When applying for higher education abroad, immigration, or professional licensing, students and professionals often get confused between a transcript and a marksheet. While both are academic documents, they serve very different purposes. Understanding their differences is crucial, especially when preparing documents for international universities, credential evaluations, or visa processes.
What Is a Transcript?
A transcript is an official academic record issued by your university or institution. It includes:
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All subjects studied across semesters or years
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Marks or grades obtained in each subject
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Total credit hours and cumulative GPA/percentage
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Institutional seal and signature of the registrar/controller of examinations
Transcripts present your complete academic journey, making them the most important document for international applications.
What Is a Marksheet?
A marksheet is an academic record for a particular semester, year, or exam. It shows only the marks or grades obtained during that period. Unlike a transcript, it is not cumulative and does not reflect your overall performance across the course.
For example:
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Semester Marksheet → Details of one semester’s subjects and marks
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Final Year Marksheet → Shows subjects and grades from the final year only
Other Academic Documents and Their Purpose
Consolidated Marksheet
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Combines results from all semesters into one document.
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Useful for domestic purposes like job applications.
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Not as detailed as a transcript, hence less preferred abroad.
Grade Sheet
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Shows performance in terms of letter grades (A, B, C) or GPA.
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May not include detailed subject-wise marks.
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Often issued along with marksheets, but not a replacement for transcripts.
Degree Certificate
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Proof that you have successfully completed your academic program.
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States the name of the degree, institution, and date of conferral.
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Confirms graduation but does not show subject-wise performance.
Provisional Certificate
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Temporary proof of program completion until the degree certificate is issued.
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Accepted in the early stages of applications but eventually replaced by the official degree.
Why Are Transcripts More Important Than Marksheet?
For international applications—whether for higher studies, professional licensing, or immigration—transcripts are the most critical documents. Universities, credential evaluation bodies, and immigration authorities rely on transcripts to:
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Assess course equivalency
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Verify credit transfers
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Analyze academic performance trends
While marksheets and certificates are supportive documents, the transcript is central to proving your academic credentials.
Comparison Table: Transcript vs. Marksheet
| Document Type | Purpose & Description | Use in International Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Transcript | Detailed record of all subjects, grades, and GPA | Mandatory for admissions and credential evaluations |
| Marksheet | Exam/semester-specific marks or grades | Supplementary, not sufficient alone |
| Consolidated Marksheet | Combined results across all semesters | Sometimes accepted, less detailed than transcripts |
| Grade Sheet | Letter grades/GPA only | Supportive, but not a replacement |
| Degree Certificate | Proof of degree completion | Required, but doesn’t show detailed performance |
| Provisional Certificate | Temporary proof of program completion | Accepted initially, but final documents needed |
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University coordination handled by experts
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Direct delivery to evaluation bodies worldwide
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
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