⚡ Normal vs. Tatkaal: Decoding the ‘Under Review’ Timeline at Delhi RPO
difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline The “Under Review” status at the Delhi Regional Passport Office (RPO) is experienced by both Normal and Tatkaal applicants. However, the meaning, duration, and urgency of this status differ drastically between the two application types, primarily due to the fundamental difference in when the Police Verification (PV) is conducted.
Here is a clear breakdown of the timeline difference for the “Under Review” phase at the Delhi RPO.
1. Normal Passport: ‘Under Review’ is a Waiting Game (Pre-PV) : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
For a Normal Passport application (especially a fresh issuance), the system follows a Pre-Police Verification (Pre-PV) mode. This means the RPO must wait for a clear Police Verification Report (PVR) before issuing the passport.
Stage of ‘Under Review’
Timeline
Primary Cause of Delay
Initial Review (3-5 Days)
3 to 5 working days post-PSK appointment.
RPO checks documents and forwards the file to the police for PV.
PVR Waiting Phase (10-21 Days)
The longest phase. The file stays ‘Under Review’ while the police conduct and submit the PVR.
Police Verification Time: This is the bottleneck (typically 5-15 days in Delhi).
Final Review (Post-PVR)
3 to 7 working days after the RPO receives a “Clear” PVR.
Final scrutiny by the Passport Officer before Grant/Dispatch.
Overall Timeline: For a Normal application with a smooth PV, the “Under Review” status typically lasts 15 to 25 working days until the passport is granted.
The Status Meaning: In this mode, “Under Review” primarily means “The RPO is waiting for the Police Verification Report.”
2. Tatkaal Passport: ‘Under Review’ is a Fast-Track Check (Post-PV) : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
The Tatkaal scheme is designed for urgent travel, operating on a Post-Police Verification (Post-PV) basis. This means the RPO usually grants and prints the passport before the police verification is complete.
Stage of ‘Under Review’
Timeline
Primary Cause of Delay
Initial Review (Fast Track)
1 to 3 working days post-PSK appointment.
RPO prioritizes the file for immediate scrutiny, ensuring eligibility and documents meet Tatkaal standards (e.g., checking Annexure F and valid ID proofs).
Granting Phase
Passport is granted and dispatched on the third working day (excluding the date of submission), without waiting for the PVR.
The RPO pushes the file through to printing and dispatch.
Post-Grant Review
The status rarely stays ‘Under Review’ for long. It moves quickly to “Passport Printing Initiated” or “Dispatched.”
N/A, as the passport is already in transit. The police verification happens after you receive the passport.
Overall Timeline: For a Tatkaal application with all documents and Annexures in order, the “Under Review” status is typically resolved within 3 to 5 working days until the passport is dispatched.
The Status Meaning: In this mode, “Under Review” means “The RPO is conducting a rapid, final check before granting the passport under the fast-track mechanism.”
⚖️ The Critical Difference in Bottlenecks : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
Feature
Normal Passport (‘Under Review’)
Tatkaal Passport (‘Under Review’)
Core PV Status
Pre-PV (RPO WAITS for Police)
Post-PV (RPO GRANTS before Police)
Typical Duration
15 – 25 Working Days (Highly PV-dependent)
1 – 5 Working Days (Fast-track priority)
Primary Bottleneck
Slow Police Verification. The file is stuck due to external delay.
Document/Eligibility Check. The file is stuck if Annexures/IDs are incorrect or eligibility is doubtful.
Worst-Case Delay
Adverse PVR $\rightarrow$ Personal RPO Visit $\rightarrow$ Months of delay.
Initial eligibility rejected $\rightarrow$ File converted to Normal $\rightarrow$ Follows the slower Normal timeline.
Conclusion for Delhi Applicants : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
If you applied under Tatkaal and your status remains “Under Review” for more than 5 working days, you should be immediately concerned and take proactive action (online grievance/call center). A short delay usually means the RPO has flagged a document (like Annexure F) that needs quick clarification before they issue the passport.
If you applied under Normal and your status remains “Under Review” for more than 15 working days, your focus should immediately shift to following up with your local police station, as the RPO is most likely waiting for their report.
Timeline Difference Between Normal and Tatkal “Under Review” Passport Applications – Delhi RPO Guide : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
When you apply for a passport through the Regional Passport Office (RPO) Delhi, your file goes through several verification stages — submission, police verification, officer approval, and printing. Many applicants notice their file showing “Under Review at RPO Delhi” and wonder how long it takes to clear under the Normal versus Tatkal scheme.
The truth is: both categories go through similar checks, but Tatkal files are prioritized and often require pre-verification or officer approval. Let’s break down the timeline difference and what factors influence the delay.
1. Understanding “Under Review at RPO Delhi” : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
The status “Under Review at RPO Delhi” means that:
Your file has reached the Regional Passport Officer’s desk,
All document and police verification inputs are being examined, and
The RPO/Assistant Passport Officer (APO) will soon approve or query the file.
This stage applies to both Normal and Tatkal applications — but the processing speed differs depending on category, document type, and verification status.
2. Normal vs Tatkal – What’s the Real Difference? : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
Parameter
Normal Passport Scheme
Tatkal Passport Scheme
Priority Level
Regular processing
High priority / fast-track
Verification Type
Post police verification
Pre or post verification (based on applicant history)
Average “Under Review” Duration
7 – 15 working days
1 – 3 working days
Officer Approval Needed?
Only in complex or adverse cases
Always — mandatory officer clearance
Eligible Cases
Most citizens
Verified applicants with prior passports, government employees, etc.
Police Verification Time
7 – 15 days (post-issue)
1 – 7 days (pre/post verification)
Total Processing Time (Delhi RPO)
15 – 25 working days
1 – 5 working days (if clear)
Common Delay Reasons
Police report pending, address mismatch
Missing verification certificate (Annexure F) or document check
💡 In simple terms:Tatkal files move faster because they skip the queue — but if documents or verification certificates are missing, even Tatkal applications can get stuck “Under Review.”
3. Why “Under Review” Takes Longer in Normal Cases : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
Normal scheme applications at Delhi RPO often take more time because:
Police verification happens after PSK appointment.
Reports take 7–15 working days to reach the RPO.
RPO officers handle normal cases in bulk — hence, slower manual review.
Incomplete address proofs or document mismatches trigger manual hold.
If all documents and verification reports are clear, the RPO generally clears “Under Review” cases within 7–10 working days.
4. Why Tatkal “Under Review” Files Are Faster : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
Tatkal applications are designed for urgent issuance and hence prioritized. However, they still undergo careful scrutiny at RPO Delhi for authenticity.
The review clears quickly if:
Applicant’s police record is clean (verified in system).
Pre-verification (for renewal/reissue) is already clear.
Annexure F and Verification Certificate are attached correctly.
Most Tatkal files clear within 1–3 working days after submission. However, if a lost or damaged passport or name change is involved, the review may take up to 5–7 days since the RPO must manually verify authenticity.
5. Example Timeline: Delhi RPO Cases : difference between normal and Tatkal passport timeline
Stage
Normal Scheme
Tatkal Scheme
PSK Appointment
1–2 Days
1 Day
Police Verification
7–15 Days
1–7 Days
RPO “Under Review”
5–10 Days
1–3 Days
Printing & Dispatch
2–3 Days
1 Day
Total Duration
15–25 Working Days
1–5 Working Days
📍 Note: For Tatkal cases involving lost or damaged passports, RPO Delhi approval is mandatory and can extend the review to 5–10 days.
6. How to Speed Up “Under Review” Status (Both Schemes)
To fast-track clearance at RPO Delhi:
Verify Police Report: Make sure the PVR (Police Verification Report) is uploaded. If not, visit your local police station or check on Passport Seva Portal.
Submit Complete Documents:
Aadhaar with current address
Rent agreement (if applicable)
Annexure F for Tatkal
Marriage certificate / name change affidavit (if needed)
Email RPO Delhi for Follow-up: 📧 rpo.delhi@mea.gov.in Mention your file number, DOB, and status clearly.
Contact the PSK or Passport Agent for Assistance: Experienced agents can follow up with RPO officials for faster clearance. 📞 9968875644 – Passport Agent Gurgaon
7. Common Reasons for Delay Even in Tatkal
Even Tatkal applications can remain “Under Review” longer if:
Verification Certificate (Annexure F) not properly signed by a Gazetted Officer.
Police record mismatch or incomplete pre-verification.
Lost/damaged passport case pending RPO officer review.
Name or address differs from Aadhaar or previous passport.
💡 Tip: For Tatkal reissue, always carry your old passport copy and updated ID proofs to avoid manual review delays.
8. Final Comparison Summary
Aspect
Normal Scheme
Tatkal Scheme
Review Speed
Slower (7–15 days)
Fast (1–3 days)
Officer Priority
Low to Medium
High Priority
Requires Verification Certificate
No
Yes (Annexure F)
Can Be Delayed By
Police report pending
Missing or invalid Annexure F
Best For
Non-urgent applications
Urgent travel or renewals
RPO Delhi Handling
Bulk, sequential
Manual, high-speed
Final Thoughts
At the Delhi RPO, “Under Review” simply means your file is being checked — the difference lies in priority and documentation.
Normal applications depend on post-verification and follow standard timelines.
Tatkal applications move faster but demand strict document accuracy.
If your file has been under review for over 10 working days (Normal) or 3 working days (Tatkal), follow up with the RPO Delhi or consult an experienced passport agent for faster clearance.
✅ Expert Help: If your passport file is “Under Review” at Delhi RPO, call 9968875644 for help with document checks, Tatkal verification certificates, and follow-up coordination.
