Name Change in School certificate 

School Certificate Name Change: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 

School Certificate Name Change is a very important task for many students and parents in India. Sometimes, names are spelled wrong on a 10th or 12th marksheet, or maybe you have legally changed your name for personal reasons. If your name on your school documents does not match your Aadhaar card or Passport, it can cause big problems during college admissions or job interviews.

In this guide, we will explain the full process of School Certificate Name Change in very simple English. Whether you need a small name correction or a full name change, this article will help you understand what to do.

Why is a School Certificate Name Change Necessary? 

Your school certificates, like the 10th and 12th marksheets, are used as your primary age and identity proof for your whole life. If there is a mistake in the name, it is not just a small error; it is a legal hurdle. A correct name change ensures that all your future degrees, visas, and government IDs stay consistent.

Many people think that just telling the school is enough, but for a legal School Certificate Name Change, you need to follow the government’s official procedure. This usually involves getting a Gazette Notification for Name Change.

The Three Main Steps for School Certificate Name Change 

The process is divided into three major legal steps. You must complete these before you can ask your school board (like CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards) to update your records.

1. Creating a Name Change Affidavit

The first step is to visit a local notary and get a legal affidavit made on a stamp paper (usually ₹10 to ₹100). This document is a self-declaration where you state your old name, your new name, and the reason for the change. It must be signed by a Notary Public.

2. Newspaper Advertisement

Once the affidavit is ready, you must publish a notice in two newspapers. One should be an English daily and the other should be in your regional language. This is done to inform the public about your name correction or change. Keep at least 4-5 original copies of these newspapers as they are needed for the next step.

3. Gazette Notification for Name Change

The most important step is getting the Gazette Notification for Name Change. This is an official document issued by the Department of Publication. You can apply for a gazette name change online or by visiting the office. Once your name is published in the Gazette, it becomes a permanent legal record.

Documents Required for School Certificate Name Change 

To make things easy for you, here is a checklist of the documents you will need to prepare for the change of name in school certificate 

Document Name                                   -  Purpose 

Notarized Affidavit                            -  Legal declaration of name change 

Newspaper Clippings                      -  Public announcement of the change  

Old School Certificates                  -  Proof of existing records 

ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN)                -  Identity verification 

Gazette Application Form          -  Request for official publication 

Passport Size Photos                       -  For identity matching 

How to Apply for Gazette Name Change Online 

In 2026, the process for gazette name change online has become much faster. You can visit the official e-Gazette portal and upload your scanned documents. You will need to pay the government fee through the Bharatkosh portal.

After the officials verify your documents, your name change will be published in the Digital Gazette. You can then download the PDF. This PDF is the ultimate proof required by school boards for a School Certificate Name Change.

Fees and Timeline for the Process 

Many people worry about how much money and time this will take. While fees can change slightly based on the state or board, here is a general estimate:

• Affidavit Fees: ₹200 – ₹500 (includes stamp paper and notary charges).

• Newspaper Ads: ₹500 – ₹1,500 (depending on the popularity of the newspaper).

• Gazette Fee: ₹1,100 – ₹1,500 for general categories.

• Total Timeline: It usually takes about 30 to 60 days to get the Gazette notification. After that, the school board might take another 1 to 3 months to issue the new certificate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Update School Records 

Once you have your Gazette copy, follow these steps to finish your School Certificate Name Change:

1. Write an Application: Write a formal letter to the Principal of your school or the Secretary of the Board (CBSE/ICSE/State Board).

2. Attach Proofs: Attach the original Gazette notification, newspaper cuttings, and the affidavit.

3. Submit Fees: Pay the board's administrative fee for issuing a fresh marksheet.

4. Verification: The school will verify their internal records (Admission & Withdrawal register) and forward the request to the board.

5. Collection: Once processed, you will receive your corrected certificate from the school or via post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a Gazette notification mandatory for a name change?

Yes, for a full name change or a major name correction in school records, most boards like CBSE and ICSE strictly require a Gazette notification as legal proof.

2. Can I change my name if I have already finished school?

Yes, you can change your name even after finishing school. However, it is easier to do it while you are still studying. If you have already passed out, you must follow the Gazette process and then apply to the board.

3. What if there is only a small spelling mistake?

If it is a very small clerical error (like "Smit" instead of "Smith"), the school might be able to fix it using your Birth Certificate without a Gazette. But for major changes, the Gazette is needed.

4. Can I change my father's or mother's name too?

Yes, the process for changing a parent's name in your certificate is similar. You will need an affidavit and gazette notification proving the correct name of the parent.

5. Is the online Gazette copy valid everywhere?

Yes, the e-Gazette is a digitally signed document by the Government of India and is valid for all legal and official purposes across the country.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Dealing with a School Certificate Name Change can feel very confusing at first. However, if you follow the steps—starting with an affidavit, then the newspaper ad, and finally the Gazette Notification for Name Change—the process becomes much smoother.

It is always better to get your names corrected early so that you don't face trouble during your career or when applying for a passport. If you find the legal paperwork too difficult, it is a good idea to talk to a legal expert who specializes in name change services.