If you’re applying for higher education, scholarships or for jobs, then you must require a transcript but do you even know what is transcript ? and what it is important ? Don’t worry, we will help you to answer each of them. So let’s start with a simple explanation of the transcript.
What is a Transcript Certificate?
Transcript is an official academic document. It is a comprehensive summary of your performance. It includes all subjects you’ve studied, all grades or marks you got,
credits you earned. It is printed on the university’s letterhead and stamped and signed by authorized officials.
Which things are included in a transcript?
Here we have a transcript format for your understanding. Your university’s transcript format can vary from this one.
- Full Name of the Student
- Enrollment or roll number of a student
- Name of your program, like a B.Tech or MBA
- Duration of the Course
- Semester-wise Subject List
- Marks/Grades in Each Subject
- Total Credits Earned per Semester
- Overall CGPA/GPA/Percentage
- Remarks like “passed,” “failed,” and “backlogs”
- Official seal and signature of the issuing authority
How many types of transcripts are available?
There are mainly two types of transcripts. The first one is official and the second one is unofficial. Let’s understand them one by one.
- Official Transcript: This transcript is provided by the university in a sealed envelope and signed and stamped by the university official.Mostly it is sent directly to institutions Students cannot open this transcript.
- Unofficial Transcript: It is a photocopy or PDF version of the official transcript. It can be used for reference or casual sharing with recruiters. This type of transcript is not acceptable for visas, immigration, or foreign admissions.
When Do You Need a Transcript?
Students often require transcripts in the following situations. Let’s discuss them one by one.
- Studying Abroad: If you want to study abroad then a transcript is necessary for you in different processes like application evaluation, document verification, visa, and scholarship.
- Postgraduate Admissions: IITs, IIMs, NITs, ISB, and many top universities like Ashoka, Shiv Nadar, and BITS require transcripts for admission.
- Credential Evaluation: If you’re planning to settle abroad through Permanent Residency (PR), then credential evaluation is an essential step.Organizations like WES ,IQAS,CES, and ECA provide credential evaluation services to assess your academic qualifications.These organizations only accept official transcripts that are either sent directly from your university in sealed envelopes or uploaded digitally through approved university portals.
- Jobs in MNCs or Government Sector: if you want to join an MNC or government company you will require transcripts to check your eligibility. Transcript will act as proof that you had cleared all subjects without backlogs.
- Competitive Exams and Further Education: Transcripts may be required for government exams that need degree validation, attending walk ins or interviews for higher studies, Seeking lateral entry or credit transfer into another program
How to Get a Transcript?
Each college or university has its own process but here we are mentioning some general steps to get a transcript. It will help you to improve your understanding.
- Visit your university’s website.
- open examination or academic section
- Download or fill out the transcript request form.
- Attach required documents like photocopies of mark sheets.
Degree certificate ID proof - Pay require fees Usually it is between ₹200–₹2000 depending on the university
- Track your request via email or portal.
- You will get your transcript in 10-25 days. If you are in private universities, then in that case you can get your transcript in 5 to 10 working days.
Why Do Foreign Universities Ask for Official Transcripts?
Foreign universities require a transcript to verify your academic record. Official transcripts are reliable to foreign institutions. It is directly sent from your college or university to the foreign institution, which increases the reliability of documents. These transcripts are sent in physically sealed covers or sent through approved digital channels, ensuring there’s no tampering.
Abroad, universities use these transcripts to evaluate your eligibility and process scholarships or admissions. Since different countries follow different academic structures, a verified transcript helps them map your education to their standards. Without an official transcript, your application may be considered incomplete or unverified.
What are the key differences between a transcript and an original marksheet?
| Feature | Transcript | Original Marksheet |
| Purpose | It is a Consolidated record of your entire academic course | It measures your performance in a specific semester or year |
| Issued When | It is issued after completing the course or on request | It is requested after every semester or academic year |
| Covers | It includes all semesters in one document | It includes one semester or a year in each document |
| Includes | It includes Subject list, marks,grades, credits, GPA,CGPA, course details | It includes Subject wise marks, total marks, grades, pass or fail status |
| Use Case | It used in Higher studies, WES,study abroad,global job applications | It used for Internal academic records, admissions, verification |
| Format | It is Consolidated and always comes in sealed envelope | It is a Individual sheets with official signature and seal |
| Digital Availability | It is available digitally or in print | It is issued in physical format digital copies are only used for reference |
| Accepted Abroad | it is acceptable in abroad | It is not acceptable alone abroad. |
| Consolidated Information | It includes information of all academic years | It includes information related to one exam |
FAQs:
Is a transcript the same as a degree certificate?
No degree certificate only proves that you’ve completed your course but the transcript shows how well you have performed in it.
Do I need a transcript if I already have marksheets ?
Yes you still need transcripts to consolidate all semester mark sheets into one official document
Can I request transcripts years after graduation?
Yes you can apply for transcripts 5 to 10 years later. However this process may take time.
What if my college is closed or unrecognized ?
If your college has closed then you can request transcripts from the university which is affiliated to your college.
Can I open the envelope of an official transcript ?
No, an opened envelope is not acceptable and it becomes invalid. Always keep your official transcripts sealed unless it is instructed.
