The scope for Indian students to study abroad is expansive and promising. Countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany have several world-class universities known for their high-quality education and cutting-edge research facilities.
However, to embark on your journey of pursuing higher education abroad, one vital document you will need is a student passport. It is a fundamental travel document issued by the Government of India, without which you will not be able to apply for a visa to live and study in a foreign country.
But do you know how to get a passport in India for students? Worry not! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process of applying for a student passport in India.
We will also tell you about the eligibility criteria, the documents required and the applicable fees for the same, among other details. Keep reading.
What is a Student Passport in India?
An international student passport is an exclusive travel document that the Government of India issues to students intending to study overseas. It enables them to legally enter and pursue their educational goals in other countries. A passport also serves as an official identification for Indian students on foreign shores.
A student passport typically contains personal details, such as the student’s name, date of birth, photograph and relevant visa information. The student visa process is separate from the passport application and requires additional documentation, including proof of admission, financial statements, and sometimes medical examinations.
Who Can Apply for a Student Passport in India?
The government of India has laid down certain eligibility guidelines that you need to fulfil to obtain a passport for study abroad. They include:
You must be a citizen of India.
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a passport as an adult. In such a case, you can submit self-attested documents.
You can use your parent’s or legal guardian’s address proof as your own when submitting the passport application.
You can also apply for a student passport as a minor. But in this case, your parents need to attest your documents.
Minor students are not allowed to apply for a passport without parental consent.
Minor students are eligible to apply for the non-ECR category until they attain the age of 18 years.
How to Apply for a Student Passport in India?
Below is the step-by-step guide to apply for an international student passport in India:
Step 1 – Determine Your Eligibility
Before you start the passport application process, make sure you are eligible to do so. Otherwise, your application will be rejected. The eligibility criteria to apply for a student passport in India are mentioned above.
Step 2 – Gather the Required Documents
Next, you need to research and collate the required documents to apply for a student passport. The list of documents may vary depending on the type of passport and the applicant. Typically, you will need to submit a few basic documents, including proof of address, proof of identity and proof of date of birth.
Step 3 – Fill Out the Passport Application Form Online
Next, you need to visit the official
Passport Seva website and fill out the passport application form online. But before that, you must register to create a new user account. If you have already registered yourself on the website, you can log in using your credentials.
Once you are logged in, you can click on the “Apply for the Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport” option. A passport application form will open in front of you. Fill out the form with accurate information. Make sure to choose the correct type of passport (ordinary booklet) and the application category (fresh/reissue).
Step 4 – Pay the Fee and Schedule an Appointment
Next, pay the passport fee and book an appointment for document verification at your nearest Passport Office. You can check for an exclusive passport discount for students before making the payment.
Upon successful payment and appointment confirmation, you will receive a text message on your phone with the appointment date, time and location. You can also download the appointment receipt from the website.
Step 5 – Visit the PSK at the Designated Date and Time
On the appointment day, you must reach the PSK or the RPO with all the original documents and their photocopies. The process at the PSK typically involves the verification of your documents, collection of the biometric data and interaction with the passport officer.
Once you complete the process successfully, you will be provided with an acknowledgement receipt containing your passport Application Reference Number (ARN). You can use this ARN to track the status of your passport on the Passport Seva website.
Step 6 – Complete the Police Verification Process
Once you have completed the passport application process at the PSK, it will initiate a police verification process. This process aims to verify the applicant’s identity and residential address.
An officer from your local police station may visit your residence and ask you to furnish proof of your identity and address. After successful verification, the police station will send a Police Verification Report (PVR) to the passport office.
Step 7 – Receive Your Passport
Upon receiving the PVR from the police station, the passport authorities will print and dispatch your student passport to your current residential address. You will receive an update through SMS and email once your passport is dispatched. You can also check the status of your passport application on the Passport Seva website by entering the ARN.
What are the Documents Required to Apply for a Student Passport?
You must submit the necessary documents to complete your student passport application process. The list of documents may vary depending on the type of passport and the applicant. For a student passport, you may typically require the following documents:
Proof of Identity
Below are the documents accepted as proof of identity for the passport application:
Aadhar Card
Voter ID Card
PAN Card
Driving Licence
Student ID Card
Proof of Address
Below are the documents accepted as an address proof for passport application:
Proof of Date of Birth
You can submit the documents mentioned below as a proof of date of birth:
Educational Documents
Apart from the documents mentioned above, you may also have to submit the educational documents mentioned below to complete your passport application process:
What is the Fee to Apply for a Student Passport?
The fee structure for a passport varies based on the type of passport, the age of the applicant, and the number of pages in the passport booklet. The current fee for a regular passport is:
₹1,500 for a 36-page booklet (valid for 10 years for adults)
₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet (valid for 10 years for adults)
₹1,000 for a 36-page booklet (valid for five years for minors)
You can also apply for a ‘Tatkal’ passport by paying a premium fee as follows:
₹3,500 for a 36-page booklet
₹4,000 for a 60-page booklet
How Many Days Does It Take to Get a Student Passport in India?
Usually, the entire process of applying for a passport, verification and dispatch takes 25 to 30 business days. It is crucial to apply for your student passport early so that you do not miss out on opportunities.
In case you need an urgent passport, you can apply under the ‘Tatkal’ scheme to speed up the process. Tatkal passports are usually dispatched within five to seven days. However, you may have to pay a premium for the same.
To Conclude
Applying for a student passport in India is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined in this blog. With a passport in hand, you will be ready to explore educational opportunities beyond national borders.
Before you venture into a foreign territory, make sure you are protected against all kinds of adversaries, ranging from medical emergencies to loss of personal belongings. Our Reliance General travel insurance plan can help you in this regard by protecting you against a range of financial uncertainties on foreign shores.
For example, in the case of a
lost passport in foreign country, our travel insurance plan will cover the cost of getting a duplicate or fresh passport, providing you with the much-needed support when you are away from your home and family.
Reliance General Insurance offers comprehensive
student travel insurance plans so that you can remain focused on your studies abroad. Our student travel insurance plan provides you 24*7 assistance in case you require any assistance in the foreign land regarding your travel plan. Moreover, with this plan, you get benefits like sponsor loss cover, which cover your remaining tuition fee in case you lose your means of paying the fee due to a death in the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a student passport as a minor?
Yes. You can apply for a student passport as a minor. However, you will need to submit parental consent.
What is the process to renew my passport?
A student passport remains valid for up to 10 years. If you need to renew your passport, you can follow the same procedure as applying for a fresh passport.