Indian Compliance
Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Scheme: Registration Process, Documents & Benefits
Have a spare room or a whole house you want to open to tourists? The Incredible India Bed & Breakfast scheme of the Ministry of Tourism lets you register your property as a classified B&B. It gives guests confidence and gives you listing on official tourism platforms.
This guide covers eligibility, the Silver and Gold categories, fees, documents, inspection and validity. (If you searched for the "bread and breakfast scheme", this is the scheme you are looking for.)
Who Is Eligible?
- A residential property used for tourist accommodation
- Minimum 1 and maximum 6 rooms, with up to 12 beds
- The owner need not live on site, but a manager or agent must stay on the premises
- Clean, safe and well-maintained rooms with attached or easy access to bathrooms
If you live in the property with guests, it is a homestay, which some states and the Ministry handle under separate guidelines.
Silver vs Gold Category
| Silver | Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Basic, clean and comfortable | Higher standard of furnishing and amenities |
| Fee | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Typical amenities | Clean linen, attached or shared bathroom, basic furniture | Better furnishing, air conditioning or heating as needed, more amenities |
The Ministry's guidelines list the exact facilities for each category. The Regional Classification Committee decides the category after inspection.
Documents Required
- Proof of ownership of the property
- Identity and address proof of the owner and the manager or agent
- Photographs of the property, rooms and bathrooms
- Room details and tariff
- Police verification or NOC, where required
- Undertaking to follow the scheme guidelines
- Local permissions as applicable, such as fire safety or trade licence
Registration Process
- Apply online on the Ministry of Tourism's NIDHI+ portal and choose Silver or Gold.
- Upload documents and pay the fee.
- Inspection by the Regional Classification Committee of the Ministry's regional office.
- Classification as Silver or Gold, or a request to fix gaps.
- Certificate issued, valid for two years.
What the Inspection Team Checks
- Rooms: size, ventilation, lighting, clean linen, furniture and wardrobe space
- Bathrooms: cleanliness, running hot and cold water, fittings and toiletries
- Safety: secure locks, fire extinguishers where required, first-aid kit, emergency numbers on display
- Hygiene: clean kitchen and dining area where breakfast is served, safe drinking water
- Guest services: someone available round the clock, a guest register and clear tariff display
- Surroundings: access road, parking where offered, and a clean exterior
Get the property ready before the visit. A short self-check against the Ministry's Silver or Gold checklist avoids a second inspection.
Validity and Renewal
Classification is valid for two years. Apply for re-classification at least three months before expiry so there is no gap.
Benefits
- Listing and promotion through Incredible India and Ministry of Tourism channels
- Credibility with guests and online travel platforms
- Eligibility for state incentives where available
- Structured guidelines that help you run a better guest experience
State Rules Still Apply
Many states have their own B&B or homestay schemes and registration, sometimes with tax benefits. Local rules on police reporting of guests, property tax, fire safety and food handling also apply. If you serve food, check FSSAI registration.
Common Mistakes
- Applying with more than 6 rooms. Larger properties fall outside the scheme.
- No resident manager. Someone responsible must stay on site.
- Poor photographs. Clear photos of each room and bathroom speed up review.
- Missing the renewal window. Apply three months before expiry.
How Instacertify Helps
We check eligibility, prepare documents and photographs, file on NIDHI+, prepare you for the inspection and handle renewal. See our Bed & Breakfast scheme registration service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Incredible India Bed and Breakfast scheme?
A Ministry of Tourism scheme that classifies private homes offering rooms to tourists as Silver or Gold category Bed and Breakfast establishments, so guests get clean, affordable and verified stays.
What is the difference between a B&B and a homestay?
In a homestay the owner lives on the property with guests. Under the B&B scheme the owner need not live there, but a manager or agent must stay on the premises.
How many rooms can a B&B have?
From one to six rooms, with a maximum of 12 beds.
What is the B&B registration fee?
₹3,000 for the Silver category and ₹5,000 for the Gold category.
How long is B&B classification valid?
Two years. Apply for re-classification at least three months before it expires.
Do I also need state registration?
Often yes. Many states run their own homestay or B&B schemes, and local permissions such as police verification, trade licence and fire safety may apply.
