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Membership & levels.

Members are the journalists of our network across India. Each member has a level (what they pay for and what they may do) and a post (printed on their press card). The best become permanent members.

Apply to join → Find my application

The levels, side by side

ContributorCorrespondentBureau Chief
Membership fee₹1,100₹2,100₹5,100
Valid for12 months12 months12 months
ForFor students, freelancers and citizen reporters starting out. Submit stories through the portal and build a byline.For working reporters covering a district, city or beat.For experienced journalists leading coverage of a state or region.
IncludesPress ID card with QR verification
Journalist portal access
Bylined stories after editorial review
Listed in the Rational Times newsroom		Press ID card with QR verification
Press accreditation certificate
Priority editorial review
Featured correspondent profile
Official Rational Times email on request		Press ID card + accreditation certificate
Bureau listing on the website
Ability to recommend correspondents
Direct line to the editorial desk
What the level may do
  • No daily limit on stories
  • Every story is reviewed by the desk before it goes live
  • May suggest their story for the front page
  • May take paid assignments
  • May recommend new correspondents
  • No daily limit on stories
  • Every story is reviewed by the desk before it goes live
  • May suggest their story for the front page
  • May take paid assignments
  • May recommend new correspondents
  • No daily limit on stories
  • Every story is reviewed by the desk before it goes live
  • May suggest their story for the front page
  • May take paid assignments
  • Bureau desk: reads and comments on stories from their state
  • May recommend new correspondents

How to join

  1. Apply onlineChoose your post and level, fill in the form — most answers are a choice from a list — and choose your password. Your email is your login.
  2. Pay the feeScan our UPI QR code or use another method shown, then send the UTR number and a screenshot.
  3. VerificationThe desk checks your details, documents and payment; it may call you for a short interview.
  4. WelcomeOn approval you sign in with your email and get your QR-verified press card, certificate and member desk.

Renewals and upgrades

A membership runs for the months of its level. Renew from your member desk at any level; the new period starts when the current one ends. To move up a level, pay only the difference between the two fees.

Permanent Members

As a permanent member, your membership fee is waived for good, you are paid for your work as agreed with the desk, and the advertising income on your pages continues as before.

Members usually qualify after 6 months with at least 30 published stories, a report-card score of 70 or more and a clean conduct record. The Editor-in-Chief decides; members can ask from their desk.

Grow with us

From member to newsroom — a path built on merit

Every story you file builds a record: accuracy, originality, deadlines and conduct. That record, not the fee you paid, is what opens the next door.

  1. 1Member

    You report for us, file stories and work with our desk. Your report card shows how your work is going, month by month.

  2. 2Permanent Member

    Members with a strong, consistent record can be invited — or may ask — to become Permanent Members. The renewal fee is waived for good, and the Editor-in-Chief may fix pay for their work on top of their share of advertising income.

  3. 3A job in the newsroom

    When the newsroom needs people, we look first at our Permanent Members. Those selected are offered a salaried post, with an appointment letter, a defined role and a monthly salary.

Permanent Members and staff positions are offered on merit — on the member’s work record, conduct and the newsroom’s needs — after review by the Editor-in-Chief. They are never sold, and the membership fee does not buy or guarantee either. Positions are limited; selection may include an interview and a probation period.

Conduct

Every member agrees to our Code of Conduct. A breach is handled in writing, with the right to reply, a hearing where needed, and one appeal. Code of Conduct · Disciplinary procedure · Verify a press card