Missing one document can delay a school admission by weeks. This checklist lists the documents required for school admission in India for Nursery, Class 1 and higher classes, plus extra papers for RTE, KVS, transfers between states and admissions from abroad.
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Core Documents for Every Admission
| Document | Nursery / KG | Class 1 | Class 2 and above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Child’s Aadhaar (if asked) | Often | Often | Often |
| Parents’ photo ID | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Address proof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passport-size photographs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Previous report card | No | If from preschool | Yes |
| Transfer certificate (TC) | No | If moving school | Yes |
| Immunisation record | Often | Sometimes | Rarely |
Extra Documents for Reserved Seats
- EWS: income certificate issued by the competent authority.
- SC/ST/OBC: caste certificate (OBC non-creamy layer where relevant).
- CWSN: disability certificate.
- KVS priority categories: service certificate from the employer.
- Single parent or other categories as defined by the school or state.
See RTE admission and KVS admission.
Moving Between Schools, States or Boards
Bring the transfer certificate, the last report card and, for board classes, the board registration details. Some states ask for counter-signature of TCs from another state. Read how to get a transfer certificate.
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Admissions From Abroad
- Passport and visa or OCI card of the child.
- Previous school records, translated if needed.
- Equivalence certificate where the board requires it.
- Proof of residence in India.
Tips
- Keep three sets of self-attested photocopies.
- Scan documents to PDF in advance for online forms.
- Check name spelling and date of birth match across documents.
- Carry originals for verification.
Next, read the School Admission 2027-28 guide and the age chart.
Also read: APAAR ID for school students
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aadhaar mandatory for school admission?
Rules vary by state and school; many ask for it but alternatives may be accepted.
Is a transfer certificate needed for Class 1?
Only if the child is moving from another recognised school.
What if the birth certificate has errors?
Get it corrected at the issuing municipal office before applying.
Do schools accept digital documents?
Many accept DigiLocker or scanned copies for online forms; originals are checked later.
Explore More
School Admission 2027-28 · Transfer Certificate · RTE Admission · KVS Admission · Admission Interview Questions
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Related Parent Guides
How to choose a school · Interview questions for parents · Documents for admission · How to get a transfer certificate · Mid-session admission · Switching boards: CBSE to ICSE or IB
