Times of India Classified Ad Rates Mumbai: Complete Guide for 2026
Times of India Classified Ad Rates Mumbai: Complete Guide for 2026
Table of Contents
What Are Times of India Classified Ad Rates in Mumbai?
Why Does the Edition and Zone Matter?
What Are All the TOI Mumbai Edition Rates?
Economic Times and Other Times Group Rates in Mumbai
How to Choose the Right Edition for Your Ad
Common Mistakes When Booking a TOI Classified Ad in Mumbai
How Much Does a Times of India Classified Ad in Mumbai Actually Cost?
What Are Times of India Classified Ad Rates in Mumbai?
Times of India classified ad rates in Mumbai vary by edition, zone, format, and publication. Rates start at ₹55 per sq cm for local editions like Dombivli Kalyan Plus and go up to ₹450–₹500 per sq cm for Education Times. The Economic Times Mumbai city run sits at ₹160–₹175 per sq cm.
The Times of India Group publishes several English, Marathi, and Hindi editions in Mumbai, each covering different parts of the city and different reader groups. Before you book anything, the first decision is picking the edition that actually reaches your audience — not just the cheapest option on the list.
I've seen advertisers skip this step and end up with a Bandra Khar placement when their customers are in Navi Mumbai. Wasted spend is avoidable if you know the zone map before you call.
Why Does the Edition and Zone Matter?
- Short answer: different zones reach different neighbourhoods and income groups.
- Different zones reach different neighbourhoods and income groups.
- Some editions carry add-on rates for supplementary placement.
- Marathi and Hindi editions offer lower rates for regional targeting.
- Premium editions like Education Times reach a smaller, higher-intent audience.
The West Side Plus covering Bandra to Borivali costs ₹120 per sq cm — double what most BT Zone editions charge. That gap exists because western suburbs readership is denser and more advertiser-competitive. It's not arbitrary.
What Are All the TOI Mumbai Edition Rates?
The Times of India Mumbai has over 15 zonal editions covering areas from Virar to Chembur. Base classified display ad rates per sq cm range from ₹55 to ₹120.
| Edition | Code | Base Rate (₹/sq cm) | Add-on (₹/sq cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandra Khar (West Side Plus) | BAPA | 60 | 60 |
| Bandra to Borivali (West Side Plus) | WSP | 120 | 120 |
| Chembur Ghatkopar Plus | CHGP | 60 | 60 |
| Cuffe Parade Worli (BT Zone Plus) | SOBO | 60 | 60 |
| Dahisar–Virar (West Side Plus) | DAVI | 60 | 60 |
| Dombivli Kalyan Plus | SUBP | 55 | 55 |
| Downtown Plus | DTP | 65 | 65 |
| Goregaon Malad (BT Zone Plus) | GOMA | 60 | 60 |
| Kandivali Borivali (BT Zone Plus) | KABO | 60 | 60 |
| Mulund Plus | MUP | 60 | 60 |
| Mumbai Times Thane Plus – Weekday | MTHPWK | 75 | 75 |
| Mumbai Times Thane Plus – Weekend | MTHPWD | 75 | 75 |
| New Bombay Plus | NBP | 60 | 60 |
| Santacruz–Vileparle (West Side Plus) | SAVI | 60 | 60 |
| Thane Plus (BT Split) | THPL | 60 | 60 |
| Education Times – Mumbai | EDTM | 450 | 500 |
Rates are in force from July 9, 2020, for Classified Display Block Forum and Multi Column formats. Always confirm current rates with the TOI booking desk before placing an order — these figures are a starting reference, not a live price list.
Economic Times and Other Times Group Rates in Mumbai
Beyond TOI, the Times Group publishes The Economic Times, Maharashtra Times, Mumbai Mirror, and Navbharat Times in Mumbai. Each targets a different reader.
ET Mumbai is for business audiences, priced at ₹160–₹175 per sq cm. Maharashtra Times covers Marathi-language readers at ₹180–₹200 per sq cm. Mumbai Mirror, now a tabloid insert within TOI, sits at ₹280–₹315 per sq cm — one of the pricier options on this list.
| Publication | Edition | Code | Base Rate (₹) | Add-on (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Economic Times | Mumbai City Run | ETMC | 160–175 | 175 |
| Maharashtra Times | Mumbai | MTM | 180–200 | 200 |
| Maharashtra Times | Mumbai – Thane Badlapur | MTMTB | 60 | 60 |
| Maharashtra Times | Mumbai – Vasai Virar | MTVVP | 60 | 60 |
| Mumbai Mirror | Mumbai Mirror | MMIR | 280–315 | 315 |
| Navbharat Times | Mumbai | NBTM | 150–165 | 165 |
Maharashtra Times Thane Badlapur and Vasai Virar are priced at ₹60 — same as a standard BT Zone. Worth knowing if you're targeting these corridors in Marathi.
How to Choose the Right Edition for Your Ad
Pick your edition based on three things: where your audience lives, what language they read, and what you can spend.
For pan-Mumbai reach, West Side Plus or a combination of BT Zone editions work best. For specific audiences — students, business decision-makers — Education Times or Economic Times deliver a more focused readership.
Steps before booking:
Define your target area — match it to the zone code in the table above.
Match language to audience — use Maharashtra Times for Marathi readers, Navbharat Times for Hindi.
Set your budget first — Education Times and Mumbai Mirror carry rates that are four to five times higher than a standard BT Zone.
Check the timing — Thane Plus has separate weekday and weekend rates. Weekend placement tends to drive more responses for consumer categories.
Ask about multi-edition packages — booking multiple zones together can unlock better rates. This isn't guaranteed, but it's worth asking.
One thing I'd add: don't finalise zones on your own if this is your first TOI booking. One call to an authorised agency can save you a lot of back-and-forth.
Common Mistakes When Booking a TOI Classified Ad in Mumbai
The most common errors come down to using the wrong zone, missing the add-on cost, and going off old rate cards.
- ❌ Using outdated rates — always confirm with the TOI booking team. Rates are updated periodically.
- ❌ Ignoring add-on rates — Education Times jumps from ₹450 base to ₹500 add-on. That's a ₹50 per sq cm difference that adds up on larger sizes.
- ❌ Booking a single zone for pan-Mumbai reach — a Bandra Khar ad won't reach Navi Mumbai readers.
- ❌ Confusing ad formats — Block Forum and Multi Column are different formats. Check which suits your ad design before booking.
- ❌ Skipping deadline checks — each edition has a booking cut-off, typically 1–2 days before publication. Missing it means waiting for the next slot.
How Much Does a Times of India Classified Ad in Mumbai Actually Cost?
A typical TOI Mumbai classified display ad costs between ₹330 and ₹3,000+, depending on the edition and size. A 6 sq cm ad in a standard zone at ₹60 per sq cm costs ₹360. The same size in Education Times at ₹500 per sq cm costs ₹3,000.
| Scenario | Edition | Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small local ad | Dombivli Kalyan Plus | 6 sq cm | ~₹330 |
| Standard zone ad | Any BT Zone Plus | 6 sq cm | ~₹360 |
| Western suburbs | Bandra–Borivali (WSP) | 6 sq cm | ~₹720 |
| Business audience | Economic Times Mumbai | 6 sq cm | ~₹960–₹1,050 |
| Lifestyle / city | Mumbai Mirror | 6 sq cm | ~₹1,680–₹1,890 |
| Premium niche | Education Times | 6 sq cm | ~₹2,700–₹3,000 |
These are estimates based on published rates. Actual costs may vary depending on format, frequency, and any negotiated discounts.
Ready to book your Times of India classified ad in Mumbai? Use the edition rate table above to shortlist your zones, then confirm current pricing and place your insertion order directly through Riyo Advertising — an authorised Times of India booking partner. One message gets you a confirmed rate, edition availability, and a reference number, without navigating the TOI booking desk yourself.
FAQ: Times of India Classified Ad Rates Mumbai
Q1: What is the cheapest TOI Mumbai edition for classified ads?
Dombivli Kalyan Plus (code: SUBP) at ₹55 per sq cm. That's the lowest on the current rate card. For slightly wider reach, most BT Zone Plus editions are ₹60 per sq cm — not a big jump.
Q2: Which TOI edition covers all of Mumbai?
No single edition does. The Times of India Pan-Mumbai reach usually requires a mix of West Side Plus, BT Zone editions, Thane Plus and New Bombay Plus editions. The TOI booking desk can put together a city package. One call to find out what that will cost, rather than booking zones separately.
Q3: What is the difference between base rate and add-on rate?
Base rate is the per sq cm charge for a Classified Display Block Forum ad. Add-on applies to Multi Column format. For most TOI Mumbai zones, both rates are identical. Education Times is the exception — the add-on (₹500) is higher than the base (₹450). Don't assume they match without checking.
Q4: How do I book a classified ad in Times of India Mumbai?
Three ways: TOI's official online booking portal, an authorised ad agency or a TOI branch office in Mumbai. Online booking involves choosing your edition, format, and publication date, followed by a credit/debit card or UPI payment. Request a written confirmation prior to the booking deadline. Never assume that the slot is locked until it is in writing.
Q5: Are TOI Mumbai classified ad rates negotiable?
Published rates are standard. But bulk bookings — multiple insertions or multi-edition packages — often qualify for negotiated pricing. TOI-registered agencies may also get better rates. Always ask for a written estimate. If you're running the ad more than once, ask specifically about frequency discounts for newspaper classified ads. Don't leave it on the table.
Q6: Is Mumbai Mirror still worth it for classified ads?
Depends entirely on the category. Mumbai Mirror has shifted to a tabloid insert within TOI. Its classified display rate of ₹280–₹315 per sq cm makes it one of the more expensive options. Its readership skews younger and urban, which works well for lifestyle, real estate, and entertainment. For a job notice or a name change announcement — honestly, it's not the right fit at that price.
Q7: What formats are available for TOI Mumbai classified ads?
Two main formats: Classified Display Block Forum (base rate) and Multi Column (add-on rate). Run on Line (ROL) — pure text, no image — is also available and is cheapest on a per-insertion basis. ROL works fine for notices and announcements. Display makes sense when you need a logo or visual to stand out.
Which Times of India Mumbai Edition Should You Choose?
For most local advertisers, a standard BT Zone Plus edition at ₹60 per sq cm gives solid neighbourhood reach at a manageable cost. Education Times and Economic Times make sense for pan-Mumbai campaigns or specific audiences — students or business decision-makers.
Always verify rates directly with the TOI team before booking. The official rate card may have been updated since July 2020.
Next steps:
Identify your target locality and match it to the correct edition code from the table above.
Contact the TOI booking desk or an authorised agency for a current rate quote.
Prepare your ad copy within the size and word limits before the booking deadline.
Ready to book your Times of India classified ad in Mumbai? Use the edition rate table above to shortlist your zones, then confirm current pricing with the TOI booking team before placing the order.
Internal links to add:
How to write an effective classified ad
Newspaper advertising vs digital advertising in India
Maharashtra Times classified ad rates Mumbai
External links to add:
