How To Get Student Passport In India?

Indian students are always on the lookout for opportunities to study abroad. Most foreign universities offer a plethora of degrees and courses which attract the average Indian student seeking to acquire knowledge and skill set from foreign institutions. Along with planning the nitty-gritty of college admission, it's also imperative to plan the travel aspects. It predominantly revolves around getting a passport and applying for a visa. An aspiring student who is planning to study abroad must obtain a passport as early as possible because the entire process can be quite cumbersome and time-consuming. Read on to know more about the process of getting a student passport.

Application Procedure for Student Passport

The process of applying for a student passport is similar to that of a normal passport. The applicant might have to furnish certain additional documents for the same.

• Apply for a passport through the online portal of Passport Seva at passportindia.gov.in.

• Pay the required fee to schedule an appointment with the PSK.

• Gather all the required documents and paperwork.

• Visit the PSK as per the appointment and follow the standard procedure.

• Furnish the required documents for verification.

• Collect the acknowledgment receipt.

• Check the status of passport online.

The entire process of issuing a passport might take up to a month. Hence, it's better to act early.

Application Form for Student Passport

The passport application form for student passports is the same as normal passports. It can be easily accessed by registering with the Passport Seva online portal by visiting passportindia.gov.in. An applicant must first register in the portal by creating login credentials and then login using their ID and password to fill up the application form. The form can be filled and submitted online if the applicant has a steady internet connection. Alternatively, one may also download the form, fill it as a PDF file and then upload it back to the portal for submission.

Documents Required for Student Passport

Students who wish to apply for a passport must apply for a normal or tatkal passport. Here are the various documents required:

• Address proof - Any one document from the following list can be submitted:

  1. Passbook of an active bank account which contains a photograph.

  2. Aadhaar card.

  3. Election Photo ID card.

  4. Electricity Bill.

  5. Income Tax Assessment Order.

  6. Water bill.

  7. Landline or Postpaid mobile bill.

• Age proof - Any one document from the following list can be submitted:

  1. Birth certificate (from the Registrar of Births and Deaths).

  2. Birth certificate (issued by the Municipal Corporation).

  3. If the applicant is an orphan, the declaration from the Head of the Orphanage or Child Care Home on the official letterhead confirming his/her date of birth.

  4. Driving license.

  5. Election Photo Identity Card.

  6. PAN Card.

  7. Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar

  8. School leaving certificate or Secondary certificate containing the date of birth.

In addition to the documents mentioned above, an applicant might also have to submit the following:

• Student ID card from a recognized institution.

• Bonafide certificate issued by the institution.

Student Passport Fee

Applicants must pay a fee of Rs. 1500 for student passports. The payment has to be made online followed by booking an appointment with the Passport Service Kendra. One could also make the payment by generating a challan online and visiting the nearest branch of SBI. However, the procedure is lengthy and more time-consuming. Here are the different modes of paying the passport application fees.

• Internet banking

• Debit card

• Credit card

• SBI Challan

Renewal of Student Passport

All passports issued in India are usually valid for ten years. The same applies to all student passports for applicants above 18 years of age. Passports cannot be renewed one year before the expiration date of the current passport, but it can be renewed before 6 months from the expiry date. Whenever a new passport is issued, the old passport is canceled and returned to the individual.