Getting your academic transcripts done properly is important whether you’re applying for higher studies, overseas admission, or employment. Here’s a complete walkthrough of what you need to do, what to expect, and tips to avoid delays.
What Is a Transcript (and Why You Need It)
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A transcript is the complete record of your academic performance: all semesters/years, grades/marks, subjects, credits, and often the degree certificate, issued by your university’s examination or registrar’s office.
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This is different from just a marksheet for a single semester; transcripts are official, often sealed, stamped, and sometimes authenticated.
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If you are applying abroad, many universities or credential evaluation agencies require transcripts to be official and sent in sealed, secure form directly from the issuing institution.
Where to Start / What to Check
Before you apply, do the following:
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University rules & procedures
Understand what your college/university’s process is. Some have online application portals; others require you to apply in person or by post through the exams or registrar’s office. -
Digital certificate availability
Check whether your university has your academic credentials (transcripts, mark sheets, degree certificate) stored digitally in any government depository system. If so, you may be able to access verified copies directly without going through a fully manual process. -
Document verification or evaluation needs
If your transcripts will be used outside India (for admissions, immigration, etc.), see whether true “official sealed” transcripts are required, or whether digitally certified versions are acceptable. Also check if translations, attestation, or apostille are needed.
Documents You’ll Typically Need
Collected documents vary by institution, but generally:
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Copies of all semester/year mark sheets
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Degree certificate (if already awarded) or proof of final exams done
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Your student ID / registration number / other identification (passport / Aadhaar etc.)
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Completed application or transcript request form (digital or physical)
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Payment proof / fee receipt
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Sometimes, proof of address and other supporting documents
The Application Process: Step by Step
Here’s a typical flow of how transcript procurement works:
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Obtain the application or request form
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Could be available online via the university portal
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Or physically from the examination office / registrar
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Fill in required details
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Your full name as registered, roll number, year/semester etc.
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Specify number of copies needed, destination (if sending abroad or directly to an agency)
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Attach required documents
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As above: mark sheets, degree certificate, ID proof etc.
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If requesting originals or sealed copies, ensure all prior dues (fees, library, hostel etc.) are cleared—universities often refuse transcript issuance if dues are pending.
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Pay applicable fees
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There is normally a fee for issuing transcripts. It depends on the number of copies, processing speed, and whether additional services (attestation, courier, sealing) are needed.
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Payment may be online (net banking / credit card) or offline (bank draft / payment at university counter), depending on the institution.
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Submit the application
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Either online or physically (submit to the registrar’s / controller of examinations office)
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If offline, ensure application is complete and everything attached, to avoid back-and-forth delays.
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Track or follow up
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If there’s an online status tracking system, use it.
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Otherwise check via the office (by phone or in person) after a few days/weeks, depending on how long the university says it will take.
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Collect or receive delivery
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You may pick it up yourself; often it is prepared in sealed envelope.
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If requested, the university may dispatch it via post or courier; in international cases, many prefer that the sending is directly from the university to the receiving agency/university.
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Timeline: How Long It Takes
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For local/domestic use: anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks depending on how busy the university is and whether you apply online or offline.
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For international or complex requests (say with attestation, sealing, or court-jurisdiction verification): it may take longer.
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Applying well in advance is strongly recommended (1-2 months before deadline) especially for overseas admissions or visa processes.
Potential Additional Steps for Abroad / Special Cases
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Authentication / Attestation / Apostille: Some foreign institutions require that transcripts be attested by the relevant authorities or apostilled; check what your receiving institution needs.
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Credential Evaluation Agencies: If applying abroad, you may need to send transcripts (official ones) to evaluation agencies. Sometimes they accept scanned/digital ones; other times they require seals and couriered originals.
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Translation: If receiving institution requires translation into another language, plan for that.
Tips to Avoid Problems
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Start early; bureaucratic delays are common.
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Make sure all information (name spelling, roll number, year of passing) matches exactly with your records. Discrepancies cause delays.
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Clear all dues with the university (library, hostel, fees) before applying.
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If using postal or courier services, give correct address details. Track carefully.
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Keep copies of everything you submit; get receipts.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
FACTS Transcripts – The preferred choice for university document verification worldwide. We ensure a hassle-free process for obtaining your transcripts.
