After CBSE Class 10 results are declared, most students need to join a new school or college for Class 11 — and almost every institution will ask for a Transfer Certificate (TC) and a Migration Certificate before they confirm your admission. Many students and parents are confused about what these documents are, who issues them, and what happens if there is a delay. This guide explains everything clearly so you do not lose your admission seat due to a paperwork problem.
TC vs Migration Certificate — What's the Difference?
These are two completely separate documents issued by two different authorities. Many students confuse them or think one is enough. Both are usually required for Class 11 admission.
| Point | Transfer Certificate (TC) | Migration Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | Your current school (the one you are leaving) | CBSE Board (not your school) |
| What it proves | That you were a student at that school and have officially left | That you passed CBSE Class 10 and are eligible to join a CBSE-affiliated school for Class 11 |
| When needed | Required by every new school at the time of admission | Required only when joining a different CBSE school or a non-CBSE institution for Class 11 |
| Cost | Usually free or a nominal school fee (₹50–200) | Free — CBSE does not charge for Migration Certificate |
| How long it takes | Usually 3–7 working days after you apply | Usually issued along with your marksheet — check DigiLocker |
Staying in the same school for Class 11? If you are continuing in the same school where you gave Class 10 boards, you typically do not need a TC or Migration Certificate. The school already has your records. Confirm this directly with your school's office.
How to Get Your TC from School — Step by Step
The TC is issued by your current school. There is no central online system for this — every school has its own process, but the general steps are the same everywhere.
Wait for your results to be officially declared
Do not apply for TC before your CBSE Class 10 result is out. Schools will not process TC applications for students whose board results are pending. Once results are declared (usually May–June), you can begin the process immediately.
Clear all dues with your school
Before the school issues a TC, they will check that you have no outstanding dues — fees, library books, sports equipment, or any other school property. Clear everything before you apply. Schools are legally entitled to withhold TC until all dues are settled.
Submit a written TC application
Visit the school office and ask for the TC application form — most schools have a standard form. If not, write a simple application addressed to the Principal requesting a Transfer Certificate. Include your full name, Class 10 roll number, and reason for leaving (joining another school for Class 11).
Submit required documents along with the application
- A copy of your CBSE Class 10 marksheet or result printout
- Your school ID card (to return)
- Any school property like library cards, lab equipment, etc.
- Fee clearance receipt (if your school requires it)
Collect your TC after 3–7 working days
Most schools issue TC within 3–7 working days of a complete application. Some schools process it faster. Get a receipt or acknowledgment when you submit your application so you have proof of the date. Follow up politely if there is no update after 7 days.
Important: Always collect the original TC — not a photocopy. New schools require the original document. Ask for 2 attested photocopies from the principal at the same time for your own records.
How to Get Your Migration Certificate — Step by Step
The Migration Certificate is issued directly by CBSE — your school cannot give you this. The good news is that CBSE now makes it available digitally through DigiLocker, so you may already have it without knowing.
Check DigiLocker first
CBSE uploads results, marksheets, and Migration Certificates to DigiLocker. Log in to your DigiLocker account using your CBSE roll number and date of birth. Go to the "Issued Documents" section and look for your Class 10 Migration Certificate. Many students find it is already there.
If not on DigiLocker, contact your school
Some schools collect Migration Certificates from CBSE in bulk and distribute them to students. Ask your school office whether they have received the certificates from CBSE and when they will be distributing them.
If still unavailable, apply through CBSE directly
If your school does not have it and it is not on DigiLocker, you can apply for your Migration Certificate through the CBSE website at cbse.gov.in. Go to the "Certificates" or "Students" section and look for the Migration Certificate application. You will need your roll number, school code, and passing year.
DigiLocker Migration Certificate is valid: A Migration Certificate downloaded from your DigiLocker account is an officially valid document — it carries a digital verification QR code. Most schools and colleges accept it. You do not need a physical copy unless a specific institution specifically asks for one.
Not sure how to use DigiLocker?
Read our step-by-step DigiLocker setup guide — covers account creation, linking your CBSE roll number, and downloading your marksheet and certificates.
Read DigiLocker Guide →Full Document Checklist for Class 11 Admission
TC and Migration Certificate are two of several documents most schools ask for during Class 11 admission. Keep all of these ready before you go for admission so you do not have to make multiple trips.
Tip: Make a set of 5 attested photocopies of every important document before you start the admission rounds. Many schools keep one set permanently — you do not want to be running to photocopy shops between visits.
When to Apply — Timing Guide
Timing matters a lot here. Apply too late and you risk losing your admission seat while waiting for documents. Here is the ideal timeline to follow after results are declared.
Day 1 of Results — Check DigiLocker immediately
The moment results are declared, log into DigiLocker and download your marksheet, passing certificate, and Migration Certificate. These are available digitally before physical documents arrive.
Within 3 days of results — Apply for TC at your school
Visit school as early as possible. Schools get flooded with TC applications after results. The earlier you apply, the earlier you receive it. Aim to have your TC in hand within 10 days of results.
Before school admission deadlines — Submit all documents
Most Class 11 admission processes run from June to July. Research the admission dates of the schools you are targeting and work backwards. If a school's deadline is July 15, you need your TC by July 10 at the latest.
What to Do if Your School Delays Your TC
Unfortunately, some schools delay issuing TC — sometimes to pressure students to pay extra fees, sometimes due to administrative delays. Here is exactly what to do if this happens to you.
Submit a written application with a specific date
If you have only made a verbal request, submit a proper written application addressed to the Principal. Keep a copy for yourself with the submission date. This creates an official record.
Follow up politely after 7 working days
Visit the school office in person and ask for an update. Be polite but firm. Note down the name of the staff member you spoke to and what they said.
Escalate to the District Education Officer (DEO)
If the school refuses or continues to delay beyond 15 working days without a valid reason, you can file a complaint with the District Education Officer (DEO) of your area. Schools are legally required to issue TC within a reasonable time. The DEO can direct them to comply.
Contact CBSE directly for extreme cases
If the school is affiliated to CBSE and is unreasonably withholding your TC, you can contact CBSE's Regional Office for your area. CBSE takes complaints about TC delays seriously and can intervene.
Know your rights: No school can legally withhold your TC solely because you are leaving or because you did not take admission in their Class 11. The TC belongs to you. Schools can only hold it if you have genuine unpaid dues or unreturned school property.
Check which stream you are eligible for
Before finalising your Class 11 school, use our Stream Eligibility Calculator to see which stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts — your percentage qualifies for.
Check Stream Eligibility →Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on whether you are changing schools and boards. If you are joining a different CBSE-affiliated school for Class 11, the Migration Certificate is required by most schools. If you are joining a school under a different board (like ICSE or State Board), it is definitely required. If you are continuing in the same school, it is usually not needed — confirm directly with your school.
Many schools allow provisional admission if you can show proof that you have applied for TC from your previous school — such as an acknowledgment receipt. Submit your application early and carry the receipt to the new school. They will typically give you 2–4 weeks to submit the original TC after provisional admission. Always communicate the situation to the new school upfront.
Schools typically issue only one original TC. When you collect it, ask the Principal to attest 2–3 photocopies for you on the spot. The original will be kept by your new school permanently. The attested photocopies are for your own records in case you need them in future for job applications, higher education, or other purposes.
First check DigiLocker — CBSE uploads all certificates digitally and the DigiLocker version is always valid. If it is not on DigiLocker, you can apply for a duplicate Migration Certificate through the CBSE website at cbse.gov.in under the certificates or student services section. You will need your roll number, school code, and year of passing.
Schools are allowed to charge a small nominal fee for TC — typically ₹50 to ₹200 to cover administrative costs. However, charging a large amount (hundreds or thousands of rupees) specifically for issuing TC is not permitted. If your school is demanding an unreasonable amount, escalate to the District Education Officer. Schools cannot demand donation fees or capitation fees disguised as TC charges.
No. The Transfer Certificate does not mention your marks, percentage, or grades. It only confirms that you were enrolled at the school, the dates of your attendance, and that you have officially left. Your CBSE marksheet is the document that carries your academic performance details.
Most schools issue TC within 3 to 7 working days of receiving your application, provided all dues are cleared and documents are submitted. During the peak post-result period (May–June), some schools may take up to 10–15 working days due to high volume. Apply as early as possible — the day results are declared or the very next day — to avoid delays.