What Is Attestation?
Attestation is proof that a person gets about the certificate's originality. Moreover, also comes to know that the information that is written in the document is accurate. Attestation is done on a document (educational, personal, or commercial) in a form of a signature, stamp, or a seal. This adds authenticity to the document.

This is an important step for all the documents. The Ministry of External Affairs does the final attestation on the documents by placing a stamp and signature. An individual requires some documents to apply for a visa to another country. But, the simple certificate does not let the foreign country know about the accuracy and originality of a document. So, attested documents tell the other person that the certificate is genuine.

On Which Documents Are The Attestation Done?
There are mostly three types of categories for which documents are attested. These are as follows:
● Personal Document
● Educational Document
● Commercial Document

The process that needs to follow for the attestation of a degree certificate
A person has to follow a series of steps to complete the attestation of a degree certificate. The steps are mentioned below:

● Notary Attestation: This is an essential step to begin the attestation of a degree certificate. In this step, the documents are sent to the notary for attestation and then after verification, the degree certificate is stamped and signed by the notary.

● SDM/State Attestation: Further moving, there are two authorities that work in a similar manner. The documents can be sent to any of them that is either the State or SDM. At first, the authorities will examine the details that are mentioned in the certificate. Later on, the authority that has checked the details will accomplish the attestation process with a signature or a stamp on the degree certificate.

● Ministry of External Affairs: This is being one of the most important steps for the attestation of documents. With each and every detail in mind, the documents are checked cautiously by the Ministry of External Affairs. After the investigation of documents is completed then an apostille stamp is placed on the degree certificate. This apostille stamp has a unique number that can be used by the foreign country to check details online. This is the last step for all the nations that are a part of the Hague Convention.

● Embassy Attestation: In case any country asks for an embassy attestation, or is not a part of Hague Nations then embassy attestation is done. Here the documents and a certain fee are deposited to the embassy. When the country has analyzed the details carefully, then the documents are finally attested by them.

What Is Better SDM Attestation Or A State Attestation?
The work of the authorities is the same so in terms of work, SDM and State attestation, both are similar. However, in terms of time, the attestation of the degree certificate done by the SDM gets completed in three to five days. On the contrary, state attestation is more time-consuming and takes around three to four weeks to finish the attestation of the degree certificate. So, it is better to select the SDM attestation over the state attestation.

Why Does A Person Actually Need Attestation Of A Degree Certificate?
There are several reasons that make the attestation of a degree certificate essential. Some of them are listed below:
● In case the applicant wants to go abroad for higher studies.
● When an individual plan to reside in some other country and applies for a permanent resident visa.
● A person that goes on a work visa abroad.
● Any individual that applies for a business visa.

Which Documents Are Needed For The Degree Certificate Attestation In India?
There are some of the documents that a person should have with themselves for the degree certificate attestation in India. The documents should be in a good condition. So, let’s have a look at the documents:

● Major Documents
1. Original degree certificate

● Supporting Documents
1. A photocopy of a passport
2. Aadhar card photocopy is also needed.
3. A person should carry a photocopy of their license.

What Is The Validity Of A Attested Degree Certificate?
Every document has a certain validity. In the same way, the attested degree certificate is also valid for a period of 6 months. However, there are countries that accept an attested certificate that is a year old. So, an apostille service provider can tell the exact duration of the document. At first, the document and the country will be analyzed, and then only the exact duration of the degree certificate can be known.

Is The Process The Same For The Attestation Of Educational Certificates And Personal Certificates?
The procedure to attest the educational documents that are any degree, mark sheet, diploma, or any other document that is related to that is exactly similar to that is followed for personal documents. The personal document can be a marriage certificate, birth certificate, divorce certificate, or any other that falls under this category.

How Much Time Does It Take To Get The Attestation Of A Degree Certificate In India Done?
Generally, the attestation of a degree certificate in India is completed in a time of 10 to 15 days. Although, there are a few cases where the attestation takes more time. These depend on documents or in case any uncertainty occurs.

What Is The Cost A Person Has To Pay For The Degree Certificate Attestation In India?
A person has to pay a certain fee to get the attestation of a degree certificate in India done. The charges depend on several factors such as the type of document, and the number of documents. Moreover, the fees that are paid to the apostille service provider.

Lastly, if any extra service like pick and drop of certificate is taken then that is also added to the cost. It is better to contact a trustworthy and genuine service provider to know the charges that a person has to pay to get the attestation of the degree certificate done.