Recharge plans no longer all follow the same cycle. Airtel’s new voice plans show all three common types side by side.
28 days
The most common type. A year has 365 days, so you recharge about 13 times, and the due date moves earlier each cycle.
30 days
Two extra days per cycle and about 12 recharges per year, though the date still drifts slightly.
Calendar month
The plan renews on the corresponding date next month, so you recharge exactly 12 times and the date never moves. The number of days you get varies between 28 and 31.
What it costs over a year
Using Airtel’s plans as an example, about 13 recharges of ₹185 cost around ₹2,405, while 12 recharges of ₹206 cost ₹2,472. The 28-day plan is cheaper by roughly ₹67 a year, and the calendar-month plan is easier to remember.
Which should you choose?
If you pay attention to dates and want the lowest cost, choose the 28-day plan. If you prefer a fixed date each month, a calendar-month plan is worth the small extra cost.