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

Having an incorrect or outdated name on your educational certificates can lead to significant challenges in your personal and professional life. The process of a name change in education certificates is a formal, legal procedure that ensures your identity is consistent across all official records. This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step explanation of how to change the name in educational certificates, from preparing the initial affidavit to applying to your educational board, ensuring a smooth and successful update.

Name in Educational Certificates - Quick Information

Here is a brief overview of the key steps and requirements involved in the name change process for your academic records.

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, 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.

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 to Change Name in India

Before you can approach your school or university, you must complete a three-step legal process to make your name change official in the eyes of the law.

Step 1: Make an Affidavit for Name Change: Visit a local notary and create an affidavit online stating your old name, new name, address, and the reason for the change. Use a ₹10 or ₹20 non-judicial stamp paper. Sign it and get it notarised to make it legally valid.

Step 2: Publish in Newspapers: Place name change ads in two newspapers, one in your local/regional language and another in a widely read English daily. Include your old name, new name, and full address. Keep the original newspaper clippings safe for future use.

Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification: Submit an application to the Department of Publication to publish your name change in the Gazette of India. Include:

• A copy of the notarised affidavit
• Newspaper ads
• A formal request letter
• ID proof
• Passport-size photo
• Prescribed fee (via demand draft or postal order)

Once approved, your name change will be officially published and legally recognised across India.

Step 4: Update Name in Official Documents
After gazette publication, apply to update your name in key documents like:

• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Bank account

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 Educational Documents

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.

Time Required for the Process

The name change process in 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 Affidavit Services?

The first and most foundational step in the name change process is creating a legally sound affidavit. This document must be drafted correctly to be accepted by all authorities. NoBroker’s legal services can help you with this crucial step. Our team of verified legal experts can assist you in preparing a correct and properly notarised affidavit, ensuring your name change journey starts on a solid and compliant footing, saving you time and potential rejections.