You need a student passport and a visa to study in another country. In India, you can easily apply for a student passport by filling out a form, uploading your documents, paying a fee, and scheduling an appointment for verification at Passport Seva Kendra. 

Alternatively, you can obtain a student passport application form from the embassy or consulate and submit it to the Passport Seva Kendra office along with the required documents. This article will address common questions students may have when applying for a student passport in India.

A student passport is a unique travel document for students studying abroad. It's an official ID and travel document that allows students to study in foreign countries. 

The passport includes personal information like the student's name, photo, date of birth, and visa details. It lets students travel internationally for education and ensures they can enter and stay legally in their chosen study destination.

• The eligibility criteria for students to apply for a passport are:

• The student should be an Indian citizen.

• Students aged 15-17 are also eligible for non-ECR (Emigration Check Required) status until they turn 18.

• Minors applying for a student passport in India must have parental approval and attestation. However, those above 18 years of age can self-attest their own documents.  

• The individual should be a student registered at a reputable educational institution.

• Students must be enrolled in a recognized educational institute and have valid proof of admission or enrollment in a foreign educational program.

If you want to know how to apply for a student passport. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Visit the Passport Seva Website

Visit the official Passport Seva Website and register or log in.

2. Fill Out the Form with the Correct Details

Fill out the form with all the details accurately.

3. Upload all the Documents and Submit

Please remember the following instructions: Gather all the necessary documents, upload them, and click "Submit Form".

4. Schedule appointment and Pay

Schedule an appointment with the nearest passport office and pay the fee.

5. Get the Acknowledgement Receipt

Visit the passport office on the appointed date, submit self-attested documents, get the acknowledgement receipt, and monitor the application status for updates.

Here are the list of documents required for a student passport in India:

1. Address Proof (Current Residence)

• Aadhaar card
• Latest telephone bill 
• In case of minors, passport copy of parent's (first and last page)
• Certificate issued by a reputed employer
• Voter Id card
• Income tax assessment order
• Latest utility bill such as electricity or water
• Photocopy of passbook of an active bank account 
• Rental agreement

2. Proof of Birth Date

• Birth certificate
• Secondary school leaving certificates are required for passports for students. A recognised board or educational institute should issue this certificate.
• Copy of the identity card of an applicant issued by an educational institution where he/she is studying.
• Bonafide certificate issued by a university or college.

3. Proof of Minors

• Date of Birth

• Current valid address proof of parents

• Passport copies of both parents

• Parents approval and signature on the application

If your passport expires within a year, you have to renew it. Passports are generally valid for 10 years (5 years for those under 18). You can renew online or in person at the District Passport Office.

How to Renew a Student Passport Online?

To renew your Indian student passport online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Passport Seva website and sign up or log in.

2. To renew, choose “Apply for Fresh” Passport. 

3. Fill out the online passport application correctly

4. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Office.

5. Pay the required fee online and print the receipt.

6. On the appointment day, bring your receipt, old passport, proof of address, and any required documents to the PSK for biometric data collection and verification.

How to Renew a Student Passport Offline?

Follow these steps to renew your student passport in India offline:

1. To apply, go to the official Passport Seva website and complete an application.

2. Make an appointment at the nearest passport office and ensure you have all required documents ready.

3. Make sure to visit the passport office on the scheduled date and bring signed copies of the required documents.

4. After verification, please collect the acknowledgement receipt. You may check the application status for updates.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

1. Current/old passport

2. Self-attested copies of specific pages

3. The first two and last two pages

4. The page containing any observations

5. The "ECR/non-ECR page" in an Indian passport indicates whether or not the holder needs emigration clearance for employment

Yes, police verification is required for student passports in India. A passport can only be issued after police verifications.

A police officer visits the address you provided in your passport application form to verify the details. Once verified, your registered police station sends an approval notification to your passport office.

Police verification is generally not required for minor children (up to 18 years old) with parents holding valid passports, but the Passport Office makes the final decision.

The entire passport-issuing process may take 25 to 30 days from the date your application is submitted. Whereas a tatkal passport offers expedited processing within 1-3 days based on police verification.

This passport is valid for 10 years from the day of issue. However, you can't renew a passport a year before the expiration of the current passport.

Knowing student passport requirements is essential if you have applied for higher studies in a foreign university. This will help you streamline the entire process.

Moreover, you will be able to receive your passport as soon as possible.