ISBN Number Registration

Overview

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for a book title and edition, used for cataloguing, sales, and distribution. In India, ISBNs are issued by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Publishers and self-publishing authors can apply free of cost through the agency's portal. Each format and edition of a title receives its own ISBN.

Objective

To obtain a unique standard identifier for a book title and edition so it can be catalogued and distributed.

Characteristics

• A standard identifier for a specific book title and edition
• Issued in India by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN
• Administered under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
• Available free of cost through the agency's online portal
• A separate ISBN is needed for each format such as print and e-book

Eligibility

• Publishers of books and monographs
• Self-publishing authors
• Institutions and organisations bringing out publications
• Applicants registered on the ISBN agency portal

Governing law

• Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN
• Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
• International ISBN Agency

The process

1. 1
   Register as a publisher

   Create a publisher or author account on the ISBN agency portal.

2. 2
   Submit title details

   Provide the book title, author, format, and other publication information.

3. 3
   Application review

   The agency reviews the details and the publisher account information.

4. 4
   ISBN allotment

   The ISBN or a block of ISBNs is allotted to the applicant.

5. 5
   Assign to the book

   Assign the ISBN to the specific title and print it on the book and cover.

Documents required

• Publisher or author account details
• Book title and edition information
• Author and imprint details
• Format of the publication (print, e-book, or other)
• Identity and address proof of the applicant

Benefits

• A unique identifier for the book title and edition
• Easier listing with distributors and online retailers
• Improved cataloguing in libraries and databases
• Clear distinction between formats and editions
• Support for sales tracking and distribution

Frequently asked questions