How to Change Your Name on School Certificates (Step-by-Step)
A name mismatch between your Aadhaar card and your school certificate can lead to rejected visas and cancelled job offers. While the process of School Certificate Name Change may seem daunting, it is a well-defined legal journey.
When to start?
Ideally, you should initiate the change within 1 to 2 years of receiving your marksheet.
The 5-Year Rule: Most boards (like CBSE and many State Boards) have strict rules against corrections requested after 5 years of passing. If you are past this limit, a Name Change Gazette is your only legal lifeline to prove your identity.
Legal Requirements for Name Change
Before you approach any educational board, you must establish your new identity legally. You cannot simply Name change in school records without these three legal pillars:
Board-wise Procedure (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards)
The process varies depending on the board that issued your certificate. Here is the breakdown:
1. Central Boards (CBSE & ICSE)
- CBSE: Requires an application forwarded by the School Principal. You must provide the Gazette notification for name change and the original marksheet for replacement.
- ICSE/CISCE: Requires the original certificates to be surrendered. The school acts as the intermediary between the student and the Council.
2. State Boards (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, etc.)
State boards often have localized rules. Most require a visit to the Regional Office or the District Education Officer (DEO).
| State Board | Process Name | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| UP Board (Prayagraj) | Parishad Sanshodhan | Gazette copy, Principal's Recommendation, TC (Transfer Certificate). |
| Bihar Board (BSEB) | Correction/Suddhipatra | Affidavit, Newspaper clipping, and Board Application Form. |
| Maharashtra (MSBSHSE) | Name Correction | Form No. 1 or 2, Gazette Notification, and a nominal board fee. |
| West Bengal (WBBSE) | Rectification | Forwarding letter from the Head of the Institution + Gazette. |
The Financial Aspect: Estimated Fee Structure
Note: These are government/board fees; consultant charges may vary.
| Service | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Affidavit (Notary) | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| Newspaper Ads | ₹500 - ₹1,500 |
| Central Gazette Fee (Major) | ₹1,100 |
| Central Gazette Fee (Minor) | ₹1,700 |
| Board Processing Fee | ₹500 - ₹2,000 (per document) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Your Pre-Submission Checklist
Final Thoughts
Correcting your school records is a marathon, but it is the most important step for your professional identity. Whether you are dealing with a State Board or CBSE, the Name Change Gazette is your golden ticket.Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for the Gazette and some board corrections online, but the physical submission of old marksheets is usually required.
Typically, it takes 30 to 45 business days for the notification to appear. [Read: How to track your Gazette Application status]
Yes, it is a central document valid across all Indian states and for foreign visa applications.
Yes, the process is the same. You need a Gazette notification for a change in parental names.
You must approach the Regional Office of the Board directly with your legal Gazette and identity proofs.
Yes, but many boards will not issue a new marksheet. They will issue a "Correction/Legality Certificate" which you must carry with your original marksheet.
If there is a significant name change, the Passport office will always ask for the Gazette.
Yes. Your school can update the School Leaving Certificate records based on the Gazette.
No. You can submit documents via Speed Post to the Department of Publication in Civil Lines, Delhi.
For minors, the parents must sign the affidavit and the Gazette application on their behalf.
Need Professional Help?
Filing a Gazette application involves complex legal formatting. One small mistake can waste your precious time and application fees.
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