Name Change in School Certificate

Why a Gazette Name Change is Essential for Students

A school certificate is not just a piece of paper; it is a foundational document for all future KYC. If your name is misspelled or changed later in life, a Gazette Name Change becomes mandatory to maintain a consistent legal profile.

• Universality: A Central Gazette Name Change India is accepted by all boards (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards) and universities nationwide.

• Legal Proof: It serves as a permanent public record that the person with the "Old Name" and the "New Name" is the same individual.

• Future-Proofing: Without this, you may face rejection during higher education admissions or when applying for a permanent account number (PAN).

Step-by-Step Guide to the Gazette Notification for Name Change

The name change process from start to finish involves three primary legal pillars: the affidavit, the newspaper advertisement, and the final notification in the Official Gazette of India.

1. Draft a Name Change Affidavit

The first step is to prepare a legal affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper (usually ₹10 or ₹20). This document must be notarized by a Public Notary. It should clearly state:

• Your current name (as per school records).

• The proposed new name.

• The specific reason for the change (e.g., spelling error, marriage, or personal preference).

• Your permanent residential address.

2. Publish a Newspaper Advertisement

Once the affidavit is ready, you must inform the public through a Gazette for Name Change advertisement. You are required to publish this notice in two newspapers:

• One English daily national newspaper.

• One regional language newspaper of the state where you reside.

Note: Always keep the full original page of the newspaper. Do not just cut out the advertisement, as the Gazette office requires the entire sheet for verification.

3. Submission for Gazette Notification for Name Change

The final step is to submit your application to the Department of Publication. You can either visit the office in Civil Lines, Delhi, or send your documents via registered post. This results in the School Certificate Name Change being officially recorded in Part IV of the Gazette.

Fees and Timeline for Gazette for Name Change in School Certificate

The name change in school certificate process is not instant but is highly structured. In 2026, the government has streamlined the digital submission process.

Estimated Fees:

• Adults: Approximately ₹1,100 (Government fee).

• Minors: Approximately ₹1,700 (Government fee).

• Additional Costs: Newspaper ads (₹1,000–₹2,000) and Notary services (₹200–₹500).

Estimated Timeline:

• Affidavit & Ads: 3–7 days.

• Gazette Processing: 30–45 working days.

• Total Duration: Expect the entire process to take roughly 1.5 to 2 months.

Frequent Challenges in Change Name in Gazette

Many applicants face delays because of minor technical errors. When you decide to Change Name in Gazette, ensure the CD content exactly matches the hard copy. Furthermore, ensure that the reason provided in the affidavit aligns with the supporting documents provided.

For students specifically looking for a Gazette for Name Change in School Certificate, the Central Gazette is always the safer choice compared to the State Gazette, as it holds higher weightage for international applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a Gazette Notification mandatory for a school name change?

Yes. Most educational boards like CBSE and ICSE require a Gazette Notification for Name Change before they will issue a revised marksheet or certificate.

2. Can I apply for the Gazette Name Change online?

Yes, in 2026, the application process is largely digitized. You can pay the fees through BharatKosh and track your Name Change Gazette status on the official e-Gazette portal.

3. Will my old certificates still be valid?

Your old certificates remain valid when accompanied by the Gazette for Name Change. However, it is always recommended to get them updated by the respective board using the Gazette copy.

4. What if I am a minor?

For minors, the parents or legal guardians must sign the affidavit and the application forms. The fee for minors is slightly higher than for adults.

5. Does the Gazette expire?

No. Once your name is published in the Name Change Gazette, it is valid for a lifetime and serves as permanent legal proof.

Conclusion

Correcting or changing your identity on educational documents is a significant milestone that requires precision. While the process of obtaining a Gazette for Name Change in School Certificate may seem daunting due to the paperwork, following the legal steps of affidavit, advertisement, and notification ensures your future remains hurdle-free