**Sample PDF of the Affidavit is attached at the end.
Why this affidavit is used
- To legally declare that you have lost your original degree/mark sheet/certificate.
- To apply for a duplicate certificate from your university or board.
- To ensure that the lost certificate is not misused (fake employment, fraud, etc.).
When it is used
- If you lose your degree certificate in transit, shifting, theft, flood/fire damage, etc.
- When applying to the university/board for a duplicate certificate.
- When submitting documents to foreign universities, embassies, or employers who ask for verified proof.
- Along with a police complaint/FIR and newspaper publication (some universities demand all three).
Purpose
- To provide a sworn statement on record about the circumstances of loss.
- To declare that you have not misused the original and will return it if found.
- To safeguard against fraudulent use of the lost document.
Other Important Points
- Must be sworn before a Notary Public / First Class Magistrate.
- Should clearly mention details of the certificate (course, roll number, year of passing, issuing authority).
- Must mention police complaint details (FIR/DD number, police station name, date).
- Usually required along with:
- Police complaint copy
- Newspaper publication (lost notice)
- Application to University/Board
FAQs
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Q1. Is an affidavit enough to get a duplicate degree?
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No. Most universities ask for an affidavit + FIR copy + newspaper notice.
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Q2. Where should the affidavit be made?
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On non-judicial stamp paper (₹10/20) and notarised.
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Q3. What if I later find the original certificate?
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As per the affidavit, you must return it to the University and use only the duplicate.
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Q4. Is newspaper publication compulsory?
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Many universities (e.g., Delhi University, Mumbai University) demand it as a safeguard. Some may accept only an affidavit + FIR.
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Q5. Can I use this affidavit for school certificates too?
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Yes. Format is the same—just replace "Degree Certificate" with "Marksheet / Transfer Certificate / School Certificate".
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Q6. Will the duplicate have "DUPLICATE" written on it?
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Yes. Universities usually stamp "DUPLICATE" on the reissued certificate.
Downloads & Resources
Legal Affidavit Document
Affidavit for Lost Certificate / Duplicate Degree
I, ___, ___ ___, aged ___ years, and residing at ___, India, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
- That my date of birth is ___.
- That I studied at ___ in the ___ branch from ___ to ___.
- That my USN/Student number is ___.
- That I completed my course in ___.
- That I lost my ___ issued by ___ on ___ while ___.
- That I lodged a police complaint on ___ at ___.
- That despite sincere efforts, the said certificate could not be traced.
- I am applying for a Duplicate Degree Certificate in place of the one lost.
- That I have neither misused the lost certificate nor suppressed any material facts.
- That in case the original certificate is found, I undertake to return the same to the University.
VERIFICATION
Verified at ___ on ___. The contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Nothing stated is false, and no material fact has been concealed.
DEPONENT
Signature: ___
Name: ___
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