TRAI repeals 2012 regulations on duration of advertisements in TV channels after removal of 12-minute cap
On 10 September 2026, TRAI issued the Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) (Repealing) Regulations, 2026, repealing the 2012 regulations that enforced a 12-minute advertisement cap per clock hour.
Summary
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) (Repealing) Regulations, 2026 on 10 September 2026. They repeal the 2012 regulations of the same name, dated 14 May 2012, along with all orders and directions issued under them. The 2012 regulations enforced, as a quality-of-service measure, a ceiling of twelve minutes of advertisements in a clock hour prescribed under rule 7(11) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had omitted that sub-rule by a notification published on 21 August 2026, removing the twelve-minute cap, citing major changes in the television broadcasting sector.
Key facts
- Regulator
- TRAI — Repealing Regulations, 2026 (4 of 2026), 10 Sep 2026
- Repealed
- Duration of Advertisements regulations, 2012 (dated 14 May 2012)
- Old cap
- 12 minutes of ads per clock hour
- Source rule
- Rule 7(11), Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994
- MIB move
- Sub-rule omitted, gazette 21 Aug 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The TRAI regulations repealed on 10 September 2026 had enforced what ceiling on advertisements on TV channels?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 12 minutes per clock hour
The 2012 regulations enforced a ceiling of twelve minutes of advertisements in a clock hour.
The twelve-minute advertisement cap for TV channels was originally prescribed under which rules, before the MIB omitted the provision in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994
The cap was in rule 7(11) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, which the MIB omitted by a notification published on 21 August 2026.