Lost Degree Certificate – Steps NRIs Should Follow

Losing your degree certificate while living abroad can create major problems — especially when applying for higher education, work visas, PR, or professional licensing. Most foreign universities, immigration authorities, and employers require an original or duplicate degree certificate for verification.

If you are an NRI and have lost your Indian university degree, here is a clear step-by-step process you should follow.

Why a Degree Certificate Is Important Abroad

A degree certificate is required for:

• Higher education admissions

• Work permits and employment visas

• Permanent residency (PR) applications

• Credential evaluation (WES/ECA)

• Professional licensing

• Embassy and immigration verification

Photocopies or mark sheets alone are usually not accepted.

Step 1 – File an FIR (If Lost)

If your degree certificate is lost or stolen:

• File a Police FIR in India (if lost in India), OR

• File a police complaint in your current country of residence

The FIR should clearly mention:

• Your full name

• Degree details

• University name

• Year of passing

• Statement declaring certificate is lost

This document is mandatory for most universities to issue a duplicate.

Step 2 – Prepare an Affidavit

You must prepare a notarized affidavit stating:

• Certificate is lost

• You request re-issue of duplicate degree

• You accept responsibility if original is found later

Format must match university guidelines. Incorrect format may cause rejection.

Step 3 – Gather Required Documents

Generally required documents include:

• Passport copy

• Marksheet copies

• FIR copy

• Affidavit copy

• Application form

• Passport size photographs

• Authorization letter (if applying through representative in India)

Requirements may vary depending on the university.

Step 4 – Apply to Your University

Each university has its own procedure. For example:

• University of Mumbai requires physical submission in most cases.

• University of Delhi may require department verification before issuing a duplicate.

Application may involve:

• Physical submission

• Archive record verification

• Payment of duplicate certificate fee

Online portals may not fully complete the process.

Step 5 – Pay Required Fees

Universities usually charge:

• Duplicate certificate fee

• Urgent processing fee (if applicable)

• Courier fee (if available)

Payment is often accepted only via Indian banking modes.

Step 6 – Verification 

The university verifies your academic records from archived databases before printing the duplicate certificate.

Step 7 – Attestation (If Required)

Depending on your destination country, you may need:

• Apostille (for Hague Convention countries like UK, Australia, Europe)

• Embassy Attestation (for UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, etc.)

Duplicate degrees are legally valid for attestation.

Common Challenges NRIs Face

• Physical presence required in India

• Incorrect affidavit format rejection

• Payment difficulties from abroad

• Multiple university visits required

• Long follow-up process

• Archive record mismatch

Without local assistance, the process can take months.

Important Tips for NRIs

• Apply early if planning admission or visa

• Ensure your name matches passport

• Keep digital scans of all documents

• Use proper affidavit format

• Track university processing timeline

Conclusion – How NRIWAY Can Help

Losing your degree certificate while abroad can be stressful, especially when universities require physical submissions and strict documentation formats.

NRIWAY assists NRIs in obtaining duplicate degree certificates from Indian universities without the need to travel to India. From affidavit preparation and application submission to university follow-ups, attestation, and secure international courier — NRIWAY manages the entire process smoothly.

You stay abroad while your documents are handled professionally in India, ensuring faster processing and error-free documentation.