India's e-Passport Is Now Default: What the Gold Chip Means

Every new Indian passport issued now is a chip-based e-passport with a gold chip symbol on the cover.

Your old non-chip passport stays valid until its expiry date — there is no rush and no penalty to replace it.

The RFID chip stores your photo, fingerprints and details, digitally signed so tampering is near-impossible.

You don't apply separately — the chip is added automatically when you renew or apply via Passport Seva.

Long-term payoff is faster e-gate immigration as more airports go contactless.