Is e-OCI Mandatory for Existing OCI Card Holders?

I had the same concern before flying from London.

I checked a couple of Indian Embassy notices before my trip because there was a lot of confusion on social media. The official updates clearly mentioned that existing physical OCI booklets continue to be valid, while the e-OCI is a secure digital version that can be used for travel and other services. They also encourage existing OCI holders to download it since future OCI issuance is digital.

Personally, I'd recommend downloading the e-OCI whenever you have time, but I wouldn't panic if you still only have the physical booklet. Just make sure your passport details are up to date if you've recently renewed your passport.

I generated my e-OCI a few days after it became available because I wanted to avoid carrying another document.

The process only took a few minutes through the OCI Services Portal, and I was able to download the digital card afterward. I still have my original physical OCI booklet at home because it remains valid. From what I understand, new applicants receive only the digital e-OCI, but existing OCI holders are encouraged—not required—to download it for convenience.

So far, I haven't seen any announcement saying older physical OCI cards have become invalid.

I traveled from New York to Delhi last week using my existing physical OCI booklet because I hadn't generated my e-OCI yet.

At airline check-in, they checked my passport and physical OCI booklet just like they always had. Immigration in Delhi also accepted it without any questions. From what I've read since then, the Government introduced the e-OCI mainly as a digital version for convenience, but it doesn't invalidate the physical booklet that existing holders already have. Existing physical OCI booklets continue to remain valid and accepted for immigration.

I'm planning to download the e-OCI anyway because it seems easier to keep a copy on my phone for future trips.