Migration Certificate — How to Apply Online & Offline

What Is a Migration Certificate?

A migration certificate is an official document issued by an educational board or university that permits a student to move from one board or university to another. It serves as a formal "no objection" from your current institution, confirming that you have completed your course or examination and are free to seek admission elsewhere.

Migration certificates are typically issued after passing Class 10, Class 12, or a university degree examination. Without this document, most higher education institutions will not finalise your admission.

Migration Certificate vs Transfer Certificate: A transfer certificate (TC) is issued when a student leaves a school — even mid-session — and is an inter-school document. A migration certificate, on the other hand, is issued by the board or university and is required when changing between different boards or universities (e.g., CBSE to a state university, or one university to another).

When Do You Need a Migration Certificate?

You will need a migration certificate in the following situations:

• After Class 12 — when seeking admission to a college or university affiliated with a different board
• After completing a degree — when enrolling in a postgraduate programme at a different university
• Changing universities mid-course — lateral transfers between universities
• Joining a professional course — many engineering, medical, and management colleges require it
• Studying in a different state — interstate university transfers

Note: If you are joining a college affiliated with the same board or university from which you passed, a migration certificate may not be required. Always check the admission requirements of the target institution.

Who Issues Migration Certificates?

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before applying:

1. Mark sheet / Grade card — original and photocopy of the relevant examination (Class 10, 12, or degree)
2. Passing certificate — or provisional certificate from the board/university
3. Transfer certificate (TC) — from the school or college last attended (how to get a TC)
4. Photo ID proof — Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport
5. Passport-sized photographs — 2 to 4 recent photographs
6. Filled application form — available online or at the board/university office
7. Fee payment receipt — demand draft, challan, or online payment confirmation
8. Affidavit (if applicable) — some universities require a notarised affidavit for duplicate or delayed applications

Step-by-Step Process

Online Application

Most major boards (CBSE, CISCE) and many universities now offer online application for migration certificates. From the 2025 examinations onwards, CBSE also provides digital migration certificates via DigiLocker.

General steps for online application:

1. Visit the official website of your board or university
   • CBSE: cbse.gov.in
   • CISCE: cisce.org
   • IGNOU: ignou.ac.in
2. Log in or register using your roll number, year of passing, and date of birth
3. Navigate to "Migration Certificate" — look under "Student Services," "Certificates," or "Examination" sections
4. Fill in the application form — enter personal details, exam details, and the name of the institution/university you are migrating to
5. Upload documents — scanned copies of mark sheet, ID proof, and photograph
6. Pay the application fee — via net banking, UPI, debit/credit card, or e-challan
7. Download the acknowledgement receipt — save the receipt and tracking/reference number
8. Track your application — use the reference number on the portal to check status

CBSE DigiLocker: CBSE students (2015 onwards) can access their migration certificate digitally on DigiLocker. Log in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, search for CBSE under "Education," and download the certificate.

Offline Application

If online services are not available for your board or university:

1. Visit your school/college or the board's regional office
2. Obtain the application form — collect the migration certificate application form from the office counter
3. Fill in the form carefully — use capital letters, ensure all details match your mark sheet exactly
4. Attach required documents — self-attested photocopies of mark sheet, ID proof, TC, and photographs
5. Pay the fee — via demand draft (DD) in favour of the board/university, or pay at the designated bank counter
6. Submit the form — at the school administration office or the board's regional office
7. Collect an acknowledgement slip — note the receipt number for tracking
8. Collect the certificate — you will be notified when it is ready, usually by post or SMS; collect in person or receive by registered post

Fees

Migration certificate fees vary by board and university. Here are typical charges:

Note: Fees are subject to revision. Always check the latest fee schedule on the official website of your board or university before applying.

Processing Time

• CBSE (DigiLocker): Available almost instantly for eligible students
• CBSE (physical application): 15–30 working days
• CISCE: 15–30 working days
• State Boards: 7–30 working days depending on the state
• Universities: 15–45 working days

Processing time may be longer during peak admission seasons (June–August). Apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Important Tips

• Apply early — do not wait until the last moment. Start the process as soon as your results are declared.
• Double-check details — any mismatch between your application and mark sheet (name spelling, date of birth) will cause rejection or delays.
• Keep photocopies — maintain copies of all submitted documents and the acknowledgement receipt.
• Use DigiLocker — CBSE students should check DigiLocker first, as the digital certificate is legally valid and accepted by UGC-recognised institutions.
• Contact your school — for CBSE and ICSE, the migration certificate is often sent to your school. Check with your school office before applying independently.
• Track regularly — if the certificate is delayed beyond the expected time, follow up with the board's regional office or university registrar.
• Duplicate certificates — if you lose your migration certificate, you can apply for a duplicate by submitting an FIR copy, an affidavit, and paying the duplicate fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a migration certificate mandatory for college admission?

Yes, most colleges and universities require a migration certificate if you are moving from one board to another or from one university to another. Without it, your admission may remain provisional or incomplete.

Can I get my CBSE migration certificate online?

Yes. CBSE provides digital migration certificates through DigiLocker for students who appeared in board exams from 2015 onwards. These digital certificates are legally valid under the IT Act.

How long is a migration certificate valid?

There is generally no expiry date on a migration certificate. However, some universities may require a recently issued certificate (within 1–2 years) for admission purposes. Check with your target institution.

What if my name is different on my migration certificate?

If there is a name discrepancy, you will need to get it corrected from the issuing board/university before the target institution will accept it. Submit a name correction application along with supporting documents (gazette notification, affidavit, etc.).

Can I apply for a duplicate migration certificate?

Yes. If your original migration certificate is lost or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate. You will typically need to submit a copy of the FIR (for lost certificates), a notarised affidavit, and pay the duplicate certificate fee.

Is a migration certificate the same as a transfer certificate?

No. A transfer certificate (TC) is issued by a school when a student leaves, while a migration certificate is issued by the board or university. Both may be needed for admission — the TC from your school and the migration certificate from your board. Read our transfer certificate guide for more details.

This guide is published by CitizenNest for informational purposes. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with any government body. Always verify details on the official website of your board or university. Information is accurate as of the last updated date but may change — check official sources for the latest rules and fees.