Last Updated on January 12, 2026
Changing the name on an educational certificate is a common practice among most people in India. It could be spelling mistakes, the alteration of a surname in marriage, a change of name in the courts, or inconsistencies between the certificates and official identity records. Educational certificates are essential for higher studies, employment, and even government services, so one should have their name rectified or changed appropriately. This blog provides a practical guide to changing a name on educational certificates.
Understanding the Reason for Name Change
The reason the name should be changed must be determined before one begins the process. There are numerous times when the school or board makes a minor spelling or typographical mistake. In other cases, one can change his or her name legally through marriage, divorce, numerology or by his or her own choice. The cause defines the documents needed and the process to be taken.
Name Changes in Educational Certificates
Name changes are usually divided into two categories. The first one is a name correction, where the intention is the same; however, the spelling or format is incorrect. The second one is a name change, where the individual alters the name registered to adopt a different one. These two cases are treated differently by the educational authorities, and the required documentation also differs.
Documents Required for Name Change
The documentation will be prepared based on whether it is a correction or a complete name change. The documents normally required are an affidavit of change of name, evidence of identity confirming the correct name, a birth certificate, and copies of the education certificates that need to be corrected. To effect a complete change of name, a gazette notification is generally necessary. There are also instances when the newspaper publications are needed as evidence of a public declaration.
Affidavit for Name Change
The basis document for the name change is an affidavit. It is written on non-judicial stamp paper and signed by a notary. The affidavit must explicitly state the old name, the new name, the purpose of the change, and a statement that the names refer to the same person. Most education boards, colleges, and schools have this document as primary evidence.
Importance of Gazette Notification
To change his name fully, he must usually be published in the official gazette. Gazette notification is considered the government-accepted evidence of a change of name. The gazette publication application is made to the Department of Publication with forms, affidavit, photographs and identity evidence. The gazette is the most powerful supporting document for updating educational records once published.
Newspaper Publication Requirement
In most cases, publication of a change of name in two newspapers, one in English and one in a regional language, is also required by many educational authorities. The newspaper advertisement makes both the old and the new names known to people. This requirement is still very popular and is observed across most boards, which do not want to reject applications, though some boards have been lenient with it.
Procedure to Change Name in School Certificates
The application is normally made with the respective school or the education board for school-level certificates, such as Class 10 and Class 12. The applicant must also provide a formal request letter and other supporting documents, including an affidavit, a gazette notification, identity proof, and copies of certificates. Boards tend to be very strict in terms of time, particularly in corrections, hence early application is advisable.
How to Change Name in College and University Certificates?
For college or university certificates, the college/university registrar or examination department is where the application is submitted. Universities may need further authentication and can issue a new certificate or approve an official name change. This process can be time-consuming compared to school boards, and follow-ups are often necessary.
Fees and Time Involved
Changing a name on educational certificates incurs prescribed fees that vary by institution. A nominal fee is usually charged by government boards, while private universities charge higher administrative fees. The duration may take a number of weeks to a number of months, depending on the authority and completeness of documents submitted.
Critical Things to Keep in Mind
Before requesting corrections to educational certificates, it is essential that the new name be consistent across all documents, such as the Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, and bank records. Rejections and delays can occur due to any mismatch. All submitted documents and acknowledgements should be kept for later reference.
Remedies in Law in Case of Rejection
If an educational authority unreasonably refuses to process a legitimate name change request, there are legal remedies. An appeal can be presented to the superior authorities and in special cases a writ petition may be presented before the High Court to be given guidelines towards correction. This has been repeatedly overruled by courts, provided a real name change is not denied on technical grounds.
Conclusion
Alteration of names on educational certificates is not a casual legal or administrative exercise and requires documentation and patience. Be it a mere spelling correction or a name change in totality, due procedure is followed, and everything gets through without difficulty. Educational certificates are important in one’s career, and it is important to ensure they are accurate and match one’s legal name. The name change procedure for educational certificates can be completed in a timely manner with proper documentation, without becoming more complicated.
