Here’s your A to Z guide on character certificate!

What is a character certificate?

A character certificate is a legal document issued by a government authority, police, or any gazetted officer. It is an important document stating that the individual does not have a criminal record or any court cases registered in their name. A character certificate, as a matter of fact, attests to a person’s socially responsible character.

What is the importance of a character certificate?

The reason institutions require a certificate of character is to ensure that the person in correspondence will not prove to be a threat to their environment. A character certificate is also known as a police clearance certificate due to the background check done via the police.

Types of character certificates

Apart from the standard police-verified character certificate, there are several types of certifications that you should know of, such as:

• Certificate for job
• Character certificate for students
• Character certificate used in India

What is the certificate used for?

You can use this certificate in a variety of ways, as mentioned below –

#1. Employment

New companies ask candidates to provide the character document from previous employers. It helps evaluate the employee’s behavior in their former organization.

#2. Academics

Academic institutions also give former students character certificates. Additionally, some scholarships also ask applicants to provide a certificate of character. The certificate elaborates on the student’s satisfactory behavior, followed by the institution’s norms and regulations.

#3. Business

Here, the certificate helps guarantee that the individual will demonstrate excellent business ethics.

#4. Immigration/ Travel

If you have to travel overseas, the police usually provide a character certificate to individuals for the same.

How to procure the certificate?

With a clean past, solid records, and no criminal prosecutions, getting this particular legal document isn’t that difficult. Here’s how you can obtain character certifications –

#1. For students planning to study abroad

Approach your former college principal for assistance in presenting a credential in an academic context. You need to get a signature on the paper attesting to your excellent behavior while studying at the university.

#2. For working professionals

For freshers, the university will provide the certificate. On the other hand, for experienced professionals, you must request the same from your current company when changing jobs.

#3. For travel/immigration purposes

For travel or immigration purposes, getting a police verified certificate is mandatory.

How to apply for the certificate online?

Online portals for applying for the document are available on the individual state website. The verification procedure takes roughly 10-12 working days, after which the certificate is accessible for download on the website.

Here are the steps that you need to follow –

1. Register as a new user on the relevant state website. A component of the character verification report is in the “citizens service area.”
2. After completing your registration, log in to your account using the created ID and password.
3. Fill out the application form completely and accurately.
4. Cross-check all of the information; you must include the name of the district and the nearest police station in the region.
5. Upload all required papers and then click ‘save.’
6. Check out by paying a processing fee of INR 250.

Documents required for obtaining the certificate

Listed below are the documents that you need for obtaining the certificate –

1. Letter from Company / Application to Commissioner / NOC from Superintendent of Police.
2. Carry 4-5 passport-size photos (recent).
3. Signature on plain white paper.
4. Age proof (Birth certificate, School – SSC/HSC certificate, self-attested indemnity bond).
5. ID proof (driving license, PAN card, voter card, student id card).
6. Address proof (AADHAR card, electricity bill, ration card, telephone bill, passport, a letter from the society you reside in).

Sample of a various character certificates

Format for students 

Format used in India

Character certificate from the previous employer

Character certificate (General)

Key Takeaways

1. A letter of character from your principal is required if you are applying to a university or college, validating your behavior and conduct in school or college. 
2. Apart from the standard certificate, there are a few other types of character certificates.
3. If you are a recent graduate seeking a job, your institution or college can provide you with a character certificate.
4. Additionally, if you are switching jobs or industries, you can request your present employer for a character certificate.
5. While applying for immigration or traveling, a police character certificate is essential.
6. In addition to the offline method, you can apply for the certificate online through your state government’s citizen website.

If you are a study abroad aspirant and need assistance with your SOPs, we are here for you! Comment below or get in touch with us today.

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FAQs

Question 1: What is a character certificate’s format?

Answer: The issuing institution determines the format of the character certificate, whether it is school, college, local authority, police station, employer, etc. 

Question 2: Who signs the character certificate?

Answer: Following gazetted officers sign the certificate of character –

1. Doctor
2. Collector
3. Police Officer
4. MLA
5. Principal of the School
6. IAS Officer
7. Lecturer or Professor of College/University
8. Principal of College
9. Research in service with the Government
10. Scientist in service with the Government

Question 3: What is the duration of a character certificate’s validity?

Answer: Although the certificate’s validity period is six months from the date of issuing, it also depends on the organization and its requirements.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Study Abroad Expert

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