Upvote:3
If the passport is actually damaged, you should select damaged instead of due to expire.
The help text from that web site explains:
Different kinds of damage that will qualify a passport as "Damaged" are as below:
- Water damage that has made the stamps and/or Consulate signature blurred.
- Any rips or tears to the passport pages.
- If there is scribbling from a pen on the pages (i.e. children writing in passport).
- Ink blots that cover the photo or any detail information.
- Any damage that causes the photo or passport details to be unreadable.
- CKGS or EOI/Consulate may notify at later stage β if passport falls under damaged category in cases where applicant does not select the correct option at the first place.
It is clear that they expect you to select damaged if the passport is damaged and that there may be a problem if you do not select damaged.