How to Change Name in Educational Certificates in India: Documents, Procedure, Timeline & Cost

Do you want to know how to change names in educational certificates without confusion? The process involves legal and academic steps. Start by preparing an affidavit, publishing name change notices, and obtaining a gazette notification. Next, submit a correction request to your school, board, or university. For a school certificate name change, schools may request admission records. Documents include ID proof, affidavit, gazette copy, and certificates. The process may take one to three months, and the fees usually range from ₹300 to ₹2,000, depending on the authority, processing speed, and location.

Name in Educational Certificates - Quick Information

This quick guide explains how to update your name in academic records, covering steps, documents, time, and cost, including name change in school certificates for students and parents across India. [1]

Why Do You Need a Name Change in Certificates?

There are several valid and common reasons why an individual might need to update their name on their academic documents. 

• Marriage, divorce, or a personal choice to adopt a new name.
• Correcting a spelling error made during school registration
• Numerological or astrological beliefs. 

Ensuring your name is consistent across all documents is crucial for higher education, employment, visa applications, and all other official purposes.

Importance of an Affidavit for a Name Change in an Educational Certificate

An affidavit is a legal basis for correcting names in academic records, officially declaring your old and new names, the reasons for the change, and supporting certificate updates in accordance with official rules. Below are a few points to keep in mind:

• Acts as legal proof accepted by schools, boards, and universities for a certificate change of name.
• Clearly explains the reason for name correction, avoiding confusion or rejection.
• Mandatory document for gazette notification and educational certificate updates.

Documents Required for Changing Your Name on Educational Certificates

To initiate the process, you will need to gather a specific set of documents. Here is a list of the essential paperwork required.

• Original Educational Certificates: You will need the original marksheets and certificates (e.g., 10th, 12th, degree) where the name needs to be changed.
• Affidavit for Name Change: A notarised affidavit on stamp paper declaring your old name, new name, and the reason for the change.
• Newspaper Publication Cuttings: The original copies of the newspaper advertisements announcing your name change.
• Gazette Notification Copy: The official copy of the Gazette of India publication where your name change is published.
• Updated Government ID Proof: A copy of a government-issued ID that reflects your new name, such as an Aadhaar card, Passport, or Voter ID.
• Passport-Sized Photographs: A few recent passport-sized photographs.
• Application Form: The specific form for name change provided by your educational board or university.

Legal Process for Name Change in Educational Certificates

The legal process for correcting names in academic records follows official steps to ensure authenticity, prevent misuse, and update the record accurately for future use, including school certificates, name change access board, universities, and institutions in India, as per government rules. 

• Affidavit: Prepare an affidavit, stating old name, new name, and reason.
• Newspaper: Publish name change notice in local newspapers
• Gazette: Applying for official gazette notification
• Apply to the board: Submit documents to the school, board, or university for correction.

How to Approach Educational Boards or Universities?

• Write a formal application to your board/university (e.g., CBSE, ICSE, state board).
• Attach self-attested copies of the affidavit, newspaper ads, gazette notification, and original certificates.
• Submit to the designated department (records/certificates division).

Cost of Name Change in School & Educational Certificates

Changing your name in educational certificates involves fees for affidavits, newspaper ads, gazette notification, and institutional processing. Here's a quick breakdown of the approximate costs involved.

Timeline for Educational Certificate Name Change Process

The name change process for educational certificates can take 1 to 3 months, depending on the board or university’s internal verification and document update procedures.

Sample Application Format to Board/University

Here is a simple format you can use when writing to your educational board or university for a name change.

To, The Controller of Examinations, [Name of the Board/University], [Address of the Board/University].

Subject: Application for Name Change in Educational Certificates

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, [Your New Name], holder of Registration/Roll Number [Your Number], completed my [Course Name, e.g., Class 10th / B.Com] from your board/university in the year [Year of Passing].

My name was recorded as [Your Old Name] in all my academic documents. I have now legally changed my name to [Your New Name]. I have completed all the required legal formalities, including the affidavit, newspaper publication, and the official Gazette Notification of India.

I am enclosing the following documents for your kind perusal:

1. Copy of the Gazette Notification
2. Copy of the Affidavit
3. Newspaper advertisement clippings
4. Original Marksheet/Certificate for [Course Name]
5. Copy of my updated Aadhaar Card/Passport

I kindly request that you update my name in your records and issue a revised certificate with my new name.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature] 

[Your New Name] 

[Your Contact Number] 

[Your Email Address]

How NoBroker Can Help with Name Change Affidavit Services?

NoBroker helps with name change affidavits by providing expert guidance, accurate drafting, fast notarisation, and complete documentation support, making the legal process simple, reliable, and stress-free through its trusted online affidavit service for users across India for individuals and families. Below are a few points on how NoBroker helps:

• Documentation Support: Clear guidance on documents and next steps after affidavit completion.
• Drafting: Professionally drafted affidavits as per legal name change requirements
• Notarisation: Quick assistance for proper notarisation without confusion.