1. What is the process to attest a degree certificate in India?

To attest a degree certificate in India, you need to follow these steps:
1. Get your degree certificate notarized by a notary public.
2. Submit the notarized certificate to the Education Department of the state in which the university is located.
3. The Education Department will verify the authenticity of the certificate and attest it.
4. After attestation by the Education Department, the certificate needs to be submitted to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for further verification.
5. The MEA verifies the authenticity of the certificate and provides an apostille sticker or stamp.
6. In case the country you plan to use the certificate in is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, the certificate needs to be attested by the respective country’s embassy or consulate in India.

2. What is notarization of a degree certificate?

Notarization of a degree certificate is the process of having the certificate verified and authenticated by a notary public. The notary public, who is a government-appointed official, verifies the identity of the degree holder and ensures the validity of the certificate. This step is essential to establish the authenticity of the document before proceeding with further attestations.

3. Why is it necessary to attest a degree certificate in India?

Attesting a degree certificate in India is necessary to validate the authenticity and genuineness of the document. It ensures that the degree holder’s educational qualifications are verified and accepted by the concerned authorities. Attested degree certificates are generally required for various purposes, such as employment, higher education, immigration, and visa processes, both within India and abroad.

4. Do I need to attest all the copies of my degree certificate?

No, you typically do not need to attest all the copies of your degree certificate. It is sufficient to get the original certificate attested and carry attested copies as required. However, ensure that the copies are true and accurate reproductions of the original, as any discrepancies may lead to complications in the attestation process.

5. Can I directly submit my degree certificate to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for attestation?

No, you cannot directly submit your degree certificate to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for attestation. The certificate first needs to be attested by the Education Department of the state in which the university is located. The MEA only attests documents that have been authenticated by the respective state authorities. So, it is important to follow the correct attestation process in sequential order.

6. How long does it take to get a degree certificate attested in India?

The time taken to get a degree certificate attested in India can vary depending on various factors, such as the workload of the authorities, the completeness of your application, and the efficiency of the process. Generally, it may take around 2-4 weeks to complete the entire attestation process, considering all the required steps, verifications, and submissions.

7. Can I get my degree certificate attested if I graduated from a foreign university?

Yes, you can get your degree certificate attested if you graduated from a foreign university. However, the process for attesting foreign degree certificates may differ slightly. Besides the notarization and Education Department attestation, you may also need to get your documents attested by the respective country’s embassy or consulate in India. The embassy or consulate will verify the authenticity of the certificate issued by the foreign university.

8. What is an apostille sticker or stamp on a degree certificate?

An apostille sticker or stamp is a form of authentication provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. It is used for validating the authenticity of public documents, including degree certificates, when they need to be used in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. The apostille sticker contains specified details and is affixed to the certificate, eliminating the need for further attestations by foreign embassies or consulates.

9. Do I need to get my degree certificate attested for every foreign country I go to?

The requirement to get your degree certificate attested for each foreign country you go to may vary. It depends on the specific regulations and policies of the country where you plan to use the certificate. Some countries may accept an apostille sticker from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as sufficient authentication. However, certain countries that are not part of the Hague Convention may still require additional attestation by the respective country’s embassy or consulate in India.

10. Can I get my degree certificate attested even if I don’t have the original copy?

In most cases, it is necessary to have the original copy of the degree certificate to initiate the attestation process. The original document is required for verification by the concerned authorities to ensure its authenticity. However, some authorities may accept notarized copies if you can provide valid reasons and supporting documentation for not having the original. It is always recommended to check the specific requirements of the attesting authority you are dealing with.