[a][3][4] The head of PIB is also the Official Spokesperson of the Government of India and holds the rank of Principal Director General (Special Secretary equivalent).

[5] The Press Information Bureau was established in June 1919 as a small cell under Home Ministry under the British government.

The first head of the publicity cell was Dr. L.F. Rushbrook Williams of Allahabad University who was designated as Officer on Special Duty.

The bureau has information officers attached to different ministries, constitutional bodies and autonomous organizations of the government of India.

At present, about 2500 editors, correspondents, camerapersons and technicians from print, radio, television and web media are accredited.