DPDP reference

Rule 16: Exemption from Act for research, archiving or statistical purposes

Last checked 6 Nov 2026

The Act does not apply to processing necessary for research, archiving or statistical purposes if carried on under the standards in the Second Schedule. Under s.17(2)(b) the data must also not be used to take a decision specific to a Data Principal.

Applies to

Anyone processing for research, archiving or statistics under the Second Schedule's standards.

Starts

13 May 2027 (Rule 1(4)).

Penalty

None of its own. This rule sets out how the law works and places no duty on a business.

Source

G.S.R. 846(E), Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, rule 16; G.S.R. 892(E), corrigenda

Questions

Is research data outside the DPDP Act?

Where processing is necessary for research, archiving or statistical purposes, follows the Second Schedule and takes no decision about a specific person (Rule 16, s.17(2)(b)).

Related

• Section 17: Exemptions
• Rule 5: Processing for subsidies, benefits, services, certificates, licences and permits
• Rule 6: Reasonable security safeguards

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Not legal advice.