Documents Required for PCC with Complete Procedure to get PCC

Did you know you may even be asked to furnish a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) if you wish to study abroad? While this may sound a bit complicated, there's nothing to worry about as it is one of the many documents required by higher education institutions abroad.

The PCC is necessary for completing a background check and verifying your credentials. In this guide, I'll walk you through the documents required for a PCC and the complete process to prove you are a trustworthy candidate.

What is Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

A Police Clearance Certificate, commonly known as PCC, is a document issued by law enforcement agencies confirming that the applicant has no outstanding charges or criminal record within the territory. The PCC serves as evidence of good character. 

Generally, a PCC is required when applying for a visa to study abroad. However, not all universities require you to submit a PCC. When applying for any residency or long-term program, a PCC may be one of the documents required to complete your visa or student application. In such cases, it is important to know about the intricacies of the process and the documents needed for police clearance.

Police Verification Documents for Police Clearance Certificate in India 

Police verification is a crucial process to get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in India and submitting the required documents for police verification is mandatory. These documents are necessary to verify your identity, address, and background to minimize the time spent on verifying your identity.

What Documents are Required for PCC

The list of documents required to apply for PCC includes the following:

1. Passport

You must self-attest a photocopy of your passport, the first and last two pages (including the observation page if it is present), and the ECR (Emigration Check Requirement)/Non-ECR page.

2. Receipt of your Application

You must furnish the application receipt received from the Passport office and keep the SMS handy. 

3. Proof of Current Address

You can submit your Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, or even bank account passbook. You may also submit your rent agreement with the landlord (for current address proof) or your electricity, telephone, or water bill. 

If you submit a rent agreement, it should have been registered under the 1908 Registration Act, Section 17. You can also submit a copy of your spouse’s passport though the present address should match the same. The first and last page with family details should be furnished. You can also provide an employer or company certificate on the official letterhead. A copy of the parent's passport is needed for a minor.

Important Scholarships to Study Abroad:

 State Scholarship | Fulbright Scholarship | Vidya Lakshmi Portal | Narotam Sekhsaria

Process to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Online

Getting your PCC online is simple if you have the required documents. The step-by-step process for the online PCC application is as follows:

Step1: Register at the Passport Seva online portal.

Step 2: Click on Apply for Police Clearance Certificate.

Step 3: Complete the application form with the correct details.

Step 4: Click on Pay and Schedule Appointment.

Step 5: Complete the online payment and print the application receipt.

Step 6: Note down the date of your appointment and visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) (chosen by you at the time of booking) on the appointment date.

Step 7: Follow the instructions at the PSK counters and produce the necessary documents to complete your application process.

Process to Check Police Character Certificate Online (PCC Apply Online)

If you don't want to use the PSK portal, you can apply for a PCC through your state police’s website. The process to apply for PCC online through the state police is as follows:

Step 1: Visit the official State Police Website.

Step 2: Click on the Police Verification Certificate.

Step 3: Enter accurate details in the application form and upload all required documents.

Step 4:Pay the application fee online.

Step 5: Receive an appointment for PCC within seven working days, then visit your local police station or follow the process to complete verification.

How to Download Police Verification Certificate

Your application for a PCC will be approved after the verification of the required documents. Generally, an SMS notification regarding the issuance of the certificate is sent to the registered mobile number. Once you receive the notification, you can visit the official state police website, log in using your credentials, and download your police verification certificate.

How to Track PCC Status

Once you have applied for a PCC with the required documents, you can check the status of your application through your State Police Portal. If you have applied through PSK, you can also track the status using your application number.

Police Verification for PCC

Sometimes, police verification may be necessary to obtain a PCC. Generally, police verification is a mandatory process when applying for a passport. If you have a valid passport and continue to reside at the same address mentioned in the passport, physical police verification is not required, and your PCC may be issued immediately without verification. However, physical verification by the police may be needed in the following cases:

• Case 1

For example, assume you have a valid and recent passport issued in January 2024, but you have recently moved. This means that your passport address will differ from your current residential address. In this case, PCC will be issued only after police verification.

• Case 2

For example, if you have a passport that expires in June 2024 and you apply for a PCC while continuing to reside at the same address. In this case, police verification is necessary because your passport has expired.

Duration of Police Clearance Certificate

From the time of application for PCC to downloading your PCC, it may take up to eight weeks. The actual duration depends on when the clearance certificate is forwarded by the police. Ensure that you confirm the time and date of your appointment and be present at your appointment to complete the process smoothly.

5 Tips for Smooth Application Process for PCC

Here are some tips to ensure a hassle-free PCC application process:

1. Use the online portals (PSK or State Police Portal) for a streamlined application process. 
2. Ensure all the documents required for PCC appointments are up-to-date and accurate. 
3. Double-check your application form to avoid any errors. 
4. Apply well in advance to avoid delays in receiving PCC. 
5. Track your status online and contact the local police station for any verification requirements.  

Process for Obtaining PCC 

Here is a general process of how to obtain a PCC if you want to study abroad. I have also provided instances on when you will be required to get a police verification done. This information will help you better understand the integrities of the Police Clearance Certificate process.

1. First, you will have to get the PCC form from Passport Seva Kendra, which falls under the jurisdiction of your Passport Office. 
2. Next, you have to submit the filled-up form with all the required documents. 
3. The final step will be the police verification for PCC if you state that your current address differs from the one on your passport. 

Now, the question arises if you need to get the police verification done to obtain a PCC.

Suppose you are applying for a PCC in December 2024, and your passport was issued on 2nd March 2016, and you are staying at the same address as given in the passport. In this case, you will receive the PCC directly during your passport office appointment. 

However, if your passport was issued in March 2014 and renewed again in March 2024, but you have not updated your new residential address (i.e., you are staying at a different address now), you will need police verification. If the address remains the same, you will not need police verification until the expiry of your passport.

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Conclusion

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a crucial step for students planning to study abroad, ensuring a smooth visa application process. By understanding the required documents and the application procedure, you can navigate the process efficiently and avoid potential delays. Stay proactive, follow the guidelines, and secure your PCC to embark on your educational journey abroad.