Migration Certificate: Attestation, Online Application & Download

A migration certificate is an official educational document issued by an education board or university to support a student’s admission to another board or university for further studies. In India, students may need it when changing education boards after Class 10, applying for college admission after Class 12, or continuing their studies at a different university after graduation.

Students obtain a migration certificate from their previous education board or university. CBSE students can access their digital migration certificate through DigiLocker, while state board and university students follow their issuing authority’s application process. The receiving institution’s admission requirements determine whether the certificate must be submitted.

What Is a Migration Certificate?

A migration certificate is an official document issued by an education board or university confirming that it has no objection to a student joining another board or university for further studies.

In India, a migration certificate is commonly requested when changing education boards, applying for college admission after Class 12, or continuing studies at a different university. For example, a student completing a degree at Calicut University and applying for postgraduate admission at another university may need to submit one.

A migration certificate is different from a transfer certificate (TC). A TC confirms that a student has left a particular school or college, while a migration certificate supports admission under another education board or university. Students changing schools within the same board usually need a TC.

The details on a migration certificate vary by issuer but commonly include:

• Student’s name and parent’s name
• Roll number, registration number or enrolment number
• Name of the issuing board or university
• Examination or course details and the relevant academic year
• A statement of no objection to further studies at another board or university
• Date of issue and authentication details, such as a signature, seal or digital verification feature

Migration certificates may be issued in paper or digital form. CBSE students can access their digital migration certificates through DigiLocker. Keep a copy for your records and follow your new institution’s requirements for submission and verification.

Who Needs a Migration Certificate in India?

Students in India commonly need a migration certificate when moving from one education board or university to another for further studies. Your new institution’s admission requirements determine whether you must submit it.

A migration certificate is commonly requested in the following situations:

• Changing boards after Class 10: Students moving to a different education board for Class 11, such as from a state board to CBSE, may need a migration certificate from their previous board.
• Joining college after Class 12: Colleges and universities may request a migration certificate issued by the board that conducted your Class 12 examination.
• Starting postgraduate study at another university: Graduates joining a master’s programme at a different university may need a migration certificate from the university that awarded their undergraduate qualification.
• Transferring between universities during a course: Students moving to a college affiliated with another university may need a migration certificate alongside their transfer certificate and academic records. Admission and credit transfer remain subject to the receiving university’s rules.

Students changing schools within the same education board usually need a transfer certificate (TC). Similarly, changing colleges within the same university generally follows that university’s internal transfer procedure.

Your new institution’s admission checklist will specify whether to submit an original migration certificate, an accepted digital certificate or an attested copy. Confirm the required format and submission deadline before completing your admission.

Migration Certificate vs Transfer Certificate (TC): Key Differences

A Migration Certificate and a Transfer Certificate (TC) are two different educational documents in India. A Migration Certificate is issued by an education board or university when a student moves to another board or university for further studies. A Transfer Certificate (TC) is issued by the student’s previous school or college to confirm that they have formally left that institution.

Both documents support school and college admissions, but they serve different purposes and cannot automatically replace one another.

Difference Between Migration Certificate and TC

Do You Need Both a Migration Certificate and a TC?

Students may need both certificates when joining a new college or university, particularly when changing educational boards or universities. The Transfer Certificate confirms departure from the previous institution, while the Migration Certificate supports the change to a different academic board or university.

For example, a student completing Class 12 under CBSE and joining a university may be asked to submit both documents. However, a student transferring between two CBSE-affiliated schools generally needs a Transfer Certificate rather than a separate Migration Certificate. Admission requirements are determined by the receiving institution.

Can You Download a CBSE Migration Certificate Online?

Yes. CBSE Migration Certificates are available digitally through DigiLocker. From the 2025 board examinations onwards, CBSE discontinued the routine issuance of printed Migration Certificates for Classes 10 and 12. Students can access their digital certificates through DigiLocker, while physical copies can be requested through CBSE’s Duplicate Academic Document System during the transition period.

Students applying for admission should check whether their new institution requires a Migration Certificate, Transfer Certificate or both before submitting their documents.

How to Get a CBSE Migration Certificate From DigiLocker for the First Time

For first-time access to your CBSE migration certificate in DigiLocker, you may need to activate your CBSE-linked account using the six-digit access code provided by your school. If your CBSE documents are already available in your DigiLocker account, you can sign in directly.

To complete account activation:

1. Obtain your six-digit access code from your school if account confirmation is required.
2. Open the CBSE DigiLocker Account Activation page.
3. Select Class 10 or Class 12 and enter your school code, examination roll number and access code.
4. Verify your student details and complete the mobile OTP verification. Enter your date of birth if prompted.
5. Follow the instructions to open your DigiLocker account.
6. Once CBSE releases your certificate, open Issued Documents and download the migration certificate.

If you created your DigiLocker account independently, you may need to search for CBSE and retrieve the certificate using the examination details requested on the screen. CBSE

Why Is My Migration Certificate Not Showing in DigiLocker?

A migration certificate may be unavailable because the issuing board has not released it, the examination details entered do not match its records, account confirmation is incomplete, or the certificate has not been issued for that student.

For a missing CBSE migration certificate, check:

• Class and examination year: Select the correct Class 10 or Class 12 certificate and passing year.
• Student details: Enter the roll number and other requested information exactly as recorded by CBSE.
• Account activation: Complete the CBSE account confirmation process if required.
• Certificate issuance: Class 10 students should confirm with their school whether their migration certificate was requested and issued.

If the certificate remains unavailable, contact your school or the relevant CBSE regional office.

Use the certificate retrieved from the issuer under Issued Documents. Uploading a scanned certificate yourself stores a personal copy; it does not create an officially issued DigiLocker record. DigiLocker Guidance

CBSE Migration Certificate Rules for Class 10 and Class 12 in 2026

CBSE discontinued the routine distribution of printed migration certificates from the 2025 board examinations onwards. Students now access their digital migration certificates through DigiLocker for submission during admission. The former migration certificate charge collected with examination fees was also removed. CBSE Migration Certificate Circular

CBSE Migration Certificate After Class 10

Class 10 students who need a migration certificate should confirm its issuance with their school. It is particularly relevant when moving to another education board for further studies, such as joining Class 11 under a different board.

Students changing schools within CBSE generally need a Transfer Certificate. However, the receiving school’s admission checklist should be checked because some schools also request a migration certificate. CBSE

CBSE Migration Certificate After Class 12

Eligible Class 12 students can access their digital migration certificate through DigiLocker once CBSE makes the document available. Submit it when your new college or university includes it in the admission requirements.

CBSE migration certificates issued through DigiLocker with a digital signature and QR code are valid for admission to higher educational institutions. CBSE

How to Get a Physical CBSE Migration Certificate

If your institution accepts a printed digital certificate, download the official PDF from DigiLocker and print it with the QR code clearly visible.

For a board-issued physical migration certificate, use the CBSE Duplicate Academic Document System (DADS). Check the available service for your examination class and year, enter your academic details, and follow the document request and payment instructions. Keep the application reference and payment receipt for tracking and follow-up.

How to Apply for a University Migration Certificate

Apply to the university under which you completed or discontinued your previous academic programme. If you studied at an affiliated college, the university may require your college to verify or certify the application.

Start with the university’s certificate portal or prescribed application form. Enter your academic details, provide the requested documents, pay the applicable fee and complete any college verification or physical submission requirements.

Delhi University Migration Certificate

Apply through the Delhi University Online Certificates System. Complete the migration certificate application, select the appropriate campus option, upload your academic records and identity proof, and pay the required fee.

After submitting the online application, print the completed migration form and payment receipt. Have the form certified by the Principal, Head of Department or Director of the institution where you last studied. Submit the certified form to the university by hand or post with the required self-attested academic document, identity proof and fee receipt.

Students applying before completing their course must also provide the prescribed leaving certificate and countersigned undertaking concerning surrender of their result.

Anna University Migration Certificate

Eligible graduates and discontinued students can apply through Anna University Student Online Services (SOS).

Register or sign in, choose the migration certificate application category, enter your academic details and upload the documents requested for your student category. Self-attest the supporting copies as instructed for migration certificate applications, complete the payment process and retain your acknowledgement.

Check the service instructions before submitting, particularly if you studied at an autonomous institution or have older academic records. Anna University

University of Calicut Migration Certificate

Apply through the University of Calicut Migration Certificate Portal. Register using your personal mobile number and email address, sign in, complete the application and pay the required fee.

Graduates generally need to upload their provisional or original qualification certificate and the original Transfer Certificate from their previous college or department. Different document requirements apply to students awaiting results or applying after discontinuing a programme.

Once approved, download the digital migration certificate within one month of approval. Its authenticity can be checked using the QR code.

How to Get a Tamil Nadu State Board Migration Certificate

Students who passed eligible examinations conducted by the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations can apply for a migration certificate when continuing their studies in another Indian state or abroad.

Visit the Tamil Nadu DGE Migration Certificate page, obtain the prescribed application form and complete your examination details. Submit the supporting examination certificate copy and prescribed fee payment documents using the submission method specified in the instructions.

Use the school board application for school qualifications and your university’s application service for university qualifications.

What Documents Are Required for a Migration Certificate?

The documents required for a migration certificate depend on the issuing board or university and whether you completed or discontinued your course.

Common requirements include:

• Previous examination marksheet or final-year statement of marks.
• Degree or provisional certificate for university applications.
• Roll number, registration number or university enrolment details.
• Transfer Certificate or Leaving Certificate.
• An accepted identity document, such as Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence.
• Photograph and signature, if requested.
• Completed application form and fee payment receipt.

Some universities require college certification or an additional undertaking from students who discontinued their studies. Check the checklist for your applicant category before submitting. Delhi University Guidelines

Retrieving an existing CBSE certificate from DigiLocker follows a different process: you access the board-issued record using your account and examination details rather than submit a university application document set. CBSE

How Much Does a Migration Certificate Cost in India?

There is no single migration certificate fee in India. Charges vary between education boards and universities, and separate fees can apply to physical copies, duplicates or delivery.

The Calicut amount applies to its certificate application portal, while the MSBTE amount applies to its technical education board service. Confirm the amount displayed when applying, including any additional charges. CBSE Migration Certificate Circular

For a physical CBSE certificate requested through DADS, check the applicable fee separately before completing payment. Duplicate Academic Document System

How Long Does It Take to Get a Migration Certificate?

An existing digital migration certificate can be downloaded once the issuing authority makes it available in your account. A new university or board application takes longer because academic records, supporting documents and college approvals must be checked.

Processing periods differ between institutions. For example, Goa University specifies issuance within 10 days of receiving the college-approved application. Allow additional time for delivery when a certificate is sent by post. Goa University

Apply before your new institution’s document submission deadline, keep your acknowledgement and payment receipt, and respond promptly to requests for corrections or additional documents.

Application Letter for a Migration Certificate

How to Apply for a Migration Certificate from a State Board or University

Apply for a migration certificate through the board or university you are leaving. The process may involve an online application, a prescribed paper form or submission through your school or college. For example, Calicut University accepts online applications, while Tamil Nadu DGE publishes a migration certificate application form and submission instructions. Online Application Portal

Follow these steps:

1. Open the issuing board’s or university’s official website and find its migration certificate service.
2. Enter your name, registration or roll number, course and examination details.
3. Upload or attach the documents listed in the application instructions.
4. Obtain your school’s or college’s endorsement if the form requires it.
5. Pay the prescribed fee using the accepted payment method and save the receipt.
6. Submit the application and retain its reference number. Download, collect or receive the certificate according to the issuer’s delivery process. Online Application Portal

Where to Apply for a Migration Certificate in India

For other universities, look under the examination, student services or registrar section of the official website.

Documents Required for a Migration Certificate

Migration certificate applications commonly require academic records and proof of leaving the previous institution. Depending on the issuer and your student status, the required documents may include:

• Final or latest mark sheet.
• Pass, provisional or degree certificate.
• Transfer certificate or college leaving certificate.
• Identity proof, where requested.
• Application fee receipt.
• College endorsement or clearance documents, where required.

For example, Calicut University lists the provisional or original qualification certificate and transfer certificate for students who have completed their course. It specifies different documents for students awaiting results or discontinuing their studies.

Is a Migration Certificate Required for Studying Abroad?

A migration certificate is not compulsory for every overseas university admission or student visa application. Indian students should submit it when the receiving university, educational authority or visa authority specifically requests it. Check the university’s admission requirements and the relevant student visa checklist separately.

For postgraduate admission, universities commonly assess previous qualifications through academic transcripts, marksheets and evidence of degree completion. These requirements do not automatically create a requirement for a migration certificate. Students transferring between universities should check the document checklist for transfer applicants, as it may differ from the requirements for new admissions.

Does a Migration Certificate Need Attestation or Apostille for Use Abroad?

An Indian migration certificate needs attestation or apostille when the receiving institution or destination country requires formal authentication. Confirm this requirement before arranging the service.

The Ministry of External Affairs provides apostille certification for eligible Indian documents intended for countries where the Hague Apostille Convention applies with India. Destinations outside this arrangement may require normal attestation followed by embassy or consular legalisation.

For UAE use, an apostille alone does not replace UAE embassy legalisation and MOFA attestation when these are required. The UAE is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so confirm the accepted attestation process with the receiving institution before submitting your certificate.

Educational Certificate Attestation and Apostille Services in Chennai

GloboPrime Attestation Services provides educational certificate attestation and MEA Apostille assistance in Chennai for Indian academic documents intended for use abroad.

From our St. Thomas Mount office near Kathipara Junction, we assist students, graduates and professionals with document assessment, applicable Indian authentication and international certificate attestation requirements.

If your overseas university or receiving authority specifically requests an authenticated Migration Certificate, our Chennai team can help identify the required attestation or Apostille procedure.

Contact GloboPrime Attestation Services for educational certificate attestation, MEA Apostille assistance and a document-specific quotation.