A migration certificate is one of the key documents Indian students need when they move from one education board or university to another. Despite the name, it is not about immigrating abroad; it certifies that your previous institution has released you so that a new college or university can admit you.
- From the 2025 board exams, CBSE issues migration certificates only in digital form through DigiLocker, free of charge, and has directed universities to accept them as legally valid
- University of Delhi processes migration certificates online at its certificates portal, charging Rs 500 within India for up to ten years since your last exam
- IGNOU issues the certificate from the regional centre where you were last enrolled.
What Is a Migration Certificate?
A migration certificate is an official document issued by your last school board or university confirming you have left that institution and are permitted to continue studies elsewhere. Colleges and universities ask for it during admission to verify you are not simultaneously enrolled on another board or university roll.
In the Indian system, boards such as CBSE and every university keep a register of their enrolled students. When you finish your studies and want to join a different board or university, that previous body must formally release you. The migration certificate is proof of that release and is issued by the Controller of Examinations or Registrar.
Why Do You Need a Migration Certificate?
You need a migration certificate whenever you move from one board or university to another for higher education, such as joining a college after Class 12 or a postgraduate course at a different university. Admission offices require it to complete enrolment and to close your record at the previous institution.
- Joining a degree college under a different university after Class 12 from a state board or CBSE.
- Taking a postgraduate or professional course at a university other than the one that awarded your bachelor's degree.
- Transferring your registration between two universities during a programme.
- Completing document verification at the time of final admission or convocation.
How Do You Apply for a Migration Certificate?
Apply through your issuing board or university, either online or offline. Fill the migration form with your roll number, programme and year of passing, attach your marksheet and provisional or degree certificate, pay the prescribed fee, and submit it to the Controller of Examinations or Regional Centre for processing.
- Open your board or university certificate portal, or collect the migration form from the examination office.
- Enter your enrolment or roll number, programme code and year of passing exactly as on your records.
- Upload or attach your final marksheet and provisional or degree certificate along with a photo ID.
- Pay the prescribed fee through the payment gateway or by demand draft, as your institution specifies.
- For University of Delhi, get the printed form countersigned by your college principal and submit the hard copy.
University of Delhi runs a dedicated online migration portal where you apply, pay and track the certificate. IGNOU handles migration certificates offline through the regional centre where you were last attached, with the fee paid by demand draft as per university norms.
bonafide certificate guideRead →What Documents Are Required for a Migration Certificate?
Most institutions ask for your final marksheet or passing certificate, the provisional or degree certificate issued by the board or university, a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or passport, the completed application form, and proof of fee payment. University of Delhi also requires the form countersigned by your college principal.
- Statement of marks or passing certificate of your final examination.
- Provisional certificate or degree certificate issued by the board or university.
- One government identity proof: Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, driving licence or PAN.
- Completed and signed migration application form.
- Fee receipt or demand draft as proof of payment.
How Much Does a Migration Certificate Cost in 2026?
Fees vary by institution. University of Delhi charges Rs 500 when the certificate is needed in India within ten years of your last exam and Rs 1000 beyond ten years, or US$50 to US$100 for use abroad. CBSE now issues its digital migration certificate through DigiLocker free of charge.
| Institution | Migration Certificate Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| CBSE (Class 10 and 12) | Free, digital via DigiLocker |
| University of Delhi, within India, up to 10 years | Rs 500 |
| University of Delhi, within India, over 10 years | Rs 1000 |
| University of Delhi, for use abroad | US$50 to US$100 |
| IGNOU | By demand draft as per university norms |
How Does the CBSE Digital Migration Certificate Work?
From the 2025 board examinations, CBSE has stopped issuing physical migration certificates for Class 10 and 12. Instead it uploads a digitally signed migration certificate to each student DigiLocker account at no cost. CBSE has directed universities to accept this digital copy as legally valid for admissions.
The digital certificate carries a digital signature and can be verified instantly, so you no longer need to wait for a posted hard copy. If a college still asks for a printed version, you can download the certificate from DigiLocker and submit that printout.
How Is a Migration Certificate Different From a Transfer Certificate?
A migration certificate lets you move between boards or universities for higher studies and is issued by the examining board or university. A transfer certificate, or school leaving certificate, is issued by a school when you leave it. Colleges often ask for both during admission, so keep them separate.
In short, a transfer certificate records that you left a particular school, while a migration certificate authorises you to enrol under a new board or university. Both are commonly requested together at admission, along with your marksheets and character certificate.