When applying for a passport in India, many applicants get confused between a Passport Office and a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Though they are part of the same passport issuance ecosystem, they serve different functions and are managed differently. Understanding the distinction between them can help streamline your application and avoid unnecessary delays.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain the key differences between a Passport Office and PSK, their roles, responsibilities, and how to choose the right one for your passport-related needs.
What Is a Passport Office (RPO)?
A Passport Office, also known as a Regional Passport Office (RPO), is a government office under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responsible for supervising and managing the passport issuance process in a specific geographic region.
Functions of a Passport Office:
- Supervises all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) within its region
- Handles complex, escalated, or special cases
- Processes diplomatic and official passports
- Deals with grievance redressal and RTI requests
- Approves passport applications post-police verification
- Conducts interviews for cases like adoption, identity mismatch, or criminal background
Typical Visitors:
- Applicants with pending or rejected passport cases
- Citizens with legal complications or exceptional cases
- Agents or legal representatives handling escalated matters
What Is a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?
A Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is a passport processing center operated in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It is the front-end office where most applicants go for biometric data capture, document verification, and submission of applications.
Functions of a PSK:
- Handles new passport applications
- Accepts reissue, renewal, and correction requests
- Collects biometric data (photograph, fingerprints)
- Verifies documents against the application form
- Sends application to the RPO for approval
- Acts as the primary customer service center
Typical Visitors:
- First-time applicants
- Individuals applying for Tatkal or Normal passport
- Applicants seeking ECR/ECNR changes, address updates, or name changes
- Parents applying for minor passports
Major Differences Between Passport Office and PSK
| Criteria | Passport Office (RPO) | Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Supervisory and administrative | Front-end application processing |
| Operated By | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) | Public-Private Partnership (MEA + TCS) |
| Services Offered | Escalations, RTIs, complex/legal cases, approvals | New applications, renewals, biometrics, document verification |
| Public Interaction | Limited, mostly in complex scenarios | High – handles majority of public passport interactions |
| Appointment Availability | Only in specific circumstances or referrals | Easily bookable via Passport Seva Portal |
| Document Submission | Case-by-case basis | Standardized for all applicants |
| Location Spread | Limited – one per region/state | Multiple PSKs in metro cities and towns |
What Is a POPSK (Post Office Passport Seva Kendra)?
Alongside PSKs and RPOs, the government has launched POPSKs, i.e., Post Office Passport Seva Kendras, to improve passport accessibility in rural and semi-urban areas. These function like PSKs but are located within India Post premises.
POPSKs Offer:
- New passport services
- Document verification
- Biometric data capture
They operate under the jurisdiction of the nearest RPO and offer limited capacity but great convenience in underserved areas.
When to Visit a Passport Office Instead of PSK
You should approach a Regional Passport Office only in the following scenarios:
- Application is on hold due to police clearance issues
- Passport has been rejected or blacklisted
- You’re dealing with adoption, legal name change, or sensitive documents
- RTI or grievance petitions have been filed
- Special circumstances like NRI documentation or court orders
When to Visit a PSK
Most general passport services are offered at PSKs, including:
- First-time passport applications (normal or tatkal)
- Reissue due to expiry or damage
- Passport for minors
- Name, address, or marital status updates
- ECNR status updates
- Renewal after 10 years
What Happens at the PSK?
- Token Generation
- Document Verification (Counter A)
- Biometric Capture (Counter B)
- Final Review (Counter C)
- Exit and Receipt Collection
The entire process usually takes 60–90 minutes if all documents are in order.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Scenario | Go to PSK | Go to Passport Office (RPO) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal or Tatkal passport application | ✅ | ❌ |
| Minor’s passport | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rejected application follow-up | ❌ | ✅ |
| RTI, legal dispute, or blacklisted passport | ❌ | ✅ |
| Biometric and document verification | ✅ | ❌ |
| Special case (court orders, adoption, etc.) | ❌ | ✅ |
How Our Services Help You
Navigating between a PSK and Passport Office can be overwhelming. Our experienced team offers personalized passport services in Hyderabad, helping you choose the right facility based on your case.
We Provide:
- Appointment scheduling at nearest PSK/POPSK
- Assistance in documentation and verification
- Support for special cases requiring RPO visits
- Tatkal and express processing
- 24/7 support for queries and follow-ups