Discrepancies in Names on Aadhaar and Academic Documents: What You Need to Know for Passport Verification

Applying for a passport in India can be a straightforward process, but discrepancies in names or other details across official documents can lead to complications during the verification process. This article will provide guidance on how to handle such discrepancies if your father's name appears differently on your Aadhaar card and 10th-grade certificate.

Understanding the Issue

One of the most common discrepancies is when the name on your Aadhaar card is different from the name on your 10th-grade certificate. For instance, if the name on your Aadhaar is Surya Prakash but on your marksheet is Surya Prakash (with or without any minor variations like a space), it might cause complications during passport verification.

Corrective Actions and Recommendations

Legal Assistance: Affidavit of Paternity

If the discrepancy is due to a mistake in space or minor variations, it's advisable to secure a affidavit of paternity from your father. This document should state that both names represent the same individual and that the name on your Aadhaar is the correct one. Here's a guide on how to go about it:

Seek Legal Help: Contact an advocate to prepare a affidavit. Notarize the Affidavit: Ensure that the affidavit is notarized by a legal professional. Required Documents: Bring your father's one-inch photo, 10th-grade marksheet, and Aadhaar card to the undertaking notary (also known as a PSK). Submit the original affidavit and a self-attested copy along with the other documents. Consider Future Updates: After your passport application is processed, get your father's name corrected on his Aadhaar card and update it accordingly. Notarized Copies: Keep multiple scanned copies of the affidavit for future reference.

While obvious discrepancies may not raise serious concerns, it's essential to be consistent and present the same name in a uniform manner across all documents.

Easing the Discrepancy Process

Here are some additional steps to ease the process of handling name discrepancies:

Supporting Documents: Gather any additional documents that can help establish the relationship, such as a birth certificate, family photos, or government-issued IDs showing your father's name consistently. Official Guidance: Before applying for a passport, contact the Passport Seva Kendra or check their official website for specific guidelines on how to handle discrepancies in documents. Correct Names: If possible, consider correcting the name on one of the documents to match the other before applying for the passport.

Conclusion

Resolving discrepancies in names or details across official documents in advance can significantly streamline the passport application process. By taking the necessary steps, such as obtaining an Affidavit of Paternity or gathering supporting documents, you can avoid potential complications and ensure a smoother application process.