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.

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.

✅ From Affidavit drafting to Gazette publication and court decree – we handle everything for you.
Our senior advocates, with over 22 years of experience, provide accurate legal advice and prepare all the required documents for a hassle-free name change.

? Apply now at lsolegal.com to start your name change process today.