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Getting an acceptance letter from an international university is a huge milestone, but your journey truly begins with a small, navy-blue booklet: your passport. Whether you are registering for exams like IELTS, applying for your student visa, or finally booking your flights, you simply cannot move forward without it.
If the thought of navigating government websites, gathering address proofs, and sitting through police verifications is stressing you out, don't worry. Applying for a student passport in India is a highly streamlined process once you know what to expect.
Let us learn about the process of applying for a student’s passport from India, as well as a list of documents required for a passport
Who Can Apply for a Student Passport in India?
To apply for a student passport from India to study abroad, you need to meet certain criteria. Here are the eligibility requirements to apply for a student passport in India:
- The student must be an Indian citizen and must provide proof of their legal guardian’s address.
- If the student is a minor, then parental consent and their attestation are required. If a student is an adult, then they can self-attest their documents required for a passport.
- Minor students may apply for the non-ECR category until they reach age 18.
What Is the Required Fee for a Student's Passport in India?
To obtain a passport for students, individuals must pay a fee of ₹2500 on the official website. You can submit the payment online through credit/debit card, net banking, or an SBI challan. Take a look at this table for more details on student passport fees.
| Fees | Booklet Pages | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,500 | 36-page booklet | Valid for 10 years (Adults) |
| ₹3,500 | 60-page booklet | Valid for 10 years (Adults) |
| ₹1,750 | 36-page booklet | Valid for 5 years (minors) |
| ₹5,000 | 36-page booklet | Tatkal Passport |
| ₹6,000 | 60-page booklet | Tatkal Passport |
How to Apply for a Student's Passport in India?
Applying for a student's passport in India is similar to other passport application processes. So, if you are wondering how to apply for an Indian passport, here are the steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of passport services in India: passportindia.gov.in
Step 2: Enter the required details to obtain your user ID and password, then select the type of passport you require.
Step 3: Next, log in to the Passport Seva portal using the registered ID and password. Fill in the required information, including personal details and family details.
Step 4: Obtain and read out the passport details. Select the date and PSK Centre of documents for new passport verification for students in the "Self Declaration" column.
Note: Remember, you should be present before the officials to complete this step. Therefore, you must carefully consider the appointment details before selecting them.
Step 5: Book the appointment slot after submitting the passport application fee online. You can use one of the three modes to submit the online fee: Credit/ Debit Card, Internet Banking, SBI Challan. Download or print the application with the appointment number.
Step 6: Reach the Passport Seva Kendra designated to you per the scheduled date and time. Carry all the original documents required for a passport for students and the application form to the PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) for passport verification documents.
Step 7: Collect the acknowledgement receipt once the passport application documents verification process is complete.
>> Also Check: Lost Passport Abroad? Travel Insurance Can Save Your Trip
What Documents are Required to Apply for a Student's Passport In India?
Depending on the level of urgency, students can apply for a standard or Tatkal passport. Here is the list of documents for a new application:
| Criteria | Mandatory Documents for Passport |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof or Date of Birth Proof | Aadhaar Card |
| Voter ID card | |
| PAN Card | |
| Student ID card | |
| Driving Licence | |
| Birth Certificate | |
| Address Proof | Electricity Bill |
| Telephone Bill | |
| Bank Account’s Passbook | |
| Rent Agreement | |
| Income Tax Assessment order | |
| First and last page of the parents’ passbook | |
| Educational Documents | Class X and XII marksheet |
| Graduation and post-graduation certificates | |
| Admission letter | |
| Bonafide certificate |
How to Track Your Student Passport Application?
After filling out your student passport application, if you want to track your application online, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal official website.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the Track Application Status tab.
Step 3: Select your application type, then enter your file number and date of birth.
Step 4: Click on Track, and your application status will appear on your screen.
Student Passport Renewal Procedure
You must apply for a new passport if your current one expires within a year. New passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 18. If you are looking for the renewal process for a student passport, here are the steps:
- Visit the official website: First, visit the Passport Seva Portal website.
- Apply online: Next, you need to fill the application by clicking on the ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/ Reissue of Passport’ option. Here, you need to click on the ‘Re-issue’ option.
- Pay the fees: Submit the required fees online, then select a convenient PSK to schedule an appointment.
- PSK Appointment: Visit the PSK centre on the scheduled date and time with the original passport renewal documents and receipt.
- Police Verification: A police verification will be conducted in accordance with applicable guidelines.
- Passport Delivery: After successful verification, your passport will be delivered to the provided address within a few weeks.
List of Required Passport Documents for Renewal:
- Old Passport
- Page of Observation (Self-attested)
- ECR/Non-ECR page (Self-attested)
Difference Between Student Passport and a Normal Passport
In India, there is no legal or functional difference between a "student passport" and a "normal passport." Both are standard Type P (Personal) passports. The only distinction lies in the application process. When applying as a student, you submit specific educational documents, such as a student ID, bona fide certificate, or a 10th-grade mark sheet, which helps secure Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) status.
However, the final document you receive is identical to a regular passport. Both are issued by the Passport Seva Kendra, feature the same navy-blue cover, carry a 10-year validity for adults, and serve all standard travel purposes.
>> Also Check: Tatkal vs Normal Passport: Renewal Guide for Fast Approval
What is Police Verification in Student Passport?
Police verification for a student passport is a mandatory background check by the local police to confirm your identity and address, and to ensure you have no criminal record.
If you are a student living away from your permanent residence, such as in a college hostel or rented accommodation, the verification must happen at your current address. You will need to provide valid proof of current address, such as a bona fide certificate or a letter from your educational institution. Just like a regular passport, this verification can happen before (Normal application) or after (Tatkaal application) the passport is issued to ensure your travel documents are secure and legitimate.
Tips for an Easy Student Passport Application
Here are some tips to keep in mind during the student passport application process in India:
- Apply early for tests: Get your passport 3 to 4 months before registering for exams like the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS, as they require a valid passport number.
- Keep all the Documents: Carry all the documents required for a passport for students during the interview appointment.
- Confirm your address proof: Use a bona fide certificate if applying from a college hostel, or ensure you are present at your permanent home address for police verification.
- Prep for police verification: Be physically present at your listed address with original documents and two local references to avoid application delays.
- Use the official website only: Avoid scam sites by applying exclusively through passportindia.gov.in, where the standard fresh passport fee is exactly ₹2,500.
>> Also Read: Why Indian Students Choose to Study in Dubai?
Wrapping Up Your Student Passport Application
Securing your passport is the first step in your study abroad journey. While the process may seem daunting, gathering the right documents and booking your Passport Seva Kendra appointment is actually straightforward.
Remember, a student passport is simply a standard passport, so the benefits of holding one extend far beyond your university years. By ensuring your current address proofs are accurate for police verification, you can avoid any unnecessary processing delays.
In addition to applying for a student’s passport well in advance, you must take preventive measures to protect it from damage or theft during your overseas stay. While keeping your documents in safe places and keeping digital copies can help you avoid hassles, appropriate student travel insurance can help you remain financially covered if your belongings are stolen or damaged.
Wait no more! While still applying for a student passport, secure your trip with a comprehensive student travel insurance plan!
Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
