Your mark sheets, degree certificates, and other academic documents issued by educational institutions are not just pieces of paper – they are the foundation of your achievements and identity. If there is an error in your name, or you wish to officially change your name, it is essential to update these documents to reflect the correct and legal name.

If you want to change your name in educational documents, you must follow a legal process in India, in which publication in the Gazette is mandatory. The Gazette is the final and valid proof that your new name has been officially accepted by the government.

For first-time applicants, this process may seem lengthy, complex, and confusing. However, with the right guidance, it becomes simple, straightforward, and entirely practical.

To ensure that your new name is accepted in educational documents without objections, you must complete the following three key steps:

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit

The name change process begins with an affidavit prepared on a stamp paper. This affidavit must clearly state:

• That you are changing your name voluntarily

• Your old name and your new name

• The reason for the name change

Once the affidavit is prepared, it must be attested by a Notary Public.
However, in certain cases, attestation by a First Class Magistrate is mandatory, such as:

• Adopting a surname never used by your parents

• Name change due to adoption, gender change, or other sensitive reasons

Without proper attestation, your affidavit may be considered invalid. This is why professional guidance at this stage is important, as it forms the legal foundation for the entire process.

Step 2: Publish a Newspaper Advertisement

The second essential step is publishing a public notice in a national-level Hindi or English newspaper announcing your name change.

Key points to remember:

• Only national-level newspapers are accepted (regional or local papers are not valid).

• You must submit the original full newspaper to authorities in later steps – cuttings or photocopies are not accepted.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in rejection of your application, so it is strongly recommended to complete this step under professional supervision to avoid delays.

Step 3: Gazette Notification

This is the final and most important legal step. You must publish your new name in the Gazette of India (Central Gazette) or your State Gazette.

Although both Central and State Gazettes are legally valid, publishing in the Central Gazette is highly recommended in certain situations, such as:

• You have studied in more than one state

• Your academic documents are issued by different boards/universities in different states

A Central Gazette publication is accepted across all states, universities, government bodies, and even by international authorities, making it the safest and most universally valid method.

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After Gazette Publication – Changing the Name in Educational Documents

Once your name is published in the Gazette, it becomes a valid and legal proof of your new identity. You can then apply to your school, college, university, or educational board to update your mark sheets and degree certificates.

Documents generally required for this process:

• Copy of the Gazette notification

• Updated ID proof in your new name

• Old mark sheets or degree

• Name change application form (as per institution guidelines)

When is a Court Decree Required?

Some universities or boards require an additional court-issued Declaration Decree, especially if:

• The documents have already been issued in the old name

• There are complex legal circumstances

In such cases, you will need to file a Declaration Suit in a civil court. This legal petition asks the court to officially recognise your name change and direct the educational institution to update your documents.

How LSO Legal Can Help You

At LSO Legal, our panel of highly experienced advocates:

• Draft the affidavit

• Guide you in publishing the newspaper advertisement

• Complete the Gazette publication process

• Prepare and file the Declaration Suit in court (if required)

• Represent you during hearings

• Assist in submitting applications to educational institutions with the necessary legal proofs

We ensure the process is completed smoothly, with no procedural errors that could cause delays or rejections.

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?️ Name Change in Educational Documents –  Reasons & FAQs

⚖️ Common Reasons for Name Change in Educational Documents

1. After Marriage or Divorce

Many women change their surname after marriage or revert to their maiden name after divorce. These updates must reflect in educational records for legal and professional consistency.

2. Spelling or Typographical Errors

Sometimes, schools or universities make clerical mistakes in names or initials. A legal correction helps ensure all certificates match your ID proofs.

3. Adoption or Guardianship

Students adopted or under new guardianship may change their surname to reflect the new family name in all school and college records.

4. Religious Conversion

A person adopting a new religion often changes their first or last name accordingly. This requires legal documentation and Gazette publication.

5. Personal or Astrological Preference

Some people modify or simplify their name based on numerology or personal belief — which must be legally validated to update in academic records.

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? Legal Process for Name Change in Educational Certificates

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit

Draft a notarized affidavit stating your old and new names along with the reason for change (marriage, correction, etc.).

LSO Legal prepares your affidavit in correct legal format for all educational boards and universities.

Step 2: Publish in Newspapers

Publish your new name in one local and one national newspaper. Keep the original publication copies safely.

Step 3: Gazette Notification

Apply for name change publication in the Government Gazette of India or State Gazette. Once published, your name becomes legally valid for all purposes.

Step 4: Apply for Correction to the Board/University

Submit an application with your affidavit, Gazette, and newspaper proofs to your respective school board, university, or educational department.

Example:
For CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards — applications are submitted to the regional office with all verified documents.

? Documents Required for Name Change in Educational Certificates

1. Notarized affidavit for name change

2. Aadhaar Card or valid ID proof

3. Gazette publication copy

4. Newspaper publication copies

5. Old educational certificates (mark sheets, degree, etc.)

6. School or college ID proof

7. Application letter to the board or university

8. Marriage certificate / divorce decree (if applicable)

? Processing Time & Fees

• Time: 15–45 working days (depending on the board/university)

• Service Fee: ₹999 – ₹2499 (through LSO Legal Private Limited)

? Why Choose LSO Legal Private Limited

• Government-registered legal company

• 30+ years of experience in document correction

• Valid across all education boards and universities

• 100% online process – affidavit, Gazette & application handled by experts

• Legal support for both students and working professionals

 help line no. 8109631969
? Website: www.lsolegal.com

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Name Change in Educational Documents

1. Can I change my name in old mark sheets or degree certificates?

Yes ✅. You can legally change your name in all educational documents by affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification, then apply for correction to your school/university.

2. Is Gazette publication mandatory for educational name change?

Yes. The Gazette publication makes your new name legally valid and acceptable to educational boards, universities, and government departments.

3. How long does it take to update my name in school or college certificates?

The time varies by institution but usually takes 15–45 days after submission of all legal documents.

4. Can I correct only the spelling of my name without Gazette?

Minor spelling errors can sometimes be corrected directly by the school or university, but Gazette publication is recommended for complete legal validity.

5. Will my previous certificates remain valid after name change?

Yes. Your previous certificates remain valid, but they must be supported with your Gazette notification and affidavit as proof of name change.

6. Can LSO Legal help me apply for the correction online?

Yes ✅. LSO Legal Private Limited provides a complete online process, including affidavit drafting, Gazette filing, and application guidance for school, university, or board submission.

   Conclusion

Your educational documents represent your identity, qualification, and credibility — and any mismatch in name or spelling can create serious obstacles in job verification, passport applications, government exams, or foreign admissions.

By following the legal process of affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification, you can permanently correct your name and make all your certificates legally valid and consistent.

LSO Legal Private Limited simplifies this complex process by providing end-to-end support — from preparing your affidavit to managing Gazette publication and guiding you through board or university submissions.

With over 30 years of legal expertise and nationwide recognition, LSO Legal ensures that your name correction or change in educational documents is legally sound, fully compliant, and accepted across all institutions in India.