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Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate)

Bonafide certificate format for school/college students, scholarship application, and online download

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📝 Reviewed by: India Docs Portal Editorial Team📅 Last updated: August 28, 2026Sources: Official .gov.in portals

Quick Answer

💡 A Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate) is an official document issued by the principal or head of an educational institution certifying that a student is actively and genuinely enrolled in a particular class or degree course for the current academic session. It is mandatory for applying for central/state scholarships (NSP), student bus/train concessions, educational loans, and passport applications.

Quick Information

⏱️ Processing Time

1–3 working days from school/college administration | Instant via student ERP portal

💵 Fees

Free in government schools | Nominal ₹20–₹100 administrative charge in private colleges

✅ Eligibility

Any student actively studying and enrolled in a recognized school, college, or university for the current academic year

Who Needs This Document?

Currently enrolled students applying for National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes, state post-matric scholarships, student bus/train monthly passes, education bank loans, and passport applications

Required Documents

  • Student Identity Card (ID Card)
  • Current Academic Year Fee Payment Receipt
  • Written application stating the specific purpose (Scholarship, Visa, Bus Pass, or Bank Account)
  • Prescribed institution bonafide format / NSP verification form (if applying for scholarships)

How to Apply for Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate)

1

Submit Bonafide Request to School/College Office

Obtain the institution's bonafide requisition slip or apply through your college's student ERP portal (e.g., CollPoll, ERP dashboard).

2

Specify Intended Purpose

Clearly state the purpose (e.g., National Scholarship Portal NSP, State MahaDBT / SSP scholarship, student concession bus pass, education loan, or passport application).

3

Attach Current Fee Receipt

Attach a copy of your active semester or annual tuition fee receipt and student ID card to confirm ongoing active enrollment.

4

Verification & Principal Sign-Off

The administrative office verifies your enrollment in the student register. The principal or registrar signs and stamps the official Bonafide / Study Certificate.

5

Collect Certificate or Download PDF

Collect the physical stamped certificate from the administrative counter or download the digitally verified PDF from your college portal.

📝 How to Update Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate)

If your roll number, class section, or name spelling is incorrect on your issued Bonafide Certificate:

1

Visit Administrative Office

Approach your school's administrative desk or college academic section.

2

Show Fee Receipt & ID Card

Present your official fee receipt and student ID card showing the correct academic credentials.

3

Re-Print Certificate

The administrative clerk will correct the record in the ERP and print a fresh, stamped certificate.

⬇️ How to Download Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate)

How to download or obtain your official Bonafide Certificate PDF:

1

Log In to College ERP / Student Portal

Log into your university/college student portal with your enrollment credentials.

2

Select 'Bonafide / Study Certificate'

Navigate to the 'Certificate Requests' module and choose Bonafide Certificate.

3

Select Purpose

Choose your purpose (Scholarship, Passport, Education Loan, Travel Concession).

4

Download Signed Copy

Download the digitally signed PDF or print the generated copy for the principal's physical seal.

🔍 How to Check Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate) Application Status

Track the status of your bonafide certificate request:

1

Open Student Portal

Go to the 'Service Requests / Application Tracking' tab on your institution's ERP.

2

View Approval Stage

Check if your bonafide request has been approved by the Dean / HOD or is ready for collection at the counter.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing a Bonafide Certificate (valid while currently enrolled) with a Transfer Certificate (issued when permanently leaving)
  • Not submitting the specific National Scholarship Portal (NSP) format when applying for central government scholarships
  • Using an old bonafide certificate from a previous academic session — bonafide certificates are usually valid only for the current academic year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate)?

A Bonafide Certificate (also called a Study Certificate in southern states) is an official document issued by a school, college, or university certifying that a student is currently and genuinely enrolled in a specific class or degree program for a designated academic year.

Is a Bonafide Certificate the same as a Transfer Certificate (TC)?

No! A Bonafide Certificate proves that you are CURRENTLY an active, studying student at the institution (used for scholarships, bus passes, and loans). A Transfer Certificate (TC) is issued only when you PERMANENTLY leave or graduate from the school/college to join another institution.

How can I download a Bonafide Certificate for scholarships online?

1) If applying for National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Download the official 'NSP Bonafide Student Certificate format' from scholarships.gov.in. 2) Fill in your photograph, roll number, and UDISE/AISHE code. 3) Get it physically signed and stamped by your school principal / college dean. 4) Scan and upload the verified PDF back onto the scholarship portal.

Can I get a Bonafide Certificate on DigiLocker?

Certain central universities, CBSE, and state technical education boards integrated with the National Academic Depository (NAD) on DigiLocker allow enrolled students to fetch verified digital enrollment and student identity records directly.

What is the validity period of a Bonafide Certificate?

A Bonafide Certificate is valid only for the specific academic year or semester in which it is issued (typically 3 to 6 months for general administrative purposes, or until the end of the current academic session for scholarships).

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