♦   G-AS : Good Apostille Services (G-AS) is a trusted private, professional, and non-government agency that collects educational documents from across India and submits them to the respective embassy for attestation. Submission to G-AS marks the beginning of the educational certificate attestation process.

♦   Notary Attestation : The first step in authenticating an educational certificate is Notary Attestation. A notary provides a seal, signature, and sticker on the document, confirming its initial verification. This is the foundational step for educational certificate attestation.

♦   GAD : Also known as the State Home Department, this step involves verification by designated signing authorities of the State Government or Union Territory. Officials here are specifically authorized to handle educational document attestation.

♦   SDM : As an alternative to the Home Department, SDM attestation is considered a makeshift but valid option for educational documents. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate provides certification to support further legalization.

♦   HRD : HRD Attestation is required primarily for educational certificates. Before HRD attestation, the certificate must be verified or validated by the issuing university, ensuring the document’s authenticity.

♦   MEA : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which is the central government authority, provides the final legalization from India. The MEA affixes a special stamp called MEA Attestation, which is mandatory for all educational documents intended for overseas use.

♦   Embassy Attestation : The last stage is Embassy Attestation, carried out by the Consular section of the respective foreign embassy. Located in the capital or major city, embassies act as diplomatic missions and provide consular services. The Consular attestation stamp certifies the legitimacy of the educational certificate, making it valid for student visas, employment visas, higher studies, or migration abroad.