Student Passport In India: Documents Required, Fees & Eligibility

• If you are an Indian student planning to study overseas, you can apply for a student passport through the online portal of Passport Seva Kendra.
• To apply for a student passport, you should hold Indian citizenship, be enroled in a recognised educational institution, and have a valid proof of admission to a foreign educational institute.
• You will be required to provide proof of address likean Aadhaar card, and proof of birth, such as a birth certificate,to apply for a student passport in India.

Over the past couple of years, the number of Indian students planning to study abroad has grown considerably. If you are a student in India and planning to study overseas, you will need to apply for a student passport and visa.You can apply for a student passport by filling out an application form, uploading the required documents, and scheduling an appointment for verification at any Passport Seva Kendra.In this blog, you will read about the application process of a student passport, the eligibility criteria, the required documentation, the applicable fees and more.

To apply for a student passport, you must follow the steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: Collect all the required documentsand paperwork - originals as well as a copy.
• Step 2: Visit the website passportindia.gov.in , fill out a passport application form with your details, and schedule an appointment.
• Step 3 : Pay the required fee depending on the kind of passport and number of pages.
• Step 4: Visit the designated Passport Seva Kendra on your appointed date and time.
• Step 5: Provide the required self-attested documents along with the originals for verification to the official present there. Also, carry the application reference number and payment receipt.
• Step 6: In accordance with the instructions given, provide biometric data (photos and fingerprints) at the Passport Seva Kendra.
• Step 7: Be available in-person for police verification.
• Step 8: Receive an acknowledgement receipt and check the status of your application online with the reference number given to you.

Your student passport will be delivered to your registered address after it has been authorised.Your passport will be issued within 25 to 30 days.

You can either apply for a regular or a Tatkal (emergency) passport, depending on your needs. The following documents are required for obtaining a student passport:

• Proof of Address for the Current Residence : Aadhaar card, latest utility bills (water or electricity),voter ID, etc.
• Proof of Birth : Birth certificate, secondary school leaving certificate issued by a recognised educational institution, etc.

What is the Fees Applicable For a Student Passport in India?
If you are applying for a normal student passport, you will be charged a fee of ₹1500. The payment can be made online via internet banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI while booking an appointment with the Passport Service Kendra.

To be eligible for a student passport in India, you need to fulfil the criteria given below to ensure a smooth application process:

• Citizenship : You must hold an Indian citizenship.
• Enrolment : You must be enroled in a recognised educational institution.
• Admission Proof : You must hold a valid proof of admission in a foreign educational institute.
• Parental Approval (for minors) : If you are a minor applying for a student passport in India, your parental approval and attestation are mandatory.If you are an adult, you can self-attest your application form and documents.
• Additional Details : Additional documents like a bonafide certificate for passport from the educational institution may also be required.It is a document that verifies your association with an educational institution.

Police verification is a crucial step in the passport issuance process in India. It is done to authenticate your identity and residence.When you are applying for a student passport, you need to be present in-person to enable the local police verify your documents and identity.Upon verifying your identity, the police will generate a report that will be sent to Passport Seva Kendra. Once the Passport Verification Report is received, passport authorities dispatch your passport. This ensures a secure and efficient passport issuing process.

Getting a student passport in India usually takes around 25 to 30 days to be issued. The processing time of a student passport depends on your application completeness, type of passport service and the response time of the Passport Seva centre.

If you are an Indian student aspiring to study overseas, you will require a passport. Essentially, there is no difference between a student and a normal passport.A student passport can be used for all travel purposes and can be applied for and processed by the Passport Seva Kendra. Student passports have the same validity and requirements as normal passports.

If you are an Indian student wanting to study overseas, getting your passport within the allotted time is crucial. It makes it possible for you to travel abroad and begin your educational course on time.Make sure to check the eligibility criteria before applying for a student passport and furnish all the documents required in order to receive your student passport. Remember to be available in-person for police verification to ensure timely approval and issuance of your student passport. Also Read: Lost your Passport while Overseas? Here’s what to do