Name Change in School Certificate .

How to Change Name in School Certificate: The Complete Guide?

Changing your name on educational documents can feel like a bureaucratic nightmare. Whether it's a minor spelling error or a complete legal name change, having mismatched documents can create hurdles in your passport application, visa process, or job background checks.

In this guide, we break down the school certificate name change process step-by-step, covering everything from CBSE guidelines to gazette notification for name change.

Why Do You Need a Name Change in a School Certificate?

Before diving into the process, identify your reason. The documentation varies depending on the cause:

Spelling Errors: Typographical mistakes made by the school or board.
Legal Name Change: Adopting a new name due to personal preference or numerology.
Surname Change: Often occurs after marriage or divorce.
Incomplete Name: Adding a middle name or surname that was missing in the school leaving certificate.

Step-by-Step Checklist: From Application to New Certificate

Follow this checklist to ensure you don't miss any critical steps:

1
Draft a Name Change Affidavit.
2
Publish an advertisement in the local newspaper of your state.
3
Apply for the Central Gazette Notification.
4
Submit a formal application to your School Principal.
5
Forward the school-verified application to the Regional Board Office (CBSE/ICSE/State).
6
Pay the required processing fees.
7
Receive the corrected marksheet/certificate.

The Legal Process: Gazette Notification for Name Change

If you are changing your name completely (not just a spelling fix), a gazette notification for name change is mandatory. This is a government document that serves as the ultimate proof of your new identity.

Steps for Gazette:

  • Affidavit: Create a 10 or 100 Rupee stamp paper affidavit.
  • Newspaper Ad: Ad in state newspapers and Ad must be written in English.
  • Government Fee: Pay the fee via Bharatkosh.

Need Expert Help? Don't get stuck in government offices. Our legal experts handle everything from Affidavit drafting to Gazette publication.

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Required Document List

Ensure you have these documents ready before you learn how to change name in school certificate:

  • Original School Marksheet/Certificate.
  • Notarized Name Change Affidavit.
  • Original copies of Newspaper advertisements.
  • Copy of Gazette Notification (for major changes).
  • Copy of Aadhaar Card/Passport (Updated).
  • Admission/Withdrawal register copy (from school).

Downloadable Resources

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Confused by the legal jargon?

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People Also Ask

1. Can I change my name on the school certificate after 10 years? +
Yes, but it requires a Central Gazette notification. Boards like CBSE have specific time limits for "corrections," but "legal name changes" can be updated anytime with a Gazette.
2. Is a Gazette notification mandatory for spelling mistakes? +
Usually, no. For minor spelling errors, a school record correction and an affidavit are often enough.
3. How to change name in school leaving certificate (SLC)? +
You must approach the school where the SLC was issued. They will verify their 'Admission & Withdrawal Register' and issue a fresh or corrected SLC.
4. Can I do this process online? +
While some boards allow online application submission, the Gazette process and physical verification of documents usually require offline steps or registered post.
5. What if the school is closed? +
You must directly contact the District Education Officer (DEO) or the Regional Board Office with your old records.
6. Does the name change in the 10th & 12th certificate change it automatically? +
No, you must apply to both or ensure the 10th is corrected first as it acts as a base document for the 12th.
7. Can I change my father's name too? +
Yes, the process is similar but requires your father's ID proofs and a joint affidavit in some cases.
8. Is the newspaper ad necessary for minors? +
Yes, the legal guardian must sign the affidavit and place the ad on behalf of the minor.
9. How much does the entire process cost including Gazette? +
If doing it yourself, it costs between โ‚น2,000 - โ‚น5,000. Professionals may charge a service fee for a hassle-free experience.
10. Will my old certificates become invalid? +
Once the new ones are issued, the old ones are cancelled. The new certificate is valid for all future legal purposes.