How to Apply for an Indian Passport to Study Abroad

Apply for a Passport Online

Passport Seva provides straightforward, effective, and transparent procedures for the delivery of your passport and services related to passports. It integrates with the state police for physical credential verification of applicants and with India Post for passport delivery; it also creates a nationwide networked environment for government employees and offices throughout India.

All Indian citizens who leave India or intend to leave the nation and foreigners who enter and exit India need a valid passport or another travel document. According to the Passports Act of 1967, the Indian government is authorized to issue various keys and travel documents, including emergency certificates, identification certificates, official passports, diplomatic passports, and regular passports. You can receive the final two papers only in an emergency.

Step 1 - Register through the online passport Seva portal.

Step 2 - Utilize the registered login ID to access the passport Seva online site.

Step 3 - Select the link for New Passport Application or Passport Reissue.

Step 4 - Complete the form's required fields, then submit it.

Step 5 - Click the Pay and Schedule Appointment link on the View Saved/Submitted Applications screen to arrange an appointment. 

Booking appointments at all Passport Seva Kendras/Passport Offices now requires online payment. Any available methods, including credit/debit cards, internet banking, associate banks, and other banks, can be used to make an online payment.

Step 6 - Click the Print Application Receipt link to print the application receipt with the Application Reference Number/Appointment Number. When visiting the passport office, an SMS with your appointment details is also recognized as appointment proof.

Step 7 - Bring the original paperwork to the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office, where the appointment has been scheduled.

How to Fill Out an Offline Passport Form

Passport application forms are machine-readable (by ICR scanners). Hence applications that are not full will not be read and may be rejected. The information on your passport will be determined using the form. Therefore, it's imperative to provide accurate and clear information. It is illegal to withhold information or intentionally give incorrect information.

It would be best if you kept in mind the following advice to fill out passport applications offline - 

• Fill out the form completely in capital letters, one letter in each box.
• Use only regular typefaces instead of fancy ones.
• Instead of using a pencil or ink pen, use a blue or black ballpoint pen.
• Leave the other option(s) unfilled and mark a cross in the sections where you must select one or more selections as your response. Do not tick or place a dot.
• While writing, avoid touching the box's edges.
• After finishing each word, remove one box from the writing area.
• Write only within the confines of the prompt.
• Avoid overwriting. If a character is miswritten, strike it out and move on to the next area.
• Only enter the necessary information; leave the rest blank. If a field doesn't apply to you, don't strike it out or label it as "NA" or not applicable.
• The form must not be folded, soiled, or smudged.

Documents Needed to apply for an Indian passport

You must include documents for address verification and evidence of date of birth (DOB) with your application if you want to get an Indian passport.

Documents for proof of date of birth -

• Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar
• Birth certificate
• PAN card
• Driving Licence
• Voter ID
• School transfer certificate
• Orphanage/Child care home's declaration of the applicant's DOB in their official letterhead
• Copy of Public Life Insurance Corporation/Companies' policy bond with applicant's DOB

Documents valid for proof of address:

• Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar
• Voter ID
• Income Tax Assessment order
• Rental agreement
• Landline/postpaid mobile bill
• Electricity bill
• Water bill
• Proof of gas connection
• Bonafide certificate from employers of reputed organisations
• Copy of the first and the last page of a parent's valid passport (for minors)
• Copy of the first and the last page of the spouse's valid passport that mention the applicant as his/her spouse