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Times of India Ad Booking
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Obituary Ad in Times of India: Rates, Booking Process & Requirements (2026)
Why Families Choose TOI for Obituary Notices
The Times of India is one of India’s most widely read English newspapers, with strong readership in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. Because of its wide reach, many families choose TOI to share obituary notices with a large network of relatives, friends, and colleagues.
It is a trusted platform to announce a passing, share funeral details, or inform people about prayer meetings such as Uthamam, Chautha, or Uthala. Families also use it to mark death anniversaries.
TOI has dedicated obituary sections in its city editions. This helps ensure that the notice reaches the right local audience instead of getting mixed with general classified ads, making it easier for people to see and respond.
The Times of India offers three main formats for obituary notices. You can choose one based on your budget, urgency, and how detailed or visible you want the notice to be.
1. Classified Text Obituary Ad
This is the most affordable option. The notice appears as simple text in the classified section and follows a standard format. Charges are based on the number of words or lines.
Best for: Basic death announcements, prayer meeting details, and budget-friendly notices.
2. Classified Display Obituary Ad
This option allows more customization. You can include a photograph, choose fonts, and add borders or layouts. Charges are based on the size of the ad in square centimeters.
Best for: Personal tributes where you want to include a photo and make the notice more meaningful.
3. Full Display Obituary Ad
These are large ads placed in prominent positions, such as obituary pages or city sections. They are available in different sizes like quarter-page, half-page, or full-page.
Best for: High-visibility tributes, corporate notices, or when you want to reach the maximum number of readers.
Rates vary by city edition, ad format, day of publication, and placement. The table below reflects estimated base rates; always confirm current pricing directly at ads.timesofindia.com before booking.
| City Edition | Classified Text (per line) | Classified Display (per sq. cm) | Full Display (starting) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹950 – ₹1,100 | ₹450 – ₹600 | ₹8,000+ |
| Delhi / NCR | ₹850 – ₹1,000 | ₹400 – ₹550 | ₹7,000+ |
| Bengaluru | ₹700 – ₹900 | ₹350 – ₹500 | ₹6,000+ |
| Pune | ₹600 – ₹800 | ₹300 – ₹450 | ₹5,000+ |
| Chennai | ₹600 – ₹750 | ₹280 – ₹400 | ₹5,000+ |
| Kolkata | ₹550 – ₹700 | ₹250 – ₹380 | ₹4,500+ |
Important pricing notes:
- Weekend editions (Saturday/Sunday) usually cost 10–15% more.
- Rates for supplement placements (such as TOI city supplements) may be different from the main newspaper.
- Prices can change from time to time, so always check the official portal before making any payment.
Step-by-Step: How to Book an Obituary Ad in Times of India Online
Booking an obituary ad online is quick and simple. Once your details and documents are ready, the process usually takes less than 15 minutes.
Go to the official portal
Visit ads.timesofindia.com. This is the official website for booking Times of India classified and display ads.
Select the "Obituary" or "Remembrance" category
On the homepage, go to Classifieds → Obituary / Remembrance / Death Notice.
Choose your city edition
Pick the city where you want your ad to appear. You can choose more than one edition, but each will be charged separately.
Compose your advertisement
- Text ads: Type your message in the box. You’ll see the character count and cost instantly.
- Classified display ads: Upload a photo and design your ad using available templates.
- Full display ads: Upload a ready-made design (PDF/JPG) or ask for design help.
Choose your publication date
Select your preferred date from the calendar. It’s best to book at least 2 working days in advance. For urgent bookings, contact the TOI helpline.
Upload mandatory documents
Upload the required documents to verify the ad. Without them, the booking cannot be completed.
Review and pay
Check all details carefully, especially names and dates. Then make the payment using card, net banking, or UPI. You will receive a confirmation and invoice via email.
Required Documents
To prevent fraudulent death notices, Times of India requires identity and death verification before publishing.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Certificate | Scanned copy issued by hospital, municipal corporation, or crematorium authority |
| Doctor's Certificate | Accepted as interim proof if the official death certificate is pending |
| Booking Person's ID Proof | Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID of the person submitting the ad |
How to Write an Effective Obituary Ad
A good obituary ad shares important details clearly while respectfully honouring the person’s life.
Make sure to include these key details:
- Full name of the deceased, along with any commonly used nicknames
- Date of birth and date of passing
- A short mention of close relationships (for example, “beloved father of” or “dear wife of”)
- Date, time, and location of the funeral or prayer service
- Contact name and phone number for condolences or RSVP
For photo ads, use a recent and clear picture. A simple portrait with a plain background works best. The image should be at least 300 DPI for good print quality. Avoid using cropped group photos.
Always proofread the ad before submitting it. Mistakes in names, dates, or venue details usually cannot be fixed after publication. It’s a good idea to have another family member check it as well.
Keep the tone simple and respectful. For standard announcements, use clear and formal language. For remembrance ads or death anniversaries, you can use a more personal and warm tone.
Booking Through Third-Party Advertising Agents
If booking an obituary ad online feels difficult during a tough time, you can use authorised advertising agents to handle everything for you, often within a few hours.
Some reliable agencies include Riyo Advertising. These agencies usually provide:
- Complete booking support, including document submission
- Free ad design for classified display ads
- Help in choosing the most cost-effective newspaper editions
- Same-day booking through phone or WhatsApp
Before sharing any personal documents or making a payment, always confirm that the agent is an authorised TOI partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an obituary ad cost in Times of India? ▼
How far in advance do I need to book a TOI obituary ad? ▼
Can I book a TOI obituary ad without a death certificate? ▼
What is the difference between an obituary ad and a remembrance ad in TOI? ▼
Can I publish an obituary in multiple TOI city editions simultaneously? ▼
How do I cancel or modify a TOI obituary ad after booking? ▼
Summary
Booking an obituary ad in the Times of India is simple if you follow the process. First, choose the type of ad based on your budget and needs. Then use the official portal, keep your documents ready, and book at least 2 working days in advance. If needed, you can also take help from authorised agents who can handle everything smoothly.
