What Is ISBN Registration?

ISBN Registration is the process of obtaining a unique International Standard Book Number (ISBN) for a book, monograph, or similar publication. The ISBN is a 13-digit identifier that uniquely identifies a specific edition or format of a book, such as print, eBook, or audiobook.

In India, ISBN registration is provided free of cost by the ISBN registration agency under the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN (RRRNA). Publishers can apply for ISBN online through the official ISBN portal at isbn.gov.in.isbn.gov+1

What Is ISSN Number Registration?

ISSN Number Registration is the process of obtaining a unique International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) for a serial publication such as a journal, magazine, newsletter, or newspaper. The ISSN is an 8-digit code that uniquely identifies a serial publication, regardless of its medium (print or online).issn+1

In India, ISSN is assigned by the National Science Library (NSL), ISSN National Centre, India, under CSIR-NIScPR. Applications for ISSN must be filled online through the official ISSN India portal at nsl.niscpr.res.in.nsl.niscpr.res+1

ISBN vs ISSN Registration: Key Differences

ISBN is the book counterpart to ISSN, and both are unique identifiers used for publication identification and cataloguing.

ISBN Registration Online Process

The ISBN registration process in India is simple and can be completed through the official ISBN portal.

Step-by-Step ISBN Registration Process

1. Visit the official ISBN portal at isbn.gov.in.

2. Click on Applicant Registration.

3. Enter the publishing entity name, PAN or Udyog Aadhaar, email, and contact details.

4. Choose the publisher type — Commercial Publisher or Institutional Publisher.

5. Fill in the ISBN registration form with book title, author, edition, format, language, subject classification, and price.

6. Upload required documents such as title page, verso page, cover image, and publisher proof.

7. Submit the application — no payment is required as ISBN registration is free.

8. Track the application and receive the ISBN after approval.incorpx+1

Documents Required for ISBN Registration

The documents required for ISBN registration include:

• PAN card and address proof of the publisher

• Registered ID proof of the publishing agency

• ISBN request letter

• Title page and verso (copyright) page of the book

• Cover image of the book

• Publisher proof documentsincorpx+1

ISSN Apply: How to Apply for ISSN in India

The ISSN apply process in India is completed online through the National Science Library, ISSN National Centre, India portal.

Step-by-Step ISSN Registration Process

1. Visit the official ISSN India portal at nsl.niscpr.res.in.

2. Create a publisher account with basic contact details.

3. Choose the publication format — print, online, or both.

4. Fill in the title metadata — title, frequency, language, publisher name, and country.

5. Upload sample pages — title page, imprint page, cover image, or homepage screenshot for online titles.

6. Submit the application for verification by the National Centre.

7. On approval, receive the ISSN — P-ISSN for print, E-ISSN for online, or both with ISSN-L linking them.incorpx+2

Documents Required for ISSN Number Registration

The documents required for ISSN number registration include:

• Sample issue or print-ready copy of the serial

• Publisher information and contact details

• Title page and imprint page

• Cover image or homepage screenshot for online journals

• RNI registration proof, mandatory for print ISSN applicantsissn+2

ISSN Registration Fee

The ISSN registration fee is zero — the ISSN itself is assigned completely free of charge by the National Science Library, ISSN National Centre, India.nsl.niscpr.res+2

However, an optional ISSN Registration Certificate can be obtained for ₹1,500 + 18% GST (total ₹1,770), payable to the Director, NIScPR. This certificate is issued only after the ISSN record is confirmed on the ISSN international portal.nsl.niscpr.res+2

ISBN Registration Fee

The ISBN registration fee is zero — ISBN is provided free of cost by the Indian ISBN registration agency. No payment is required when applying directly through the official ISBN portal.isbn.gov+1

Why Hire an ISBN ISSN Registration Consultant?

A professional ISBN ISSN registration consultant helps publishers with:

• Determining whether ISBN or ISSN is required for the publication

• Preparing and verifying documents

• Applying for ISBN online registration

• Applying for ISSN number registration

• Handling RNI registration for print ISSN

• Tracking applications and resolving queries

• Obtaining ISSN Registration Certificate after approval

Professional support is especially useful for first-time publishers, academic institutions, and businesses launching multiple titles or journals.

Key Points to Remember

• ISBN is for books, ISSN is for serials like journals and magazines.

• Both ISBN and ISSN are free of cost in India.

• ISBN is issued by RRNA at isbn.gov.in.

• ISSN is issued by NSL, ISSN National Centre at nsl.niscpr.res.in.

• Print ISSN requires RNI registration first.

• Optional ISSN Registration Certificate costs ₹1,770 (₹1,500 + 18% GST).

• Both identifiers are permanent for their respective titles/editions.isbn.gov+3

Conclusion

ISBN and ISSN registration are essential identifiers for publishers in India. While ISBN is required for books and monographs, ISSN is required for journals, magazines, and other serial publications. Both are provided free of cost by the respective Indian authorities.

Whether you are a first-time author, academic publisher, or journal editor, proper ISBN online registration or ISSN apply process ensures your publication is uniquely identified, catalogued, and recognized globally. Professional ISBN ISSN registration consultants can simplify the process and help publishers avoid delays and documentation errors.isbn.gov+2

FAQs for ISBN & ISSN Registration

1. What is the difference between ISBN and ISSN?

ISBN is a 13-digit identifier for books and monographs, while ISSN is an 8-digit identifier for serial publications like journals, magazines, and newspapers. ISBN identifies a specific edition or format of a book, while ISSN identifies a serial title.nsl.niscpr.res+1

2. Is ISBN registration free in India?

Yes, ISBN registration is completely free of cost in India. The ISBN is provided by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency (RRRNA) through the official portal at isbn.gov.in.isbn.gov+1

3. How can I apply for ISSN number registration online?

You can apply for ISSN number registration online through the National Science Library, ISSN National Centre, India portal at nsl.niscpr.res.in. Create a publisher account, fill in the title details, upload sample pages, and submit the application for verification.

4. What is the ISSN registration fee in India?

The ISSN registration fee is zero — the ISSN itself is assigned free of charge. However, an optional ISSN Registration Certificate costs ₹1,500 + 18% GST (₹1,770 total).

5. Is RNI registration required before applying for ISSN?

Yes, for print ISSN, it is mandatory for publishers to register their title with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) first before applying for ISSN. Online-only journals do not require RNI registration.