In my previous post I wrote about the procedure for document authentication at Regional Authentication Center (RAC). The legalization is the immediate step after document authentication and can be done through apostille. Apostille is simply referred to the legalization of a documents for international use under the terms of 1961 Hague Convention. An apostille is a sticker which contains information about the public document and certified by ministry of external affairs. This sticker enables a public document issued in one country to be recognized as valid in another country. Here is the apostille procedure for educational document in New Delhi, however there are other centers spread in different parts of India and should be checked before starting the actual procedure. Apostille procedure is rather a simple and convenient if compared with documents authentication at RAC. If you are on time then single day is enough for this work.Here is the procedure
Requirements. Three things
1. Your original, non-laminated and pre-authenticated document/s.
2. Documents photocopy, any letter from foreign university, passport etc are not required but I suggest you to keep these to show in case they ask.
3. You need Postal Order (PO), one for each apostille document (cost 50 Rs. each plus postal service charge). So if you have 2 documents (e.g., your graduation and master's degree) for apostille, you need 2 PO. Fill the PO details in favour of PAO, MEA New Delhi.
You can buy PO either from any post office near you or directly from apostille center at New Delhi. I suggest you to buy in advance because of three important reasons:
* There is a separate queue for apostille and for PO and this is simply waste of important time because you can devote same amount of time to submit your document.
* The apostille center has limited number of PO so in case it finished then it is hard to find post office near to the center.
* They charge more than the actual cost of PO.
Other Points to Remember
* You MUST reach to the center and be in queue before NOON.
* DON’T give your documents anybody unknown to you also NOT accept any document from others even on multiple requests and be stick only on your documents.
* Apostille center operated at ground floor at Patiala House and working windows are on back side from main entry gate.
* You will find many windows there and select the window for European countries. Don’t be scared from the long queue...you need patience for standing an hour or so in queue. The best thing is that if you are in the queue before noon then it is guaranteed that you will be able to finish the work as they accept all documents arrived on or before 12:00.
* Once you submitted your documents they will give you the receiving slip. This slip must be returned at the time you recollect your documents. Remember receipt does not relate your identity with the documents you submitted, so take extra care of this receipt because anyone can take your document just by showing this receipt!! The advantage of this is if you personally are not able to come to the center then your relatives or friends can also collect or submit your documents.
* Somehow, if you lost the slip, immediately inform to the officials and ask them to separate your documents from the bulk so that unauthorized person will not take your document.
* The documents generally returned around 3-5 PM (document collection time is written on the slip you received). If you are outsider and love visiting new places then this is the best time for you. You can visit India Gate, Connaught Place and Palika Bazaar; all are nearby to this place, go around and have lots of fun!!
* Be present on-time and collect your documents. Check everything should be ok. Stamp, name etc.
And that's all...your document is now legalized. Congratulations..!!
Contact:
Ministry of External Affairs
Patiala House
Tilak Marg (near India Gate)
New Delhi – 110001
Official link: MEA
Center closed on Saturday, Sunday and on other Government holidays.
Share your experiences and help others.
Good luck and all the best.
