Key Insight
Complete guide to setting up RCS Business Messaging in India — DLT registration, pricing (₹0.18/msg), Google RBM setup, use cases across industries, and comparison with WhatsApp API.
RCS Business Messaging India: Complete Setup Guide for 2026
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is now the fastest-growing business messaging channel in India. With 800 million+ RCS-enabled Android devices and Apple's iOS 18 finally supporting the protocol, Indian businesses have an unprecedented window to reach customers through verified, branded, interactive messages — at a fraction of WhatsApp API costs.
This guide covers everything you need to launch RCS business messaging in India: registration, pricing, use cases, and platform setup.
What Is RCS Business Messaging?
RCS Business Messaging (RBM) is Google's enterprise-grade upgrade to SMS. Unlike plain SMS, RCS lets your business send:
- Branded sender identity — company name, logo, verified tick
- Rich media — images, carousels, videos, PDFs
- Action buttons — "Book Now", "Call Us", "Track Order", "Pay Now"
- Suggested replies — quick-tap options for the customer
- Read receipts + delivery confirmations — know exactly who opened your message
- Location sharing — send store maps, delivery pickup points
RCS Business Messaging Eligibility in India
To send RCS Business Messages in India, your brand needs:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| DLT Registration | Mandatory — register sender ID on Airtel, Jio, or Vi DLT portal |
| Business PAN/GST | Required for verification |
| Google RBM Account | Via Google Business Communications Console |
| Aggregator Partnership | Work with a registered RCS aggregator (like Scalify Labs) |
| Brand Verification | Logo, website, business category |
RCS Business Messaging Pricing in India
| Volume | Price Per Message |
|---|---|
| Up to 50,000 messages/month | ₹0.18 per message |
| 50,001 – 2,00,000 messages/month | ₹0.15 per message |
| 2,00,001 – 10,00,000 messages/month | ₹0.12 per message |
| 10,00,000+ messages/month | Custom pricing |
Setting Up RCS Business Messaging: Step-by-Step
Step 1: DLT Registration
Register your brand and sender ID on any telecom DLT portal (Airtel, Jio, BSNL, Vi). This is mandatory per TRAI guidelines. Approval typically takes 2–5 working days.Step 2: Choose an RCS Aggregator
Select a TRAI-compliant RCS aggregator. Scalify Labs is an authorized RCS messaging partner offering:- End-to-end campaign setup
- API integration with your CRM or website
- Template creation and approval support
- Analytics dashboard with open rates and CTR tracking
Free Strategy Call
Get a Free Growth Audit for Your Business
Get a custom plan for your business — free 30-min session with Arvind.
Step 3: Brand Verification on Google RBM Console
Submit your brand profile — name, logo, website, support contact, business category. Google's approval takes 3–7 working days.Step 4: Create Message Templates
RCS templates are less restrictive than WhatsApp — promotional content is allowed without explicit opt-in (within TRAI guidelines). Design templates with:- Opening hook (first 60 characters — what the customer sees in notification)
- Main message + visual/carousel
- 2–3 action buttons
Step 5: Integrate and Launch
Connect via Scalify Labs' REST API or no-code integration with your existing tools (Salesforce, Zoho CRM, Shopify, WooCommerce, custom platforms).Best Use Cases for RCS Business Messaging in India
E-commerce
Order confirmations, delivery tracking with live map, review requests, flash sale carouselsHealthcare
Appointment reminders with "Confirm/Reschedule" buttons, lab report delivery, health tip campaignsEducation / Coaching
Admission alerts, fee reminders, exam schedules, result delivery with "View Detailed Report" buttonReal Estate
Project launch announcements with image carousels, site visit booking, EMI calculator buttonsBFSI
OTP delivery, account alerts, loan offer cards with EMI details and "Apply Now" buttonRetail / D2C
New collection launches, loyalty point updates, cart abandonment with product carouselRCS vs WhatsApp Business API for Indian Companies
| Factor | RCS Business Messaging | WhatsApp Business API |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per message | ₹0.18 | ₹0.70–0.90/conversation |
| App required | No | No |
| Read receipts | Yes | Yes |
| Rich media | Yes | Yes |
| Promotional messages | Yes (within TRAI) | Restricted |
| iOS support | iOS 18+ (2024 onwards) | All iOS |
| Verification | Google verified sender | Meta verified |
| Setup time | 7–14 days | 7–21 days |
Getting Started with RCS Business Messaging
Scalify Labs helps Indian businesses launch RCS campaigns from concept to execution — DLT registration, Google verification, template design, API integration, and ongoing campaign management. Contact us for a free RCS audit of your current messaging stack. Most clients see 3–5x improvement in open rates within the first campaign.Scalify Labs · Ranchi, Jharkhand
Ready to grow your business with digital marketing?
Free 30-minute strategy session with Arvind — no commitment, no pitch, just a clear growth plan.
Founder, Scalify Labs · 17+ years in digital marketing · Ranchi, Jharkhand
Arvind has helped 100+ Indian businesses build profitable digital marketing systems across Jharkhand and India. He writes about performance marketing, SEO, CRM automation, and AI tools.