Self-Attested Declaration (India)
Indian Evidence Act 1872
SELF-ATTESTED DECLARATION
Under the Indian Evidence Act 1872
To,
[Authority Name]
Subject: Self-Attested Declaration in support of — [Purpose]
1. PERSONAL DETAILS OF DECLARANT
I, [Declarant Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father/Husband Name], born on [Date of Birth], permanently residing at [Residential Address], bearing Aadhaar No. [Aadhaar XXXX XXXX ****], do hereby solemnly declare as follows:
2. SELF-ATTESTATION OF DOCUMENTS
I hereby self-attest the following photocopies and declare that each is a true and correct copy of the respective original document in my possession:
(i) [Document 1]
(ii) [Document 2]
(iii) [Document 3]
[Additional Documents]
I have affixed my signature on each photocopy with the words 'SELF-ATTESTED' and the date of attestation.
3. ADDITIONAL DECLARATION
[Additional Declaration]
4. UNDERTAKING
I solemnly affirm and declare that:
(a) The originals of all the above documents are in my possession and I undertake to produce them for verification if required.
(b) All information provided in this declaration and in the supporting application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
(c) I am fully aware that making a false declaration may render me liable for action under Sections 182, 191, 192, and 193 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and any other applicable law.
(d) I have not concealed any material information.
Declared at [Place] on [Declaration Date].
Signature: _______________________
Name: [Declarant Name]
Date: [Declaration Date]
Place: [Place]
Declarant
________________
Signature
What Is a Self-Attested Declaration (India)?
A Self-Attested Declaration in India records a formal statement by which the declarant affirms the facts or commitments it sets out.
Parties executing a Self-Attested Declaration (India) in India should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date.
When Do You Need a Self-Attested Declaration (India)?
You need a Self-Attested Declaration when submitting applications to central or state government departments that require supporting documents but do not mandate notarised attestation. Common scenarios include: applying for government jobs through Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), or state public service commissions where mark sheets, caste certificates, and domicile proofs must accompany the application; applying for central government welfare schemes such as PM-KISAN, PM Awas Yojana, or scholarships where income certificates, land records, and identity documents must be submitted; bank account opening and KYC updates under RBI Master Direction on KYC 2016 where copies of Aadhaar, PAN, or passport must be verified; enrollment in EPFO or ESI schemes requiring submission of educational and personal documents; submission of income tax returns with supporting documents to the Central Board of Direct Taxes; applications to SEBI, IRDA, or RBI for various registrations and licenses; submission to courts, tribunals, and quasi-judicial bodies of documentary evidence supporting pleadings under the Civil Procedure Code 1908; and applications to academic institutions for admission or scholarship where transcripts and certificates must be attested.
Parties in India should prepare a Self-Attested Declaration (India) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations.
What to Include in Your Self-Attested Declaration (India)
A Self-Attested Declaration for India should include: full name of the declarant as it appears on their Aadhaar or PAN card; father's or husband's name; complete residential address including pincode; identification details such as Aadhaar number, PAN, or voter ID number; date and place of the declaration; specific list of documents being attested with description (e.g., 'Photocopy of Class X Mark Sheet bearing Roll No. XXXXXX issued by CBSE'); a clear statement that each copy is a 'true copy' of the original; the declarant's solemn undertaking that the contents are true to the best of their knowledge; a warning clause that the declarant is aware of penal consequences for false declarations under the Indian Penal Code or Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; signature of the declarant on each attested document with the words 'Self-Attested' written across the copy; date of attestation on each copy; and the name of the authority or office to whom the declaration is addressed. The declaration should also reference the specific application or purpose for which the documents are being submitted. Some authorities also require the declarant to affix a recent photograph with their signature across the photograph and the page.
Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for India-compliant documentation.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Self-Attested Declaration (India) (India) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/india/government/declarations/self-attested-declaration-india
"Self-Attested Declaration (India) (India)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/india/government/declarations/self-attested-declaration-india.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Self-Attested Declaration (India) (India)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/india/government/declarations/self-attested-declaration-india}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Oaths Act, 1969}
}Frequently Asked Questions
A Self-Attested Declaration is a written statement in which the declarant personally certifies that a photocopy or document is a true copy of the original, by affixing their signature on the copy along with the words 'Self-Attested' and the date. Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 (which replaced the Indian Evidence Act 1872 from 1 July 2024), a document that has been attested by the person who made it is admissible as evidence of its contents. The practice of self-attestation became standardised following a series of government circulars and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) directive requiring government departments to accept self-attested documents instead of notarised or gazetted officer-attested copies for routine purposes. Self-attestation is accepted for educational certificates, identity proofs, address proofs, income documents, and other supporting documents submitted to central and state government departments, public sector undertakings, banks, insurance companies, and courts. The Self-Attested Declaration accompanying such copies serves as the declarant's personal undertaking that the document is genuine and that they take full responsibility for its accuracy. Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023, secondary evidence of a document is admissible under specified circumstances, and self-attestation is recognised as a means of authenticating secondary evidence for administrative and governmental purposes in India.
A wide range of documents can be self-attested in India for submission to various authorities. Educational documents including mark sheets, degree certificates, diplomas, and school leaving certificates are commonly self-attested when submitting applications to universities, employers, and government bodies. Identity documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, and voter ID can be self-attested for Know Your Customer (KYC) purposes under RBI and SEBI guidelines. Address proof documents including utility bills, rental agreements, and bank statements can also be self-attested. Government departments including the Central Board of Direct Taxes, Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Registrar of Companies, and various state departments accept self-attested documents for routine applications. Banks and financial institutions accept self-attested copies for account opening, loan applications, and insurance claims. Courts and tribunals accept self-attested copies attached to pleadings and affidavits under the Civil Procedure Code 1908. However, certain high-stakes transactions such as property registration, passport applications for first-time applicants, and specific court proceedings may still require documents attested by a notary public under the Notaries Act 1952 or by a gazetted officer. The specific requirements vary by authority, and it is advisable to confirm with the receiving office before submission.
Making a false Self-Attested Declaration in India can attract serious legal consequences under multiple statutes. Under Section 182 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (now Section 215 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023), giving false information to a public servant with intent to cause injury to another person is punishable with imprisonment up to six months or fine up to one thousand rupees or both. Under Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (Section 229 of BNS 2023), whoever intentionally gives false evidence shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years. If the false declaration is made in a judicial proceeding, the punishment may extend to seven years under Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (Section 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023), and if made in connection with a capital offence trial, to life imprisonment under Section 194 of the Indian Penal Code 1860 (now the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023). Additionally, submitting false self-attested documents to obtain government benefits, employment, or admissions could constitute cheating under Section 415 of the IPC (Section 318 of BNS 2023), punishable with imprisonment up to three years. In matters of bank fraud, the offence may also attract provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. Government employees who submit false self-attested documents face departmental proceedings and disciplinary action under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules 1965, in addition to criminal prosecution. The gravity of consequences underscores the importance of ensuring that all self-attested documents are accurate and genuine.
A Self-Attested Declaration (India) does not legally require a lawyer in India, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Oaths Act 1969 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified India lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The Supreme Court of India has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
A Self-Attested Declaration (India) does not legally require a lawyer in India, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Indian lawyer is recommended where the matter involves substantial value, complex facts, or cross-border elements. A lawyer can confirm the document is correctly drafted, identify risks specific to the situation, and ensure it meets all applicable requirements. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for India-compliant documentation.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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