ISBN Number Registration in India
Ensure your book gets global recognition with ISBN Number Registration. At Tax Pal Solutions, we guide authors, publishers, and institutions through the entire registration process, ensuring quick and accurate approval for every edition and format of your book.
What is an ISBN?
- ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit code assigned to books and published materials globally.
- Each edition and format (paperback, hardcover, eBook, audiobook) receives a separate ISBN.
- Issued in India by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency (RRRNA) under the Ministry of Education.
- Acts like a digital fingerprint, helping bookstores, libraries, and distributors manage inventory efficiently.
Importance of ISBN
- Global Recognition – Ensures your book is listed and searchable worldwide.
- Sales & Cataloging – Helps online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and retailers manage your book.
- Publishing Credibility – Adds a professional identity to your publication.
- Tracking – Separates sales and editions for inventory and royalty management.
- Library Access – Required by most libraries for cataloging and inclusion.
Anatomy of a 13-Digit ISBN
| Part |
Description |
Example for India |
| Prefix Element |
3-digit code linking ISBN to EAN barcode system |
978 or 979 |
| Registration Group |
Identifies country, region, or language |
81 – India |
| Registrant Element |
Identifies the publisher or imprint |
Assigned by RRRNA |
| Publication Element |
Distinguishes each book edition/format |
Unique per title |
| Check Digit |
Validates the ISBN mathematically |
Last digit of ISBN |
Who Needs an ISBN?
- Authors (Self-Publishing) – Separate ISBN per format (e.g., paperback, eBook).
- Publishers – Every book released requires a unique ISBN.
- Educational Institutions – For textbooks, journals, and research publications.
- NGOs & Organizations – Reports, manuals, and awareness publications.
- Book Retailers – Optional but ensures easier listing and sales.
ISBN Registration Process in India
- New Applicant Registration – Sign up on ISBN Portal with personal/organization details.
- Fill Registration Form – Upload ID proof and applicant type documents.
- Profile Approval – RRRNA reviews and activates your account (2–4 weeks).
- Apply for New ISBN – Fill book details (title, author, language, format, publisher).
- Submit Manuscript – Upload cover draft or manuscript for verification.
- ISBN Allotment – ISBN issued and listed on your dashboard for download and use.
Documents Required
| Applicant Type |
Mandatory Documents |
| Individual Authors |
Govt ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport), Cover page/manuscript |
| Publishers |
Authorized person ID, Publisher certificate, Cover/manuscript, Authorization letter |
| Educational Institutions / NGOs |
Institution registration, Authorization letter, ID proof of representative, Cover/manuscript |
Processing Time
- Standard ISBN – 7–20 working days depending on completeness and RRRNA workload.
- E-book ISBN – 7–15 working days for approval.
Common Issues & Tips
- Incomplete or blurry documents → causes rejection.
- Delayed profile approval → check email notifications.
- Duplicate applications → use one account for multiple ISBN requests.
- Tip: Maintain clear PDF/JPG uploads and double-check details to avoid delays.
ISBN for E-books
- Each format requires a separate ISBN (paperback ≠ eBook).
- Benefits: Better discoverability, accurate sales tracking, professional credibility, library inclusion.
- Application steps mirror printed book registration via ISBN Portal.
Amazon KDP ISBN vs Self-Registered ISBN
| Aspect |
Amazon Free ISBN |
Self-Registered ISBN |
| Cost |
Free |
Free via RRRNA |
| Ownership |
Amazon |
You / Publishing brand |
| Usage |
Amazon only |
Global platforms |
| Metadata Control |
Limited |
Full control |
| Branding |
Less professional |
More professional |
| Recommended For |
Amazon-only authors |
Wider distribution & full ownership |
ISBN vs ISSN
| Aspect |
ISBN |
ISSN |
| Used For |
Books, e-books, audiobooks |
Magazines, journals, periodicals |
| Format |
13 digits |
8 digits |
| Edition |
Each edition gets unique ISBN |
Same ISSN for all issues |
| Issued By |
RRRNA (India) |
CSIR-NIScPR |
From ISBN to Barcode
- Converts your ISBN into scannable EAN-13 barcode.
- Mandatory for physical book sales in bookstores & libraries.
- Enables fast scanning, inventory tracking, and global distribution.
- Optional price code can be added.
- Barcode is placed on the back cover (usually bottom right).
Why Choose Tax Pal Solutions?
- 500+ MCA-certified experts
- 10,000+ trusted reviews
- 2,500+ monthly clients onboarded
- End-to-end assistance from registration to ISBN allotment
