Quick answer
A transfer certificate (TC), also called a school leaving certificate, is an official document a school issues when a student leaves. It confirms the student name, date of birth, admission and leaving dates, last class studied, conduct, and that dues are cleared. Parents request it from the school office, and the new school uses it for admission records.
- Issued by the school the student is leaving, on request.
- Contents and format vary by board and state.
- Under the RTE Act, admission to elementary classes cannot be denied or delayed for want of a TC.
- Schools can generate TCs from the student record to avoid errors.
What does a transfer certificate contain?
- School name, address, and affiliation or recognition number.
- TC serial number and date of issue.
- Student full name, parents or guardian names, and nationality.
- Date of birth in figures and words, as in the admission register.
- Date of admission and admission number.
- Class in which the student last studied, and whether promoted.
- Subjects studied, where relevant.
- Date of leaving and reason for leaving.
- Conduct and character remark.
- Confirmation that school dues are cleared.
- Signatures of the preparer, checker, and principal, and the school seal.
Formats differ between boards and states, so schools should follow the format required by their board or education department.
How do parents get a TC from school?
- Inform the school. Write to the school office or apply in the parent app, giving the reason and leaving date.
- Clear dues. Pay any pending fees and return library books and school property.
- Complete formalities. Some schools ask for a no-dues form signed by departments.
- Collect the TC. Receive the signed and sealed certificate, or a digital copy where accepted.
- Submit to the new school. Give the original to the new school as part of admission.
Can a school refuse or delay admission without a TC?
For elementary education (classes 1 to 8 in India), the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 provides that a child shall not be denied or delayed admission for want of a transfer certificate. The Act also requires the previous school to issue the TC promptly. Check your state rules, which may add details.
How long does it take to get a TC?
Many schools issue a TC within a few working days once dues are cleared. Delays usually come from unpaid dues, missing records, or manual preparation. Schools that generate TCs from the ERP can issue them on the same day.
How should a school issue TCs?
| Step | Good practice |
|---|---|
| Request | Online request with leaving date and reason |
| Dues check | Automatic no-dues check across fees, library, and transport |
| Generation | TC generated from the verified student record |
| Numbering | Unique serial number from the system |
| Approval | Checked and signed by authorised staff |
| Record | Student marked as left; record archived, not deleted |
| Duplicate | Issued only with approval and marked as duplicate |
Transfer certificates in Hudace SchoolOS
Student Information in Hudace SchoolOS includes transfer and migration certificates generated from the student record, with fee dues visible in Finance and document templates and digital signatures in Core School.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of TC?
Transfer Certificate.
Is a TC the same as a school leaving certificate?
In most places, yes. Some states use the name school leaving certificate for the same document.
Can a school withhold a TC for unpaid fees?
Schools usually require dues to be cleared, but rules differ. For elementary classes in India, the RTE Act says the new school cannot delay admission for want of a TC.
Can I download my TC online?
Some schools share digital TCs through their app or portal. Board documents are available through official channels such as DigiLocker. The TC itself comes from your school.
What if the TC has a mistake?
Ask the issuing school to correct it, with proof such as a birth certificate. A corrected TC should replace the old one.
Is a TC needed for a new school abroad?
Schools abroad usually ask for a leaving or transfer certificate and records, sometimes attested. Check the new school and regulator requirements.
How can I get a duplicate TC?
Apply to the issuing school, often with an affidavit or police report if the original is lost.