Schools and colleges issue bonafide certificates every week, usually by editing an old Word file. That is how mistakes creep in: a wrong class, last year's session, a missing serial number. A fixed format and a register solve that.
What is a bonafide certificate?
A bonafide certificate (also called a study certificate or student certificate) confirms that a person is a genuine, current student of the institution. It is different from:
- Character certificate: comments on conduct, usually at the end of a course
- Transfer certificate (TC) / leaving certificate: issued when a student leaves the school
- Course completion certificate: confirms a course was finished
Admissions, students, attendance, fees with UPI links and receipts, tests and report cards, certificates, ID cards, a parent portal and a full LMS — configured for how your institute runs.
Start free See the demoWhen students ask for one
- Scholarship and fee reimbursement applications
- Opening a bank account for a minor or a student
- Passport, visa or embassy applications
- Bus, rail or metro student concessions
- Internships, competitions and sports trials
- Hostel or PG admission
Details every bonafide certificate should have
- Institute letterhead: name, address, affiliation or registration number, contact
- Serial number from a register, for example BON/2026/0001
- Date of issue
- Student details: full name, parent's name, admission number, date of birth
- Class or course and section, and the academic year
- Purpose for which it is issued (optional but recommended)
- Signature of the principal or authorised officer and the seal
Sample bonafide certificate format
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Serial no.: BON/2026/0001 · Date: 17 September 2026
This is to certify that Aarav Sharma, son of Rakesh Sharma, bearing admission number ADM2026-0001, is a bonafide student of Green Valley School, studying in Class 6 A during the academic year 2026-27.
His date of birth as per our records is 12 May 2014.
This certificate is issued on his request for the purpose of opening a bank account.
Principal · Seal and signature
Replace the details in bold with the student's data. For a college, use "pursuing B.Com (Second Year)" in place of the class.
Sample character certificate text
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| No serial number | You cannot prove which certificates you issued |
| Old academic year | The certificate gets rejected |
| Details typed by hand | Name or date of birth doesn't match school records |
| No register | Duplicate or fake certificates cannot be checked |
| No verification method | Banks and embassies have to call the school |
Make certificates verifiable
Fake certificates are easy to make with a word processor. Two simple habits make yours trustworthy:
- Keep a register of every certificate: serial number, student, type, date and who issued it. If a certificate was issued by mistake, mark it revoked rather than deleting it.
- Add a QR code that opens a verification page on your website showing the serial number, student name, type and issue date. Anyone can scan it and confirm it is genuine without calling your office.
Issuing certificates in MizUp EOS
In MizUp EOS, you open a student's profile and choose Issue certificate. The bonafide, character, transfer, course completion and participation templates are filled from the student record: name, parent, admission number, class, academic year and date of birth. You add the purpose, and EOS gives the certificate a serial number, logs it in the register and prints it on your letterhead with a QR code for verification. You can edit the wording of each template in settings and revoke a certificate if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bonafide certificate?
It is a letter from a school, college or institute confirming that a person is a current, genuine student there. It usually states the class or course and the academic year.
Why do students need a bonafide certificate?
Common reasons include scholarship applications, opening a bank account, passport or visa applications, bus or rail concessions, internships and sports or competition registrations.
Who signs a bonafide certificate?
The head of the institution, such as the principal, director or registrar, or an officer they authorise. It should carry the institute seal.
How long is a bonafide certificate valid?
It confirms enrolment on the date of issue, so most organisations accept one issued within the current academic year, and many ask for one issued in the last three to six months.
