Transfer Certificate (TC) — Meaning, Format, Rules, and How to Get It

A Transfer Certificate (TC) is an official document issued by a school, college or university when a student permanently leaves the institution. It records the student's personal details, academic history, conduct, last attended date, and reason for leaving. The TC is one of the most fundamental academic documents in the Indian education system.

When you need a TC

• Transferring to another school mid-year or between academic years
• After Class 10 or Class 12 to join a different college
• When changing colleges mid-degree (with university approval)
• When migrating to a different state or country for education
• For documentation purposes when applying for re-admission

Standard fields on a TC

• Student's full name and parent's name
• Date of birth
• Religion, caste and category (where applicable)
• Date of admission and class admitted in
• Date of leaving and class last attended
• Conduct (good, satisfactory, etc.)
• Reason for leaving
• Mention of any dues
• Principal's signature and school seal

CBSE guidelines on TC issuance

The CBSE Bye-laws require schools to issue a TC within 30 days of the request. Schools cannot refuse to issue a TC on the grounds of pending fees alone — only after due process and Manager Committee approval can a TC be withheld. The TC must be on the prescribed CBSE format with the school seal and Principal's signature.

Fee disputes and TC withholding

Indian courts and consumer forums have consistently held that schools cannot withhold the TC for unilateral fee demands. If the parents have disputed the fee in writing, the school must release the TC and recover dues through legal process. The Right to Education Act also strengthens parental rights in this regard.

How to apply for a TC

Submit a written application addressed to the Principal stating the date of leaving and the destination institution. Clear all dues (or formally dispute them in writing). Submit the school identity card. Most schools issue the TC within 7–15 working days; some demand 30 days as per CBSE rules.

Duplicate TC

If you lose the original TC, schools issue a duplicate after the parent files an affidavit declaring loss, publishes a small newspaper notice, and pays a prescribed fee. The duplicate carries the word "DUPLICATE" prominently.