**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
Access related documents and legal forms
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| sample-affidavit-for-lost-certificate-duplicate-degree (341.52 KB) | 341.52 KB |
Affidavit for Lost Certificate / Duplicate Degree
I, ___________________________________, S/o/D/o/W/o ____________________________, 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 ______________________ (name of board/university/college) on ______________________________ while ___________________________________________ (state how it was lost).
- 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
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