February 5, 2026

MBBS Marksheet Name Change Guide: Step-by-Step Process in India

Need to update your name on your medical degree? Follow our complete guide on legal affidavits, newspaper ads, and State Medical Council registration for doctors.

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Introduction

In the medical profession, your name is more than just an identity—it is the foundation of your professional credibility and legal right to practice. Whether the change is required due to marriage, personal preference, or correction of a long-standing clerical error, updating your name on an MBBS marksheet and degree is a process that demands strict legal compliance.

Any mismatch between your MBBS degree, medical council registration, and identity documents can create serious hurdles during PG entrance verification, State Medical Council registration, or international licensing.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to successfully updating your medical academic records in India.

Step 1: The Legal Foundation

Before any university or medical authority accepts your request, you must legally establish your new identity. This foundation rests on three mandatory legal steps, often referred to as the legal trifecta.

1. Affidavit for Name Change

A notarised affidavit must be drafted on non-judicial stamp paper (usually ₹10–₹100), clearly declaring:

Your old name
Your new name
The reason for the change

This affidavit acts as your sworn legal declaration.

2. Newspaper Advertisement

You must publish a formal notice announcing your name change in:

One English daily newspaper
One regional language newspaper

These publications serve as public notice and are relied upon by universities and verification authorities.

3. Gazette Notification (Most Critical Step)

You must apply for publication of your name change in the Central Gazette of India.
This Gazette Notification is considered the gold standard legal proof, accepted by:

All Indian universities
State Medical Councils
The National Medical Commission
International licensing bodies

Step 2: Updating University Records (MBBS Marksheet & Degree)

Once the Gazette Notification is published, you can proceed with your university application.

Where to Apply

Submit your application to the Controller of Examinations at your respective Health University, such as:

Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
West Bengal University of Health Sciences

Application Requirements

University’s prescribed “Correction in Name” form
Original MBBS marksheets and/or degree certificate
Gazette Notification copy
Newspaper advertisement pages
Notarised affidavit

Processing Fee

Universities typically charge a correction or re-issuance fee ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000, depending on institutional rules.

Step 3: Updating Medical Council Registration

Updating the degree alone is not sufficient. Your professional license must also reflect the corrected name.

State Medical Council (SMC)

Apply to your registered SMC, such as:

The SMC will issue a revised registration certificate with the updated name.

National Medical Register (NMC)

After SMC approval, ensure your updated name is reflected in the National Medical Register maintained by the National Medical Commission.
Always verify the update on the official portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I change my name on my MBBS degree after graduation?

Yes. Most universities allow name changes after graduation, provided a Gazette Notification is submitted and the original degree is surrendered for re-issuance.

2. Is Gazette Notification mandatory for medical students?

For minor spelling errors, some universities may accept limited documentation.
However, for doctors, a Central Gazette Notification is strongly recommended to avoid issues with passport verification, overseas licensing, and professional recognition.

3. How long does the complete process take?

Legal formalities: 1–2 months
University processing: 1–3 months
Timelines may vary depending on the university and council.

4. Will my old marksheets remain valid?

Once corrected marksheets are issued, old documents must be surrendered.
If the university issues only a Change of Name Certificate, it must be carried along with original marksheets.

Special Scenarios for Medical Students

Name Change During Internship

If you are still undergoing internship, inform your college’s academic cell immediately.
Correcting records before the final degree is printed is significantly easier.

Post-Marriage Surname Change

Even though a Marriage Certificate is a valid legal document, most medical universities and the NMC still require Gazette Notification for permanent academic record changes.

Must-Have Document Checklist

Notarised affidavit (₹10–₹100 stamp paper)
Full newspaper pages (English + Regional)
Gazette Notification copy
Digital CD/DVD (required for Central Gazette submission)
10th & 12th certificates (base identity proof)
MBBS marksheets and degree
One-and-the-Same Person Certificate (if issued temporarily by university)

Impact on PG Exams & International Licensing

NEET PG / INI-CET Counselling

Any mismatch between Aadhaar/Passport and MBBS degree can lead to disqualification during physical verification.

International Licensing (USMLE / PLAB)

Bodies like:

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
General Medical Council

are extremely strict.
A Central Gazette Notification carries significantly higher weight during Primary Source Verification (PSV).

Error Correction vs Legal Name Change

Clerical Errors

If the mistake is due to a university typo, correction can usually be done using 10th/12th certificates as base proof.

Legal Name Change

If you are intentionally changing your name or surname, the Affidavit + Newspaper Ads + Gazette process is non-negotiable.

Conclusion

Updating your MBBS marksheet and degree is a marathon, not a sprint. While the paperwork may appear complex, following the legal trifecta of Affidavit, Newspaper Advertisement, and Gazette Notification ensures your professional identity is legally secure.

Maintaining absolute consistency across: