Migration Certificate — Meaning, Uses, and How to Get It (India)
A migration certificate is issued by a university when you move to another board or institution. Learn what it means, when you need it, and how to apply in India.
A migration certificate is an official document issued by a school board or university certifying that a student has been formally released from its jurisdiction and may continue education under another board or institution. It is mandatory whenever a student moves across boards (state-to-CBSE, CBSE-to-state, ICSE-to-CBSE) or universities.
When you need a migration certificate
- Class 10 to Class 11 transition between boards
- Class 12 to undergraduate admission under a different university
- Transferring from one university to another mid-course
- Postgraduate admission at a university different from the undergraduate institution
- Lateral entry to professional courses from a different board
Issuing authorities
For school education — CBSE, ICSE/CISCE, and the respective state boards issue migration certificates after Class 10 and Class 12. For higher education — the affiliating university (Delhi University, Mumbai University, Anna University and so on) issues the certificate after the final year of the course.
Step-by-step application process
For CBSE — apply online through the CBSE Pariksha Manjusha portal with class 10 and 12 details, pay the prescribed fee, and receive the certificate by post within 3–4 weeks. For state boards — apply at the regional office with passing certificate copies, marksheets, and prescribed fee. For universities — apply through the student affairs office with degree and final-year marksheet, pay the fee, and collect within 2–6 weeks.
Documents required
- Class 10 / Class 12 passing certificate or degree certificate
- All semester or yearly marksheets
- Aadhaar / passport copy
- Admission letter from the new institution (some boards demand this)
- Fee receipt (paid online or via DD)
Validity and usage
A migration certificate does not expire and can be used indefinitely. However, most new institutions require the original — not a photocopy — at the time of admission. They retain it on file as proof of jurisdictional release from the previous board.
Difference from transfer certificate
A transfer certificate (TC) is issued by the immediate previous school or college, while a migration certificate is issued by the central board or university overseeing that institution. Both are usually required when changing institutions.
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