How to Legally Change Your Name in Bangalore: Complete Guide for Bachelor's Students (2026):

Stop the bullying. Take control. Here's exactly how to change your name legally in Bangalore while pursuing your Bachelor's degree.

---

Quick Answer:

A legal name change in Bangalore requires a notarized affidavit, newspaper advertisements, and a gazette notification. The process takes 5-9 weeks and costs ₹2,460-₹4,450. Start the process before graduation, and your Bachelor's certificate will carry your new name.

Can You Change Your Name While Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Bangalore?

Yes, absolutely. A Bachelor's student in Bangalore does not have to wait until graduation to change their name. Whether you study at Christ University, REVA University, BMSCE, VTU-affiliated college, Bangalore University, or another college, you can start the name change process during your 2nd year, 3rd year, or any other year of your degree.

The key fact: Your Bachelor's certificate only comes after you graduate. Since the university has not issued it yet, you can complete your name change while you are still studying. This means:

• ✅ If you complete legal name change NOW, your final Bachelor's certificate shows your NEW name.
• ✅ No corrections needed after graduation.
• ✅ Your college registrar updates records automatically.
• ✅ Your degree certificate reflects only your chosen identity.

Action required: Start the name change process now and aim to complete it before your final year. This gives your college enough time to update your academic records before it prepares your Bachelor's certificate.

Why Change Your Name? Valid Reasons in India:

There are several reasons why you may choose to change your legal name:

• Bullying (most common for students).
• Spelling correction of existing name.
• Personal choice or identity preference.
• Religious reasons or spiritual name.
• Gender identity alignment.
• Professional branding (different name for career).
• Caste-related social concerns.

Indian law recognizes all these reasons. Your affidavit provides the formal declaration of your name change, so you do not need to give any further justification.

The Complete Legal Process: 5 Simple Steps:

Step 1: Get a Notarized Affidavit (1-3 Days):

What is a notarized affidavit? It is a sworn legal statement that carries the stamp of a notary public or magistrate.

What you need:

• Non-judicial stamp paper (₹10-₹100 in Karnataka).
• Pen and basic information.

Where to find notaries in Bangalore:

Location	Details
District Court, Bangalore	High Court Campus, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, Bangalore 560001
City Civil Court	Near Vidhana Soudha, Central Bangalore
Indiranagar notaries	Private offices near Haldiram's area
Koramangala notaries	South Bangalore area
MG Road notaries	Central business district
Whitefield notaries	Tech hub area (East Bangalore)
Marathahalli notaries	Electronic City approach road

Cost: ₹50-₹250

Affidavit must include:

• Your current (old) name.
• Your new name.
• Your father's name.
• Your full address (Bangalore).
• Your date of birth.
• Reason for name change (e.g., "Personal choice," "To avoid bullying," "Identity preference").
• Your signature.
• Notary public's stamp and signature.

Result: You receive 1 original notarized affidavit as proof of your declared name change.

Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisements (1-7 Days):

Why newspapers? Indian law requires public notice of your name change, which helps prevent identity fraud.

Which newspapers?

• ONE national English daily: The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Times of India, Indian Express.
• ONE regional Kannada daily: Kannada Prabha, Prajavani, Vijaya Karnataka, Kannada Manorama.

Where to book in Bangalore:

Newspaper	Office Location	Phone
Deccan Herald	Race Course Road, Bangalore	Local directory
The Hindu	Bangalore edition office	Local directory
Kannada Prabha	Vijayanagar, Bangalore	Local directory
Prajavani	Bangalore office	Online booking
Online portals	Deccan Herald website, Prajavani online	No phone needed

Ad text must include:

• Your old legal name.
• Your new chosen name.
• Your father's full name.
• Your residential address (street, area, Bangalore).
• Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
• Reason for name change.
• Date of notarized affidavit.
• Your signature.

Cost: ₹1,000-₹2,500 (total for both papers).

Critical: On the publication day, make sure you buy the original printed newspapers from:

• News stands (MG Road, Indiranagar, Whitefield, Jayanagar).
• Newspaper vendors in your residential area.
• Direct from newspaper offices.
• DO NOT use photocopies or digital screenshots (passport authorities reject them).

Result: You will have two original full-page newspaper clippings as proof of publication.

Step 3: Complete Official Application Proforma (1 Day):

What is the proforma? It is the official name change application form issued by the Government of India.

Where to download: deptpub.gov.in (Department of Publication website):

Requirements:

• Print on clean white paper (not handwritten).
• Fill with your details carefully.
• Sign with your current legal signature.
• Get TWO witness signatures (can be friends, colleagues, neighbors; NOT government officials).
• Witness names, addresses, and phone numbers required.
• Create digital CD or pen drive copy in MS Word format.

Where to print/prepare in Bangalore:

• Any cybercafé (abundant in all areas).
• Xerox shop.
• Home printer.

Witness requirements:

• Must be adults (18+).
• Must know you.
• Can be anyone (friends, colleagues, landlord).
• Both must sign on the same form.
• Their phone numbers required.

Result: You receive the signed application proforma along with a digital CD copy of the required documents.

Step 4: Pay Government Fee on Bharatkosh (5 Minutes):

What is Bharatkosh? It is the Government of India’s official portal for making online payments.

Website: bharatkosh.gov.in

Steps:

1. Visit bharatkosh.gov.in.
2. Click "Non-Tax Receipts".
3. Select "Gazette Name Change Notification".
4. Enter amount: ₹1,100 (for adults).
5. Enter your details.
6. Choose payment method:
   • Debit card.
   • Credit card.
   • Net banking.
   • UPI (some banks).
7. Complete payment.
8. Download and print the receipt.

Cost: ₹1,100 (adults) / ₹1,700 (minors).

Can be done from:

• Your home.
• College.
• Cybercafé.
• Any place with internet.

Result: Keep the printed Bharatkosh payment receipt as proof of your payment.

Step 5: Mail Complete File to Department of Publication, Delhi (5-7 Days Mailing + 25-45 Days Processing):

Complete file includes (8 documents):

1. Notarized affidavit (original).
2. Two newspaper clippings (full pages, original).
3. Signed application proforma (original).
4. Digital CD with application text in MS Word.
5. Self-attested Aadhaar or PAN card (both sides, photocopied).
6. Self-attested address proof (utility bill or rent agreement copy).
7. Two passport-size photos (2"×2", clear background).
8. Bharatkosh payment receipt (printed).

Mailing address:

Department of Publication
Civil Lines
Delhi – 110054
India.

How to mail from Bangalore:

Method	Cost	Time	Where
India Post Speed Post	₹300-₹400	5-7 days	Main Post Office (Cubbon Park Road), Local branch post offices
Registered Post	₹200-₹300	7-10 days	Any Post Office in Bangalore
Blue Dart Courier	₹400-₹600	3-5 days	Multiple Bangalore locations
FedEx/DHL	₹500-₹800	3-5 days	Bangalore airport area, business districts

Best option: Use India Post Speed Post to send it from the Main Post Office (Cubbon Park Road) or your local branch.

Important: Hold on to the tracking receipt and tracking number so you can check the delivery status later.

Processing timeline after receipt in Delhi:

• Document verification: 5-10 working days.
• Gazette printing: 15-35 working days.
• Total: 25-45 working days.

Result: Your gazette notification appears in Part IV of the Gazette of India, which serves as the official record of your name change.

How to Download Your Gazette Notification (FREE):

Website: egazette.gov.in (Official e-Gazette portal):

Steps:

1. Visit egazette.gov.in.
2. Click "Search Gazette".
3. Select "Weekly Gazette".
4. Choose "Part IV" (this is where personal name changes are published).
5. Enter your publication date (you'll receive email notification).
6. Search by your old name OR new name.
7. Click "Standard Report".
8. Click file link to download PDF.
9. Save and print (completely free).

Your downloaded PDF:

• ✅ Is digitally signed by the government.
• ✅ Has legal validity across India.
• ✅ Is accepted by all government offices.
• ✅ Never expires.
• ✅ Can be printed anytime.

Once the gazette publishes your name change, this becomes your most important document.

Timeline & Cost Breakdown:

Complete Timeline

Phase	Duration
Step 1: Affidavit notarization	1-3 days
Step 2: Newspaper ad publication	1-7 days
Step 3: Application preparation	1-2 days
Step 4: Online fee payment	5 minutes
Step 5a: Mailing to Delhi	5-7 days
Step 5b: Government processing	25-45 working days
TOTAL TIME	34-64 days (roughly 5-9 weeks)

When to start: Begin the process NOW, during your 2nd year, so you can complete it before graduation.

Complete Cost Breakdown:

Expense	Cost
Stamp paper	₹10-₹100
Notary fee	₹50-₹250
Newspaper advertisements (both papers)	₹1,000-₹2,500
Government gazette fee	₹1,100
Speed post/courier	₹300-₹500
Miscellaneous (printing, CD, photos)	₹100-₹200
TOTAL SELF-MANAGED COST	₹2,460-₹4,550

If hiring a lawyer: You may pay ₹5,000-₹10,000 extra, but most straightforward cases do not need a lawyer.

Your cost is WAY cheaper than hiring professional help.

How to Update Bachelor's Certificate Before Graduation:

After your gazette notification arrives, contact your college registrar without delay and begin the process of updating your academic records.

Registrar offices in popular Bangalore colleges:

College	Registrar Location	Type
Christ University	Bangalore campus (Hosur Road area)	Private
REVA University	Kattigenahalli, East Bangalore	Private
BMSCE	Basavanagudi, South Bangalore	Private
VTU Affiliated Colleges	Individual college campuses	Multiple
Bangalore University	Central College area	Government
SVCE (Sri Venkateswara College)	Bangalore area	Private
Dayananda Sagar College	Bangalore	Private
RV College	Bangalore	Private

Documents to submit to registrar:

• Printed gazette notification (2-3 copies).
• Original notarized affidavit.
• College name change request form (college provides).
• Your college ID card.

Timeline: Your college updates your academic records and prepares your new certificate with your new name for graduation.

Cost: Most colleges do not charge for this, but some may ask for ₹100-₹500 to issue the new certificate..

Important: Inform your registrar before your final semester so the college can update your records without delays.

How to Update Other Documents After Gazette Notification:

After you receive your gazette notification, update your records in this order:

1. Aadhaar Card Update:

Where: UIDAI Enrollment Centers in Bangalore:

• Indiranagar UIDAI center.
• Whitefield UIDAI center.
• MG Road UIDAI center.
• Jayanagar UIDAI center.
• Marathahalli UIDAI center (Electronic City area).

Documents needed:

• Printed gazette notification.
• Your Aadhaar card.
• ID proof.

Process: Complete a biometric update using your fingerprints.

Timeline: 7-15 days.

Cost: Free.

2. PAN Card Update:

Where: You can complete the process online through the Protean portal or UTIITSL website.

Documents needed:

• Scanned gazette notification.
• Updated ID proof (Aadhaar after update).

Process: File correction application online.

Timeline: 2-4 weeks (new card mailed).

Cost: Free.

3. Passport Update:

Where: Apply through the Passport Seva website or visit your local Passport Kendra.

Documents needed:

• Printed gazette notification.
• Updated Aadhaar.
• Original affidavit.

Process: Submit an application for re-issuance under the "Change of Name" category.

Timeline: 2-4 weeks.

Cost: ₹0-₹500 (if reissued).

4. Bank Account Update:

Where: Visit your bank branch in Bangalore.

Documents needed:

• Printed gazette notification.
• Updated ID proof.

Process: Visit your bank branch and fill out the KYC update form.

Timeline: 7 days.

Cost: Free.

5. Voter ID Update

Where: Use the Election Commission portal for the update.

Documents needed:

• Scanned gazette notification.

Process: File online correction application.

Timeline: 3-4 weeks.

Cost: Free.

6. Driving License Update (Optional):

Where: Visit the RTO (Regional Transport Office) Bangalore.

Documents needed:

• Printed gazette notification.
• Current driving license.

Process: Submit an application to update your name after the legal name change.

Timeline: 1-2 weeks.

Cost: ₹100-₹500.

Frequently Asked Questions: Name Change in Bangalore:

Q1: Will a name change affect my Bachelor's degree certificate?

A: No. It will improve it. Your final degree certificate will carry your new chosen name. Your college will not place your old name on the final document. This gives you a clear benefit when you change your name before graduation.

Q2: Can I change my name while studying in a Bangalore college?

A: Yes. Christ University, REVA, BMSCE, Bangalore University, and other Bangalore colleges handle student name changes as part of their academic records process. Your college registrar knows the process and can guide you through the required steps.

Q3: What if my Bangalore college doesn't cooperate?

A: They must accept it under the law. Your gazette notification is a government document, so the college must recognize your new name. If they refuse, escalate to:

• VTU Registrar (if VTU-affiliated).
• Bangalore University Registrar (if BU-affiliated).
• State Higher Education Department, Karnataka.

Q4: Do I need to hire a lawyer for legal name change?

A: No. You can handle this process yourself. Lawyers charge ₹5,000-₹10,000 for a process that costs ₹2,500-₹4,500 DIY. The process is straightforward and does not require legal expertise.

Q5: What if someone asks why I changed my name?

A: You do not need to explain your choice to anyone. Your reason is your own. For official purposes, "personal choice" is a valid reason. Bullying is also a valid reason under Indian law. You can keep your reason private if you prefer.

Q6: Will my old name disappear from all documents?

A: Your old name stays on historical documents such as your 10th marksheet, 12th certificate, and old college transcripts. New documents such as your degree certificate, bank accounts, Aadhaar, and passport will carry your new name. If you need to prove the connection between both names, show the old document along with your gazette notification.

Q7: What if my gazette application is rejected?

A: Most applications go through without rejection. Common reasons for rejection include:

• Spelling mismatch between affidavit and newspaper ads.
• Missing witness signatures.
• Incomplete newspaper clippings (photocopies instead of originals).
• CD text doesn't match printed form exactly.
• Wrong payment amount.

Solution: Fix the error and resubmit your application. You will not get a refund of ₹1,100, but you can resubmit without paying another fee.

Q8: Can I change my name again if I regret it?

A: Yes, but it is not ideal. You can submit another gazette application, but the new application costs ₹1,100 and takes 2 months. Make your choice with care.

Q9: Does bullying stop after name change?

A: Not by magic. But the way you see yourself can change. You now have a name YOU chose. You take back control. That power is real. Your gazette notification gives you legal proof. Bullying can lose its hold when you stop accepting it.

Q10: Can I use my new name on my college applications, resume, social media?

A: Yes, you can. Once your gazette notification appears, use your new name across all your records and profiles. Update your resume, LinkedIn, Instagram, and email signature. You are legally that person.

Q11: Do employers care about name changes?

A: No. Once your name appears in the gazette, your new name becomes your legal identity. You do not need to explain your name change to employers. Use your new name for your employment records and official documents.

Q12: Can I change my name if I'm on a student visa or scholarship?

A: Yes. Inform your college registrar and the scholarship body about your gazette notification. They can update their records with your new name.

Q13: What about my college email ID?

A: Ask your college IT department to change it. Some colleges link the email to your student ID number, so the address may not change with your name. Your registrar can tell you what applies to your college.

Q14: Can minors (under 18) change their names?

A: Yes. For a minor, the parent or legal guardian handles the application. The gazette fee for minors is ₹1,700, which is higher than the adult fee. The same process applies to minors.

Q15: What's the difference between a Central Gazette and State Gazette?

A:

• Central Gazette (Part IV): Recognized nationwide, required for passport and income tax, costs ₹1,100, takes 30-45 days.
• State Gazette (Karnataka): Faster (15 days), cheaper (₹500-₹800), but limited to state-level recognition.

Recommendation: Choose the Central Gazette when you need nationwide acceptance.