UPSC Notes

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding the role and functioning of statutory bodies, their autonomy, accountability, and their impact on fundamental rights like freedom of speech and expression. It is a key institution in cultural governance and media regulation.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, responsible for regulating the public exhibition of films in India. It operates under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, issuing certificates for films based on their suitability for different audience categories.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Nature of Body

Statutory body under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Governing Legislation

Cinematograph Act, 1952

Primary Function

Certifies films for public exhibition (U, U/A, A, S categories)

Controversial Role

Involved in pre-censorship, often debated regarding artistic freedom

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Information and BroadcastingParent ministry
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Statutory body under Ministry of I&B.
  • Governed by Cinematograph Act, 1952.
  • Responsible for film certification (pre-censorship).
  • Debates around its autonomy and impact on artistic freedom.
  • Recent issues include lack of transparency and de facto bans.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutoryCBFC is a statutory body, established by an Act of Parliament, not a constitutional body directly mentioned in the Constitution.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & Governance

Hiding the scissors: On the Central Board of Film Certification

30 Jul 2026 · CBFC is a statutory body under the I&B Ministry, certifying films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Its pre-censorship role often sparks debate on artistic freedom, transparency, and governance issues.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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