Get a New Passport for Schengen Visa

Do you have an Indian passport issued before 2001 with a 20 year validity. Then you are not eligible to get a Schengen Visa. European Union doesn't recognize barcode of older Indian Passports. Consulates and embassies which issue Schengens stopped stamping passports which were issued before 2001. This rule came into effect in May. So if you need to travel to any Schengen country apply for a new passport

Source - TOI