---
title: "DPDP Rules 2025, Rule 16: Research and Statistics Exemption"
description: "Rule 16 of the DPDP Rules 2025 (Exemption from Act for research, archiving or statistical purposes): the official text, a plain-English summary and when it..."
url: "https://dpdpr.in/rules/rule-16/"
canonical: "https://dpdpr.in/rules/rule-16/"
site: "dpdpr.in"
updated: "2026-11-02"
disclaimer: "Independent reference, not legal advice. Not affiliated with the Government of India or MeitY."
---

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

DPDP Rules, 2025 · G.S.R. 846(E)

## In simple words

Research, archiving or statistical processing is exempt from the Act if it follows the standards in the Second Schedule.

- **What this means for you**: Research use of data must still follow safeguards.

- **What this means for businesses**: Researchers must follow the Second Schedule standards to rely on this exemption.

- **Everyday example**: A university health study uses data under the Second Schedule standards.

## Who it applies to

Those processing data for research, archiving or statistics.

## Related sections and Schedules

- [Section 17. Exemptions](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-17/)
- [Second Schedule: Standards for State processing and research](https://dpdpr.in/rules/schedule-2/)

Official text as notified

Source: [MeitY copy of the Gazette, page 30](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/53450e6e5dc0bfa85ebd78686cadad39.pdf#page=30). Printed dashes are shown as colons; the wording is unchanged.

The provisions of the Act shall not apply to the processing of personal data necessary for research, archiving or statistical purposes if it is carried on in accordance with the standards specified in Second Schedule.

## When this takes effect

- Whole rule **Starts 13 May 2027** 191 days to go

Source: [G.S.R. 843(E)](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/c56ceae6c383460ca69577428d36828b.pdf) and [rule 1](https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/11/53450e6e5dc0bfa85ebd78686cadad39.pdf). [All deadlines](https://dpdpr.in/deadlines/)