Lost Degree Certificate – Legal Steps to Re-Issue

Losing a degree certificate can create serious complications during immigration, employment verification, higher education admissions, and licensing procedures. Since a degree certificate is an official academic proof, re-issuance requires a structured legal process.

For NRIs living abroad, handling this process remotely can be challenging without proper coordination.

This guide explains the legal steps required to re-issue a lost degree certificate in India.

Why Legal Procedure Is Required

A degree certificate is a permanent academic document issued by a recognized university. If lost, universities follow strict verification procedures to prevent misuse or fraudulent duplication.

Legal documentation ensures:

• The original certificate is genuinely lost

• No duplicate misuse occurs

• Official records remain secure

Step 1: File an FIR (First Information Report)

If the degree certificate is lost or stolen:

• File an FIR at the local police station

• Mention certificate details clearly (University name, year, enrollment number)

• Obtain a signed copy of FIR

For NRIs, a complaint copy or notarized declaration may be accepted depending on university policy.

Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisement (If Required)

Some universities require a public notice in:

• One English newspaper

• One regional language newspaper

The notice should mention:

• Loss of degree certificate

• Student name

• Enrollment number

• Year of passing

This prevents future disputes.

Step 3: Prepare an Affidavit

An affidavit must include:

• Details of the lost certificate

• Declaration that it is genuinely lost

• Confirmation that it has not been misused

• Undertaking to return original if found

The affidavit must be notarized.

Step 4: Apply to the University

Submit application to:

• University Examination Section

• Registrar Office

• Controller of Examinations

Documents generally required:

• FIR copy

• Newspaper publication copy

• Affidavit

• Marksheets

• ID proof (Passport/Aadhaar)

• Application form

• Prescribed fee

Step 5: University Verification Process

The university will:

• Verify internal academic records

• Confirm degree issuance details

• Review supporting documents

• Approve duplicate/re-issued certificate

The new certificate may mention “Duplicate” or “Re-Issued” on it.

Step 6: Collect or Dispatch the Certificate

The re-issued certificate may be:

• Collected in person

• Collected by authorized representative

• Couriered to address (in some cases)

NRIs often require authorization letter for collection.

Important Tips for NRIs

• Keep scanned copies of all academic records

• Provide correct enrollment number

• Ensure name matches passport

• Check if apostille is required for international use

Proper documentation avoids rejection.

Conclusion

Re-issuing a lost degree certificate involves FIR filing, affidavit submission, and university verification. Following the legal procedure carefully ensures smooth approval without future complications.

For NRIs managing this process from abroad, structured coordination is essential.
NRIWAY assists with affidavit preparation, university application, follow-ups, authorization handling, and secure document dispatch — making the re-issuance process simple and hassle-free.