Whether you lost your original, or simply hold a university-issued duplicate, a common worry is whether a duplicate degree carries the same weight for apostille as the first-issued original. The good news: a genuine duplicate is fully apostillable. Here is what makes that so, and what to check.
A genuine duplicate is a real original
When a university issues a duplicate or reissued degree certificate through its official process, that document is a legitimate, authority-issued original — not a copy in the everyday sense. It carries the university’s genuine signatures and seals, which is exactly what apostille authenticates. For legalisation purposes, it stands in fully for the first-issued certificate.
What makes it apostillable
- It is issued by the university through its official duplicate-issuance process.
- It carries genuine, verifiable signatures and seals.
- The university can confirm it during state HRD verification.
- It is an original document, not a plain photocopy.
How the process works
A duplicate degree follows the same chain as any degree — state HRD verification (where the university confirms the record), then the MEA apostille, or embassy attestation for non-Hague destinations. Because the university issued and can confirm it, verification proceeds normally.
What to watch for
Ensure the duplicate is genuinely issued by the university, with proper signatures, seals and any “duplicate” notation the university applies — and that the details match your other documents and passport. As with any degree, mismatches must be resolved before apostille.
A duplicate degree certificate, properly issued by your university, is every bit as apostillable as the original. Confirm it is genuine and verifiable, ensure the details match, and legalise it through the normal chain with confidence.
Quick FAQ
Is a duplicate degree valid for apostille?
Yes — a genuine, university-issued duplicate is a legitimate original with real signatures and seals, and can be apostilled like any degree.
How is a duplicate apostilled?
Through the normal chain — state HRD verification (the university confirms it), then MEA apostille or embassy attestation.
What should I check on a duplicate?
That it is genuinely university-issued with proper signatures and seals, and that the details match your other documents and passport.
How Manav Corporate Consultants can help
At Manav Corporate Consultants (MCC), we handle the complete apostille and attestation journey — checking your documents for issues before submission, then managing notarisation, state and Chamber of Commerce verification, MEA apostille and embassy legalisation — with doorstep pick-up and drop across India and genuine, online-verifiable results. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified, MEA-licensed firm, we help you avoid the errors that cause rejections and delays.
Mumbai – +91 7738980318 / Chennai – +91 96770 59423 / Pune – +91 9970466594 | info@manavconsultants.com | www.manavconsultants.com