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Shifting from one school or college to another is a part of almost every student’s academic journey. One of the biggest challenges students face during this transition is to gather all the required documentation before transferring. A transfer certificate, or TC, is one of the most important documents you will need to switch to a new school or college.
So to help you get a TC easily, we have shared everything you need to know about it in this blog. But wait! Before we tell you how to file your application for a transfer certificate, let us find out what it is and why it’s important…
#1 What is a transfer certificate (TC)?
A TC is a document issued by the person in-charge of an institution for a student who’s leaving that institute. It consists of the student’s personal details, such as parents’ names, academic record, program studied at the institution, date of birth as per the institution’s records, fees details, and occupational records.
A TC also mentions whether the student in question has cleared all the fees or if they still have any dues left. It also specifies if they have cleared all the exams, and essentially serves as a conduct certificate.
#2 Why is a transfer certificate needed?
Essentially, a TC is proof that a student has left his/her previous institution. This is to ensure that they are enrolled in only one school or college at a time. It also assures the concerned authorities at the next institution that the student has cleared all the dues and exams at his/her previous institution. Its purpose is to release a student from his/her current school or college so that he/she can join another.
#3 Application
If you have taken admission to a new school or college, then you need to apply for a transfer certificate at your old school in writing. The purpose this is to formally notify the authorities of your decision to leave and request them to provide you with a TC.
#4 Format
To
<Name of the recipient>
<Name and address of your current institution>
Subject: Application for transfer certificate
Salutation,
{
Body of the application
}
Sincerely,
<Your signature>
<Your name>
<Date>
<Your address and contact number>
#5 Things to include in your application

The purpose of writing an application for a transfer certificate is to obtain this mandatory document to prove that you have left your current institution and are eligible to join a new one. As writing this application is an important task, make sure you include the following things while drafting it-
- Reason for applying: You must clearly state a genuine reason for needing a transfer certificate.
- Request for the certificate: While explaining your reason, do not forget to mention that you need a TC and why it is important for you to get one.
- Specify the date for issuing the certificate: It is also advisable to specify by when you need the certificate to be issued. This can help you avoid any unnecessary delays.
Make sure you add a concluding line to thank the concerned authorities. After all, it always pays off to be polite!
#6 Samples of application for a transfer certificate
If you still have any doubts about how to write an application for a transfer certificate, we have you covered. Here are some samples you can refer to-
Sample 1
To,
The Principal,
Birla Balika Vidyapeeth,
Pilani (Rajasthan)
Date: 1st April 2021
Subject: Application for transfer certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
With all due respect, I want to state that I have cleared my final examinations for class 10th from Birla Balika Vidyapeeth in March 2021 with a 10 CGPA. I also do not have any dues.
Therefore, I request you to issue me a transfer certificate by 30th April 2021.
Thank you!
Yours Sincerely,
Shreya Sharma
97XXXXXXX6
Jawahar Nagar,
Pilani
Sample 2
To,
The Principal,
Birla Balika Vidyapeeth,
Pilani (Rajasthan)
Date: 1st April 2021
Subject: Application for transfer certificate
Respected Sir/Madam,
With all due respect, I would like to inform you that my family is relocating to Jaipur as my father just received a job transfer. He is required to resume his job in Jaipur in 15 days. I, along with my entire family, am shifting to Jaipur on 15th April 2021. I have cleared my class 10th examinations from Birla Balika Vidyapeeth in March 2021 with an 8.5 CGPA and have cleared all my dues.
Therefore, I request you to issue me a transfer certificate before 15th April 2021 so that I would be able to join a new school in Jaipur.
Thank You!
Yours Sincerely,
Shreya Sharma
97XXXXXXX6
Jawahar Nagar,
Pilani
In a nutshell
Whenever you decide to switch your school or college, you will need to apply for a TC in order to move on to a new institution. Keep the tips mentioned above in mind while drafting your application to obtain your TC in a hassle-free manner!
All the best!
Get in touch with us if you have any doubts! Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts!
FAQs
1. Who issues a transfer certificate?
Typically, the principal of a student’s current institution will be the one to issue the TC.
2. Is a transfer certificate needed for college?
Yes, numerous colleges ask for a TC while granting admission to new students.
3. Can a school deny a student’s application for a transfer certificate?
No, a school cannot deny a student’s application for a TC unless there are any legal issues.
4. Do all school students need a transfer certificate for changing schools?
Students in class 9th and above need a TC to obtain admission to another school or college. Students below class 9th can change schools without it.
5. Are there any documents required for obtaining a transfer certificate?
Yes, your current school will need you to share the following documents when you apply for a TC-
- Provisional/Degree certificate of your previous course
- Final mark sheet or current mark sheet
- Fees statement
- Aadhaar card