The students seeking admission to higher education institutions need to submit various educational documents. These educational documents help streamline the admission process by fulfilling many requirements of the institution offering admission. Migration and Transfer certificates belong to the same category of educational documents needed for admission. 

Many individuals use the terms transfer and migration interchangeably, however, there are major differences between the two of them. In this blog, we will address this issue and clearly define the differences between transfer and migration certificates. 

Also Read: How To Get HRD Documents Attestation

What is a Transfer Certificate?

It is an official document issued by the school or institution in which the candidate was studying. It certifies that the student has left the particular school or institution. The transfer certificate contains information such as the personal details of the student, the course or degree they studied, whether they passed or not and most importantly it serves as proof of students having paid their dues. It is typically required if the student is moving from one institution to another under the same examination board or university. 

A transfer certificate might also be issued in case the student is forced to leave the institution. Although it is a rare occurrence, it does happen and in such cases, the issuing authority will mention the reason why the candidate was made to leave the institution. 

What is a Migration Certificate?

A migration certificate is an important educational document issued by the examination board or a university to students moving to a different state or country for higher education. It certifies that the student applying for the migration certificate has completed their education and successfully passed the most recent qualifying exam in the previous institution. 

It is compulsory to have a migration certificate when a candidate is moving to a different examination board or university. 

Key Differences between a Transfer and Migration Certificate

People generally have this question “Is a migration certificate and transfer certificate the same? There are many doubts and unanswered questions surrounding this topic. 

To answer this pressing question and clear all doubts let’s look at the major differences between the two. 

1. A transfer certificate is issued by the school or college to students on their request. Whereas, a migration certificate is an important educational document issued by the examination board or the university to which the college is affiliated. 

2. Transfer certificates are mainly used to certify that the student in question was a bonafide scholar of their institute. A migration certificate is used to certify that the exam board or the university has no objection to the student moving to a different exam board or university for further education. 

3. The students need to submit an application, fee payment slip and an NOC from the school’s account department. Migration certificate on the other hand needs way more documents including the like of provisional degree certificate, transcripts, ID proof, Character certificate, etc. 

4. A transfer certificate can be obtained by writing an application addressed to the concerned authority. However, for migration certificates, candidates need to submit the application form along with the necessary documents and the requisite fees. 

When Do You Need a Migration and a Transfer Certificate?

A migration certificate is needed when the candidate is moving to a different education board or university in India. It is also required if a student wishes to relocate from India to abroad for higher education. Simply, a migration certificate allows students to relocate easily. 

A transfer certificate is requested if the candidate is changing schools or colleges within the same examination board and the same university. It also serves as a proof of debt payment in the old institution. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is the migration certificate and transfer certificate the same?

Although the terms are used interchangeably, the two have major differences. A migration certificate is used to change the examination board and the university. Transfer certificate on the other hand is used to change institutions only within the same board or university. 

2. How can I obtain a migration certificate?

You can apply for a migration certificate by filling up the application form provided by your education board or university and paying the designated fee. 

3. Who needs a transfer certificate?

The students transferring to different schools or institutions under the same education board need transfer certificates. 

4. What should be done if a migration or transfer certificate is lost?

 If a migration or transfer certificate is lost, candidates can apply for a duplicate copy by contacting the issuing authority. In the majority of cases, the certificates can be re-issued on submission of an application and payment of a required fee.