To apply for a passport, applicants are not required to have any specific educational qualification. Both illiterate and less educated individuals can apply for a passport. However, there are some differences based on the education level:
- Minimum: A 10th certificate is required.
- Maximum: You can also attach your 12th or bachelor's degree (if available).
Passport to individuals not completed class 10th
- People who have not completed 10th class are issued a passport under the ECR (Emigration Check Required) category.
- They are not required to provide an education certificate; however, other documents like address and identity proof are required.
Difference between an ECR and Non-ECR Passport
- ECR (Emigration Check Required) passport issued to individuals who have not completed the 10th class
- ECR Passport holders must get an Emigration Check before travelling abroad.
- Non-ECR or ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport issued to individuals who have passed at least the 10th class.
- Non-ECR passport holders are not required to get an Emigration check before travelling abroad.
How to convert an ECR Passport to Non-ECR passport?
- You can apply for a Non-ECR passport if:
- You have been living abroad for more than 3 years, or
- You have been paying the Indian Income Tax Return (ITR) of more than 5 lakh continuously for three years, or
- If you have completed the 10th class.
Note: The passport doesn't have any criteria related to education or age. Any Indian citizen, whether a minor (0 to 18 years) or an adult (above 18 years), can apply for an Indian Passport.
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