.in, .net.in and .org.in.

ii. Registrations will be carried out by Registrars to be appointed by the .IN Registry through an open process of selection on the basis of transparent eligibility criteria.

iii. Registrations will be offered by the Registrars following a competitive pricing policy and best market practices. The minimum fee charged by the .IN Registry will be Rs. 250 and Rs. 500 per year for registrations at 3rd and 2nd levels respectively.

iv. The .IN Registry will adopt Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), and will be assisted by a Dispute Resolution Committee to resolve disputes involving the Registry. It will also appoint Arbitrators to address disputes involving the Registrars and the registrants.

v. The entire process of registration will be online and should be completed in less than 24 hours of the receipt of the request from a registrant.

vi. The .IN Registry will announce a 'Sunrise period' of 90 days to enable registered trademark owners, registered companies and owners of intellectual property having a legitimate interest in protecting their brand to secure registration of their Domain Names after due verification.

vii. The zones for Government, Military and Educational Institutions will be reserved for exclusive use by the respective organizations. Registrations for these will be offered by NIC, an organization nominated by the Ministry of Defence, and ERNET, respectively.

viii. The .IN Registry will have the authority to deny or suspend any registration if it conflicts with the sovereign national interest or public order.

ix. The names of Constitutional Authorities, States/Union Territories and specific names used by the .IN Registry will constitute the reserved category of names, which will not be available to the general public.