F1 Visa requirement of passport validity of 6 months “beyond the period of stay” : immigration

I would like to use for an F1 VISA from India for a Ph.D. program within the US that begins this fall. However other than the problem concerning consulates solely taking emergency functions, one requirement is “A passport legitimate for journey to the US with a validity date a minimum of six months past your meant interval of keep in the US (until country-specific agreements present exemptions).”

My passport will expire in 2023, whereas my 4-year program will go till 2025. Do I have to first get my passport renewed earlier than making use of for the F1? I would not wish to handle to safe an appointment, solely to be rejected for a passport expiration difficulty. Any assist and steering can be a lot appreciated!