18 Apr Karnataka State Gazette vs Central Gazette: Which to Choose? (2026)
Karnataka State Gazette vs Central Gazette: The Complete 2026 Guide
Bengaluru Office: Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru, Karnataka | Contact: +91 9326098181
Table of Contents
Online Gazette Application Form
Does Karnataka Have Its Own State Gazette?
Yes, Karnataka absolutely has its own official State Gazette. It is managed through the e-Rajyapatra portal (erajyapatra.karnataka.gov.in), which was launched in 2018 by the Department of Printing, Stationery and Publications (DPSP) in Peenya Industrial Area, Bengaluru.
So if you’re living in Karnataka and need to publish details like a name change, date of birth correction, religion change, or other notifications, you can use the Karnataka State Gazette directly.
It’s important to clear up a common confusion here. Some service providers—especially those based in Mumbai or North India—still claim that “Karnataka does not have a state gazette for name change.” That information is outdated and incorrect. Since 2018, the e-Rajyapatra portal has made the process fully accessible within the state.
In most cases, Karnataka residents should prefer the Karnataka State Gazette over the Central Gazette of India. It’s simpler, more relevant for state-level documentation, and officially recognized for these purposes.
Karnataka State Gazette vs Central Gazette: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parameter | Karnataka State Gazette (e-Rajyapatra) | Central Gazette of India |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | DPSP, Government of Karnataka, Peenya, Bengaluru | Department of Publication, Government of India, Delhi |
| Jurisdiction | Legal recognition across Karnataka | Pan-India legal recognition |
| Portal | erajyapatra.karnataka.gov.in | egazette.gov.in |
| Typical Processing Time | 7–15 working days | 15–45 working days |
| Government Fee (Name Change) | ₹400–₹650 (as per current DPSP schedule) | ₹1,100 (Ordinary) / higher for Extraordinary |
| Language Accepted | Kannada & English | English & Hindi |
| Best For | Karnataka residents, Aadhaar/PAN updates within KA, K2 Portal integrations | Central government employees, defence personnel, PAN-India legal matters |
| Physical Publication | Bengaluru | New Delhi |
| Digital Copy Availability | Downloadable PDF with QR verification | Downloadable PDF |
Which Gazette Should a Karnataka Resident Choose?
Choose Karnataka Gazette if:
- You’re a permanent resident of Karnataka with address proof from districts like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, etc.
- You need the notification for Karnataka government jobs, KPSC, K2 Portal submissions, RTO updates, or Bhoomi land records.
- You want a faster process (usually under two weeks).
- You prefer a more budget-friendly option with lower fees.
- You need the notification in Kannada or a bilingual format.
Choose Central Gazette if:
- You work with a central government department like Railways, Defence, Income Tax, or PSUs.
- You specifically need it for passport purposes (though state is often accepted).
- You are planning to move outside Karnataka and want pan-India recognition.
- You need it for international legal matters or official use abroad.
Pro tip for most applicants:
If you’re updating documents like Aadhaar, PAN, bank records, driving licence, voter ID, or educational certificates, the Karnataka State Gazette (e-Rajyapatra) is usually more than enough. It’s faster, easier, and more affordable. Go for the Central Gazette only if there’s a specific requirement that clearly asks for it.
How the Karnataka e-Rajyapatra Process Works (2026 Update)
Since 2018, the process has been fully digitised. Here’s how it works in 2026:
Affidavit Preparation
Prepare an affidavit on a ₹20 to ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper. This must be notarised in Karnataka. Mention your old name, new name, reason, and address.
Newspaper Advertisement
Publish your name change in two newspapers—one English (e.g., Deccan Herald) and one Kannada (e.g., Prajavani or Vijaya Karnataka).
Online Submission
Go to erajyapatra.karnataka.gov.in and upload your affidavit, newspaper cuttings, Aadhaar card, and photograph.
Fee Payment via K2 Portal
Pay the required fee through the K2 Portal, Karnataka’s official treasury payment system.
DPSP Review & Download Gazette PDF
Your application is reviewed by DPSP (takes 5-10 days). Once approved, download your digital gazette certificate with a QR code for verification.
Why Some Service Providers Publish Incorrect Information
Many gazette publication services based in Mumbai, Delhi, or Ahmedabad were originally built around the Central Gazette system. Most of their website content was created before 2018 and hasn’t been properly updated since then.
Because of this, you might still come across pages claiming that states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, or Kerala “do not have a state gazette.” That information is outdated and no longer correct.
The Correct Position in 2026
Here’s the verified status for major states:
- ✅ Karnataka — has e-Rajyapatra (operational since 2018)
- ✅ Tamil Nadu — publishes through Stationery and Printing Department
- ✅ Kerala — has official Kerala Gazette (kerala.gov.in/gazette)
- ✅ Maharashtra — publishes Maharashtra Government Gazette
Always verify information directly from official state portals, not third-party service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the Karnataka State Gazette legally valid for Aadhaar name change?
Yes, it is valid. UIDAI accepts a Karnataka State Gazette notification as proof of name change when updating your Aadhaar at any enrolment centre in the state.
Q2. Can I use the Karnataka Gazette for a passport name change?
Yes, you can. The Regional Passport Office in Bengaluru and other centres accept e-Rajyapatra notifications. For frequent international travel, some still prefer Central Gazette for added support.
Q3. How long does the Karnataka Gazette process take in 2026?
It usually takes around 15 to 25 days from start to finish, including affidavit, newspaper ad, and DPSP processing time.
Q4. What does it cost?
The government fee is usually between ₹400 and ₹650. Total cost (including affidavit, 2 newspaper ads, and processing) typically ranges between ₹2,500 to ₹4,500.
Q5. Is Kannada mandatory in the Karnataka Gazette notification?
No, it's not mandatory, but using both Kannada and English is highly recommended for smoother acceptance across all state departments.
Q6. Can NRIs from Karnataka use the e-Rajyapatra portal?
Yes, provided they have valid Karnataka address proof. Affidavits executed abroad must be attested by the Indian Consulate and apostilled.