The first question that most families ask once they have made the decision to place a notice in the Times of India is how much will it cost? The truth is that Times of India Obituary Ad Rates vary based on four major factors: the city, the format of the ad, the size of the ad, and the day it's published.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of all the cost variables. At the end you will know the cost of an obituary ad in newspaper columns, how pricing is determined and where you can save the most. No 'range' or 'small print' shocks.
"A note of caution: Newspaper advertising rate cards are updated four times a year. While this 2026 guide is accurate, always verify live rates with our team before final booking."
Factors That Influence Times of India Obituary Ad Rates
The majority of pricing misunderstandings relate to regarding a death notice in the newspaper as a ‘product' with a fixed price. They are not. The obituary ad in two different editions can be three times as expensive. Here are the real factors controlling your final bill:
1. Edition City
Mumbai and Delhi have the highest circulations and fetch the highest price per column centimeter. Tier-2 cities like Nagpur or Lucknow are significantly lower.
2. Ad Format
Classified Text is paragraphs (charged by word/line). Classified Display (photos/borders) costs 3–5x as much due to visual impact.
3. Ad Size & Word Count
Display ads are charged by column cm (e.g. 3x5 cm). Text ads increase in price as your word count grows beyond the base limit.
4. Color vs. B&W
Color printing is a substantial additional cost. For most families, a clean Black & White notice is enough for a proper tribute.
5. Day of Publication
Sunday editions command a higher rate. Scheduling on a weekday can help reduce your Times of India Obituary Ad Rates.
6. Booking Lead Time
Last-minute bookings (same day) carry risks. We recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead to ensure placement.
City-Wise Price Comparison for TOI Obituary Ads
| City Edition | Text Rate (approx.) | Display Rate (approx.) | Colour Premium | Sunday Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹700–₹1,200 / line | ₹2,500–₹5,000+ / col-cm | 15–25% | 10–20% |
| Delhi | ₹650–₹1,100 / line | ₹2,200–₹4,500+ / col-cm | 15–25% | 10–20% |
| Bangalore | ₹500–₹900 / line | ₹1,800–₹3,500+ / col-cm | 10–20% | 10–15% |
| Pune | ₹450–₹800 / line | ₹1,500–₹3,000+ / col-cm | 10–20% | 10–15% |
| Ahmedabad | ₹400–₹750 / line | ₹1,400–₹2,800+ / col-cm | 10–20% | 10% |
| Hyderabad | ₹400–₹750 / line | ₹1,400–₹2,800+ / col-cm | 10–20% | 10% |
All figures are approximate and subject to change based on quarterly updates.
Classified Text vs. Display: Cost-Benefit Analysis
| Feature | Classified Text | Classified Display |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Information delivery — name, date, details | Visual tribute — photo, design, prominence |
| Pricing basis | Per word or per line | Per column centimetre |
| Typical cost (Mumbai) | ₹1,500–₹5,000 | ₹8,000–₹30,000+ |
| Photo included? | No | Yes |
| Turnaround | Same-day booking possible | 2 days minimum |
| Best for | Most families — clear & cost-effective | Formal tributes for public figures |
5 Ways to Save Money on Your Ad
- 1. Choose the Right Editions—Not All of Them: Just because Delhi and Mumbai are big metros, it doesn't mean they need to be added. Book only where your actual network resides.
- 2. Book on a Weekday: Sunday editions charge a 10–20% premium. If timing allows, a Tuesday or Wednesday ad has the same reach for a much lower cost.
- 3. Keep Your Ad Copy Concise: A 60-word notice is more cost-effective than a 90-word one. Write essentials: name, dates, relationship, and service details.
- 4. Book Through a Specialized Media Agency: Agencies like Riyo Advertising access preferred "combo deals" not available to the public.
- 5. Avoid Unnecessary Visual Upgrades: A clean black and white classified display ad is the best "sweet spot" for value and visibility. Skip exorbitant front-page surcharges.
Hidden Costs in Newspaper Advertising
GST on Advertising
A 5% GST is applicable to all print ads. On a ₹25,000 display ad, that's an extra ₹1,250 you must factor in.
Design & Layout Fees
Some desks charge for typesetting. Providing your own high-resolution PDF or JPG layout can often waive this fee.
Correction Charges
Errors discovered after booking may incur handling fees. Publications rarely offer refunds for ads already printed with errors.
Tearsheet Requests
Physical copies of the page may incur a handling fee. Digital proofs from the e-paper are generally free.
How Riyo Advertising Simplifies Your Booking
This is the first time most families are publishing an obituary. Riyo handles the high-volume coordination so you don't have to spend your morning on hold with edition desks.
Step 1: Share Essentials
Tell us the city, date, and if you have a photo. We establish your approximate budget.
Step 2: Compare Formats
We provide a realistic cost comparison of text vs. display, including all taxes.
Step 3: Review & Refine
We proofread your copy for common errors before submission to prevent rebooking fees.
Step 4: End-to-End Handling
We take care of document submission and payment, providing instant confirmation.
Official TOI Obituary Contact Support
Get a fast and candid price quote for your Times of India Obituary. No long intake forms – just respectful support from specialists Jyostna and Dinesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices are based on circulation and readership. The Mumbai edition has a massive readership base and high advertiser demand, which drives higher rates per column centimeter.
Yes. Color ads carry a surcharge of 10-25% over Black & White prices. For standard obituary ads, Black & White is usually sufficient and more cost-effective.
At 2026 Mumbai rates (₹2,500–₹5,000 per col-cm), a 15 col-cm ad costs between ₹37,500 and ₹75,000 before GST. Rates in Bangalore or Kolkata are lower.
Yes. Sunday editions command a 10-20% premium. Scheduling for a Monday through Friday can save considerable money while still reaching a high-intent audience.
Partial refunds or credits are offered only if cancelled before the official cutoff (typically 1:00 PM on the day prior to publication). Once printed, bookings are final.
Yes. Front or back page placement carries a large surcharge. The standard obituary section in the classified pages is priced at the base rate and is sufficient for most families.
