How to Apply for Student Passport in India

A student passport is a specialised travel document issued to students planning to study abroad. It is an official identification and travel document allowing students to pursue their educational endeavours in foreign countries.

The student passport typically includes personal information, such as the student's name, photograph, date of birth and relevant visa information. It is a vital document that grants students the right to travel internationally for education, ensuring they can enter and stay legally in their chosen study destination.

Also Read: Types of Passports in India

Here are the key details on who can apply for a student passport online in India:

• Anybody who is an Indian citizen can apply for a student passport online.
• Students who are currently enrolled in foreign school, college or any educational institution can apply for a student passport.

Before delivering on how to apply for a passport for students in India, applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria for the same. There are certain student passport requirements which need to be fulfilled to get a passport in India.

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• They must be enrolled in a recognised educational institution.
• They must have a valid proof of admission or enrolment in a foreign educational program.
• For minors seeking a Student Passport in India, parental approval and their attestation is required.
• The applicant can self-attest their application form and documents if the applicant is an adult.
• Additional documents may be required, such as a Bonafide certificate for a passport from the educational institution.

Also Read: Tatkal Passport

The procedure for passport application for students is the same as the regular passport application. Here are the steps applicants need to follow to apply for a student passport online.

• Step 1: To initiate the passport application process, visit the official Passport Seva website.
• Step 2: Click on the “New User Registration” option to create your account.
• Step 3: After creating an account, login using username and password.
• Step 4: Fill out the passport application form and enter all the accurate details in the form.
• Step 5: After filling out the passport application form, upload all the required documents in the correct format.
• Step 6: Once the documents are uploaded, click on the “Submit” form option.
• Step 7: Schedule an appointment at the nearest passport office for document verification and pay the passport application fees.
• Step 8: Once the payment is successful, you will receive the acknowledgement receipt, which you must take to the appointment date.
• Step 9: On an appointment date, the passport official will verify all the documents and details.
• Step 10: The official will also collect biometric data such as photos and fingerprints.
• Step 11: After that, the passport application is forwarded for police verification. The nearest police station will call the applicants for in-person verification.
• Step 12: Once the police verification is done, the passport will be sent for approval.
• Step 13: Once it is approved, the passport will be delivered to the mentioned address.

Also Read: How to Apply for Passport? Online and Offline

Here is the list of documents required for students in India to apply for a passport.

• Copy of proof of identity such as Aadhar card, Voter ID, PAN card, driving licence, etc.
• Proof of address such as Aadhar card, utility bills, rental agreements, etc.
• Copy of proof of birth such as birth certificate, Bonafide certificate, etc.
• Photocopies of an active bank account.
• Educational documents such as admission letters, higher secondary mark sheets, etc.
• A copy of the parent's passport is required if the applicant is a minor.
• Any additional documents required by the passport officials.

Indian passports have a validity period. Once the validity expires, applicants need to renew them. Below are the steps for renewing a passport in India.

• Step 1: To renew a student passport, visit the Passport Seva website.
• Step 2: Select the “Apply for Fresh Passport or Re-issue of Passport” option.
• Step 3: Complete the passport application form by entering details such as name, place of birth, address, etc.
• Step 4: Ensure all the details are correct. After filling in the details, upload all the requested documents.
• Step 5: Once the documents are uploaded, click on the “Schedule Appointment” option.
• Step 6: Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendras and pay the passport renewal fees.
• Step 7: Upon successful payment, collect the acknowledgement receipt.
• Step 8: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra with the acknowledgement receipt and other documents.
• Step 9: The official will verify the documents and collect the biometrics of the applicant.
• Step 10: After that, the passport application will be sent for police verification.
• Step 11: Applicants need to visit the police station for passport verification.
• Step 12: Upon successful verification, it will be sent for printing.
• Step 13: Once it is ready, it will get delivered to the registered address.

Also Read: Passport Renewal

Applicants need to pay passport application fees to acquire a passport. Here is the fee structure for passport applications in India.

Also Read: Indian Passport Fees

When it comes to how to apply for a passport for college students in India, applicants often wonder about the police verification requirements. Police verification is a crucial step for passport issuance in India. The purpose of the police verification is to confirm the applicant’s residence and identity.

The process also helps to understand that no criminal case has been registered against the applicant. The police verification process may differ from state to state. To know the exact process, it is crucial to contact the nearest police station.

Ask the police officials what kind of document they need to verify your identity. Applicants need to appear in person for police verification. Once the passport official gets the Police Verification report from the respective police station, they will dispatch the passport to the applicant's address.

If you have applied for a student passport in India and want to know its status, then you can easily get one online. Below are the steps to check the status of student passports in India.

• Step 1: To track the status, go to the official Passport Seva website.
• Step 2: Click on the “Track Application Status” option.
• Step 3: Enter the application reference number or file number.
• Step 4: Fill out the date of birth and then click on the “Track Status” option.
• Step 5: The portal will show the current status of your passport application, such as whether it is in the processing stage, dispatched, or ready for pick-up.

The time taken to obtain a student passport in India can vary based on several factors, including the workload at the Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Office, the completeness of your application and the type of passport service (Normal or Tatkal). While the processing times are subject to change, here is a general timeframe:

• Normal Application: The processing time for a regular or normal student passport application is typically 30 to 45 days from the submission date. This includes verifying documents, conducting background checks and printing the passport.
• Tatkal Application: The processing time is shorter if you opt for the Tatkal (expedited) service. The Tatkal service is designed for urgent cases, and the passport is processed within 1 to 3 working days, subject to police verification.

Also Read: Tatkal Passport: Fees, Procedure & Documents Required

In India, a normal passport and a student passport are essentially the same in terms of the passport itself. The primary difference lies in the purpose or category for which the passport is issued.

A normal passport, also known as a regular passport, is a general-purpose passport issued to Indian citizens for various reasons, including personal travel, business trips, or official government work. It is the standard passport that most individuals obtain for international travel.

On the other hand, a student passport is a category or purpose-specific passport issued to Indian students planning to study abroad. The student passport is essentially a normal passport with the designation indicating its purpose as "student." It serves the same functions as a regular passport but is specifically intended for students pursuing education in foreign countries.

The student passport includes the necessary identification information, travel information and visa details required for international travel. It facilitates the students' entry into and stays in the host country for their educational program.

There are several tips to ensure that the application process goes smoothly when applying for a student passport in India.

• Start the process early to avoid last-minute delays. It can take a few weeks to process and police verification might take time.
• Provide accurate information and documents when submitting passport applications. Spelling mistakes or incorrect details can delay the process.
• To prove your student status, you must have your school or college ID card or a Bonafide certificate from your educational institution.
• Always keep photocopies of all the documents you submit for your records. This can help in case any document is misplaced or lost during processing.
• If you are applying for a student visa, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your planned travel.

Knowing how to apply for a student passport in India is crucial before applying for one. A passport is an essential document students need while travelling abroad for studies. Without a valid passport, students can not apply for a visa. Therefore, it is crucial to start the passport process in advance before the intended travel date.

In addition to passports, students also need to consider investing in overseas medical insurance plans. Travel insurance online can help safeguard financial assets against various unforeseen emergencies, such as baggage delay, loss of passport and more.

With a travel insurance policy by your side, you do not have to worry about additional financial expenses. TATA AIG offers travel insurance plans that are customised based on your unique travel needs.

For instance, we offer a travel insurance policy for students that offers financial safety to students studying abroad. This travel insurance plan offers coverage for accidents and illnesses, study interruption and more. Buy travel insurance online now by visiting the TATA AIG website.