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How to apply for a Student Passport In India

Team AckoJan 29, 2024

If you are a student planning to study abroad, having a passport is a must. The most important document to obtain from the embassy or consulate is a Student Passport application form. This form, along with all of the required documentation should be submitted to the Passport Seva Kendra office. This guide is designed to address the most frequently asked questions by students who are applying for a Student Passport in India.

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Contents

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How to apply passport for Students in India?

The process of obtaining a Student Passport in India can be a little daunting, especially if you're going through it for the first time. But don't worry! We've got you covered. Here's how to get your passport:

  • Firstly, research and put together all the required documents necessary for a Student Passport in India

  • Once you’ve got the documents, schedule your appointment with the nearest passport office.

  • As the next step for the Indian Student Passport application process, you’d be required to self-attest the required documents.

  • Present the necessary documents along with the originals on the day of your appointment.

  • Once approved, you would be presented with an acknowledgement receipt using which you can check the status of your application. 

Who can apply for a Student Passport in India?

There are certain requirements that you need to fulfil in order to obtain a Student Passport in India. We have highlighted them here.

  • Parental consent and their attestation is a prerequisite for minors who are applying for a Student Passport in India. 

  • Minors can have a non-ECR till they reach the age of majority.

  • Majors (those above 18 years of age) can self-attest their own documents. 

  • Students who are applying for an educational passport can submit their parent’s/legal guardian’s address proof as their own at the time of the application. 

What are the documents required for a Student Passport in India?

Based on the requirement at hand, students who are appealing for a passport can apply for a regular or tatkal passport. Here are the documents that are required for a Student Passport.

Address proof pertaining to the current place of residence

  1. Aadhar card

  2. Latest utility bill (water or electricity bill)

  3. Telephone bill

  4. First and last page of parent/legal guardian’s passport in case of a minor

  5. Registered rental agreement

  6. Photocopy of passport of an active bank account 

  7. Income tax assessment order

  8. Voter ID

Proof of Date of Birth

  1. Birth Certificate

  2. Secondary school leaving certificate issued by a recognised board/educational institution

  3. Bonafide certificate issued by a recognised educational institution 

Note: In case the aforementioned educational certificates are not obtainable for some unforeseen reason, you can submit an attested letter/certificate stating the same from the head of the institution. 

What are the fees for a Student Passport in India?

All individuals who are putting in an application for a Student Passport in India need to pay a fee of INR 1,500. This is valid only at the Passport Seva Kendra portal using debit/credit cards, internet banking or a SBI challan.

How do you renew a Student Passport in India?

You will have to apply for a new passport if your current one expires in less than one year. Your passport will be valid for 10 years from its date of issue, but if you are a minor (under 18), it will be valid for 5 years.

If you need a new passport, you will have to apply for one by either going online to the Passport Seva Kendra portal or by going in-person to the nearby Passport Seva Kendra office location.

Here’s a checklist of the documents you need to carry with you for your passport renewal.

Carry your old passport and self-attested copies of the following. 

  1. First 2 and last 2 pages 

  2. Page of observation 

  3. ECR/ Non-ECR page 

Police verification for Student Passports in India

Police verification is a critical step that is conducted before passports are issued in India. The intent behind this is to verify the applicant’s identity as well as proof of residence. The police verification process can differ between states, and it is important to contact your state's local police station to learn which documents you need to provide to verify your identity.

  • You can start the process of applying for a passport reissue by visiting the Passport Seva website. This will help you streamline the process of police verification for passport reissue. 

  • The website will also provide you with a list of all the local police stations in your area, so that you can find the nearest one and be sure to get in touch with them immediately.

  • Once the police have confirmed your identity through their records, they will send a report back to Passport Seva Kendra. 

  • After receiving the Police Verification Report (PVR) from the respective police station, the passport authorities will dispatch your passport within three days.

How many days does it take to get a Student Passport in India?

A complete passport-issuing procedure could take between 25 and 30 days, but there are ways to speed up this process and get your application processed sooner. 

  • One way is by submitting all supporting documents required for your Student Passport in India early on in the process so that there are no unforeseen delays. 

  • Another option would be to choose an expedited service option for processing expedited applications (such as the tatkal service which you can access on the Passport Seva Kendra portal).

Difference between a Student Passport and a normal passport in India

As an Indian student aspiring to study abroad, you require a passport. This will allow you to travel internationally and return to India without being required to get an Indian visa before leaving. A Student Passport can be used for all normal purposes as well as for international travel. Student Passports in India can be applied for and processed by the Passport Seva Kendra, and they have the same validity as well as the same requirements as regular passports.

Final Word

As a student venturing into a foreign land, uncertainties and risks can arise, ranging from medical emergencies to trip cancellations or loss of belongings. A travel insurance plan, in this regard, provides financial protection and support to mitigate such risks, ensuring peace of mind and allowing students to focus on their studies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a list of common questions and answers associated with how to apply for a Student Passport in India.

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Can minors apply for Student Passports in India?

Minors are allowed to apply for Student Passports in India by themselves. In such cases the parents are required to attest the supporting documents required for the passport. However, without the parents' or legal guardians' authorisation, minors cannot travel abroad.

Do I need to submit my 12th marks sheet for Student Passport validation?

Yes, you do. If you have not submitted your 12th marks sheet for Student Passport validation, you will have to do so at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) office before submitting your application. The PSK offices are located in all major cities across India.

You can also submit your application at the PSK office by providing the following documents:

  • Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)

  • Proof of address (household water connection bill)

  • Proof of address (bank/post office passbook)

  • Proof of address (electricity bill with name and address)

How fast can one obtain a Student Passport?

If you are a student aspiring to study abroad, you need to have your passport issued in India to go outside of the country. The process can take up to 30 days, but it's usually faster than that.

Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from secondary sources on the internet and is meant for informational purposes only. It is subject to changes. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making any related decision.

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