A character certificate, which may be issued by a government agency, the police, an organisation, or an individual, attests to the fact that the bearer has no criminal convictions, pending legal matters, or a troubled past with any previous employers. In order to make sure that the person with whom they are communicating won’t endanger their environment or the institution’s reputation, organisations and governments demand this document.
Although it is distinct from a genuine certificate, it is yet quite significant. Due to the fact that the background check is carried out by the police, it is also known as a Police clearance certificate. Commonly, the institution or the authoritative body may have different requirements for the document’s form and method of use.
Before issuing the certification, necessary paperwork and financial records must be cross-verified, and a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s conduct must be completed.
Character certificate: Types
This document could be needed in a number of locations. Consequently, there are several sorts of certifications, including:
- Police character certificate
- Employment certificate
- Character reference for the pupil
- Character certificates used in India
- Certificate of Character in General
Where can you get a character certificate?
If your past is spotless and you don’t have any criminal convictions against you, getting a character certificate is easy. It depends on the situation in which the certificate must be presented. Think about the following instances:
- You must obtain a character reference from your school principal if you’re applying to a university or college. The principal will sign it after considering your behaviour when you were a student.
- You might ask your institution or college to provide a character reference if you are a recent graduate searching for a job.
- You can ask your present employer for a character reference if you’re transferring employment.
- Additionally, a character reference is needed while filing for immigration or travelling. A Police Character Certificate with police verification would be required in such circumstances. You can thus be thought of as safe in the nation you are visiting.
- Additionally, you can apply for a character certificate online through the state government’s citizen website.
How to apply for a character certificate online?
- You may now apply for a character certificate online in the convenience of your own home. Each state’s official citizen website has application forms for character certificates.
- The character certificate application forms are all the same. This will give you a decent idea of how to submit an online character certificate application:
- Start by visiting the citizen portal for your specific state and looking for the character option under “citizen services.”
- On the character certificate registration page, create an account. To establish your account, you must provide some basic information, an email address, and a password.
- Once you have finished the registration procedure, the login page will show up. To log in, use your new email address and password.
- After logging in, you must provide the required details on the character certificate application form. You must complete the form by entering your name, your parents’ names, your D.O.B., your address, and your phone number.
- If you have any criminal history, you must declare them on the character certificate application. Choose “no record” from the drop-down selection if this is not the case.
- To double-check the information you submitted, you must state both the name of your district and the police station in your neighbourhood.
- Upload any necessary papers at this point, then save your work.
- You must next pay a fee to finish the character certificate application procedure after storing the information. Choose “pay” from the menu. It will direct you to a payment gateway so you can use your Visa or MasterCard to make a purchase.
- For the verification procedure, keep a copy of the application form and your personal ID with you.
Character certificate: Verification process
Now the verification procedure will start.
- On the company’s official website, you may download the character certificate.
- The certificate should ideally be kept on paper and carried at all times.
- Verify the certificate with any authorised official after you’ve done that.
- Have him or her sign the certificate.
- But keep in mind that you must have the original documents in hand for the verification. Most likely, the officer will require it for verification.
How to apply for a character certificate offline?
The applicant should visit their place of employment, college, or a local police station. Ask them whether a character certificate is required, and then do what they say.
- The character certificate application form must be obtained by the applicant from the relevant office. Alternatively, you can submit a written application on plain paper as directed.
- Fill out the application and be sure to include all necessary documentation.
- Officials will analyse the application and related papers before creating a record and giving you a record number for future use.
- The application will then be handled internally after that. The relevant authorities will verify the application in person and carefully review the supporting papers and information they have received.
- These officials will transmit their report to the relevant authority when the verification is complete, which will make a decision and award the applicant the Certificate.
- The applicant will receive the certificate within the allotted period after proper processing.
Character certificate: Uses
The following uses for character certificates are beneficial:
Academics
If you’re submitting a scholarship application, you must provide a character reference. Most academic institutions give the certificate to their former pupils. It aids in attesting to the student’s conduct during his or her academic years at the school.
Business purposes
A certificate of good character demonstrates a person’s honesty and ethical behaviour in business.
Employment
Some businesses will need new hires to present a character reference letter from their prior employers. This enables them to determine the joiner’s reputation and compatibility with the company’s values.
Immigration/travel
Nobody wants someone who has a history of criminal activity or poor behaviour to join their nation. A character certificate is thus required for immigration.
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Character certificate: Documents required
Completed application form with information on the purpose and specifications of the certificate
- A passport-sized picture (as applicable)
- Evidence of Identity
- Proof of Age and Address
Documents needed as identity proof
- PAN Card and Aadhaar Card
- Identity cards issued by government or semi-government bodies include ration cards with photos, voter identification cards, passports, driving licences, and others.
Documents needed as address proof
- Voter ID card with Aadhaar
- Licence, passport, ration card, and rental agreement (Registered)
- Account passbook
- Telephone, water, and electricity bills (landline or postpaid)
- Gas bill
Documents needed to show age
- Birth registration
- PAN card
- Passport
- Driving permit
- School leaving diploma
- Bonafide certificate
Character certificate: Format
Character certificate for students
This is to certify that [Your Full Name] S/o / D/o [Name of Your Father], who was enrolled in this institution from [Start Date of the Course] to [End Date of the Course], possesses an excellent moral character. His/her behaviour was consistently satisfactory with both teachers and fellow students. There has been no display of aggression, violence, or any inclination to harm others throughout the tenure.
[Date]
[Name of the Institution Last Attended]
[Signature of the Head of the Institution with Official Stamp]
Character certificate for employees
This certificate verifies that [Employee’s Full Name] is an individual of commendable character. Serving with us from [Start Date] to [End Date] in the capacity of [Name of the Post Held], their conduct has been consistently satisfactory. There are no pending penalties or unresolved cases that render them unsuitable for employment.
This character certificate is issued in connection with his/her application to [Enter the Name of the Company].
[Date]
[Name of the Company Last Worked]
[Signature of the Authorised Person]
FAQs
Who has the authority to certify a character?
A character certificate can be signed by any of the following people: uniformed officers; Collectors; Doctors; Heads of schools; Officer IAS; MP or MLA; officer of the law; a scientist or researcher working for the government
How long are character certifications valid?
The validity of character certificates is six months from the date of issuance. But depending on the company, it could alter.
How can I obtain a character reference?
Educational institutions, places of work, and governmental organisations can all issue character certificates to students, employees, and other parties.