India Post to Discontinue Traditional Registered Post Starting September 2025

Starting September 1, India Post will officially merge its registered post service with speed post, marking the end of one of the country’s oldest and most secure postal services. The decision, as per an internal circular, is aimed at streamlining operations and building a more unified postal delivery framework.

According to a senior official at Bengaluru’s General Post Office (GPO), this change is part of an ongoing modernisation effort to simplify services while ensuring that essential delivery features remain intact.

What’s the Difference Between Registered Post and Speed Post?

Registered post is widely regarded as a secure and addressee-specific service. It is commonly used for sending legal notices, government documents, and other important communications. Only the intended recipient can receive the parcel, adding a layer of security and accountability.

In contrast, speed post is a time-bound service that ensures quick delivery across India. However, it is address-specific — meaning that any individual present at the given address can receive the post.

What Changes After the Merger?

With the merger, India Post plans to introduce an add-on service that allows senders to make speed post deliveries addressee-specific — essentially retaining the security feature of registered post within the faster delivery framework of speed post.

This change means that individuals who relied on registered post for important, secure deliveries can still access similar functionality under the speed post service, but with added speed and efficiency.

No Impact on Speed Post Pricing

The merger will not affect the current pricing of speed post services. In fact, for local deliveries, the change may prove more economical for users.

Currently, a registered post weighing up to 20 grams costs Rs 22 for local delivery. In comparison, a local speed post (up to 50 grams) is priced at Rs 15. For nationwide delivery, the One India One Rate pricing of Rs 35 applies to speed post, regardless of the destination — making it a cost-effective option for secure and fast mailing.

Karnataka High Court Already Making the Switch

The Karnataka High Court is among the early adopters of this policy shift, already in the process of transitioning from registered post to speed post for its official communications. This indicates a wider institutional move toward adopting faster, digitised delivery systems that still maintain document integrity and recipient accountability.

Decline in Demand for Registered Post

Over the years, the demand for registered post has steadily declined due to the rise in digital communications and the growing preference for faster services. As people and institutions lean more towards quick turnaround times, the merger seeks to preserve the strengths of both systems under a single, flexible offering.

India Post’s decision to merge registered post with speed post reflects the evolving nature of postal services in the digital age. With added flexibility, faster delivery, and the option to make deliveries recipient-specific, the new unified system is expected to enhance user experience without compromising on reliability or cost.