Student Passport in India

Depending on their needs, students applying for a passport can opt for either a regular or tatkal passport. The following documents are required for obtaining a Student Passport: 

Proof of Address for the current residence: 

1. Aadhar card 
2. Latest utility bill (water or electricity) 
3. Telephone bill 
4. First and last page of the parent/legal guardian’s passport in case of a minor 
5. Registered rental agreement 
6. Photocopy of passport of an active bank account 
7. Income tax assessment order 
8. Voter ID
   

Proof of Birth: 

1. Birth Certificate
2. Secondary school leaving certificate issued by a recognized board/educational institution 
3. Bonafide certificate issued by a recognized educational institution 
   
   

Student Passport Fee Structure

Applicants have to pay a fee of Rs.1,500 for fresh passports. The payment should be made online while booking an appointment with the Passport Service Kendra. Given below are the ways through which one can make the payment.

1. Internet banking
2. Debit card
3. Credit card
4. SBI Challan

How to Renew a Student Passport in India

If your current passport is set to expire in less than one year, you will need to apply for a new one. Passports are typically valid for 10 years from the date of issue, but for minors (under 18), the validity period is 5 years. 

To apply for a new passport, you can either visit the Passport Seva Kendra portal online or go in-person to a nearby Passport Seva Kendra office location. 

Here's a checklist of the documents you'll need to bring for your passport renewal: 

1. Your old passport 
2. Self-attested copies of the following pages: 

1. First 2 and last 2 pages 
2. Page of observation 
3. ECR/non-ECR page 

Police Verification for Student Passports in India 

1. Police verification is a crucial step in the passport issuance process in India, aimed at confirming the applicant's identity and residence.  
2. The procedure may vary by state, necessitating contact with the local police station to ascertain the required documents for identity verification. 
3. Commence the passport reissue application on the Passport Seva website, facilitating a streamlined police verification process.  
4. The website also furnishes a comprehensive list of local police stations for easy accessibility. 
5. Upon verifying your identity, the police generate a report sent to Passport Seva Kendra. Once the Passport Verification Report (PVR) is received, passport authorities dispatch your renewed passport within three days. This systematic approach ensures a secure and efficient passport reissue process. 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Student Passport? 

1. The entire passport issuance process typically spans between 25 to 30 days, but there are methods to accelerate this timeline and expedite your application. 
2. One approach is to ensure timely submission of all necessary supporting documents for your Student Passport in India. By doing so early in the process, you can mitigate any potential unforeseen delays. 
3. Alternatively, you may opt for an expedited service option, such as the Tatkal service, available on the Passport Seva Kendra portal, for processing expedited applications. 

Eligibility Criteria for Student Passport in India

To qualify for a student passport in India, certain eligibility requirements must be fulfilled. Adhering to these criteria is crucial to ensure a smooth and compliant application process: 

1. The applicant must hold Indian citizenship. 

1. They must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution. 
2. A valid proof of admission or enrollment in a foreign educational program is necessary. 
3. For minors applying for a student passport in India, parental approval and their attestation are mandatory. 
4. If the applicant is an adult, they can self-attest their application form and documents. 
5. Additional documents, like a Bonafide certificate for passport from the educational institution, may also be required. 

Difference Between a Student Passport and a Normal Passport in India 

For an Indian student who wants to study overseas, getting a passport is crucial. It makes it possible to travel abroad without requiring an Indian visa in advance and makes it simple to return to India.

The Passport Seva Kendra processes student passports for both domestic and foreign use. For students hoping to study abroad, they offer a seamless and complete travel document with the same validity term and restrictions as regular passports. 

How to Apply for a Student Passport in India?  

Student passports are valid for travel abroad and are not any different from regular passports. Thus, the prerequisites for a student passport are the same as those for a regular passport:  

1. Gather Necessary Documents: Collect necessary documents, including proof of identity, proof of address, date of birth proof, and educational documents. 
2. Online Application: Register as a new user on the official Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. Fill in the online application form accurately, specifying the passport type (Tatkaal or Normal). 
3. Schedule an Appointment: After submitting the online application, schedule a visit to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Office. Choose a convenient date and time. 
4. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra: On the scheduled day, bring all required documents in the original form and photocopies. Carry the application reference number, payment receipt, and any additional documents as specified. 
5. Biometric Data Collection: In accordance with the instructions given, supply biometric data (photos and fingerprints) at the Passport Seva Kendra.  
6. Pay the Fees: Depending on the kind of passport and number of pages, pay the application fees for a passport online or in person at the Passport Seva Kendra counter.  
7. Student Passport Police Verification: Present yourself in person for verification at the closest police station. Following this, they will send you a notification to print.  
8. Track Application Status: Use the reference number to check the status of your application online. After it's finished, get a notification via email or SMS.  
9. Get the Passport: A courier will deliver your student passport to your registered address after it has been authorised. 

Who Can Apply for a Student Passport?

To apply for a student passport, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Students above the age of 18 years are considered adults and will have to self-attest their documents.
2. Documents can be attested by parents in case of minors.
3. The present address proof in the name of a minor's parents will be accepted.
4. Minor applicants are entitled to non-ECR until they attain 18 years of age.