HomeRTE Act GuideDefinitionsTransfer Certificate (TC)
Section 5 of the RTE Act

Transfer Certificate (TC)

A Transfer Certificate is the official document from a child's current school that allows them to be admitted to a new school. Schools must issue it immediately on request. No conditions can be attached.

A Transfer Certificate is the official document from a child's current school that allows them to be admitted to a new school. Schools must issue it immediately on request. No conditions can be attached.

Schools were historically weaponised TCs as leverage β€” withholding them until fees were paid. Section 5 makes immediate issuance mandatory. If a school refuses or delays, the child can still be admitted to the new school without the TC.

Examples
  • Parent asks for TC to move child to another school: must be issued immediately
  • School says "pay β‚Ή5,000 outstanding fee first": illegal β€” TC cannot be conditional
  • School takes 2 weeks to issue TC: violation of Section 5
  • New school refuses admission because TC is delayed: also a violation

This guide is published by Mahadev Maitri Foundation β€” free, independent education resource. We help families in rural India understand and enforce their rights under the RTE Act.

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⚠️ Content on this page is provided on a best-effort basis for general information only. Laws and rules change β€” please verify details on official government websites (dsel.education.gov.in and your state's education portal) before taking action. Mahadev Maitri Foundation is not responsible for decisions made based on this content.