A TC Number (Transfer Certificate Number) is a unique serial number assigned to the Transfer Certificate issued by a school when a student leaves the institution. The Transfer Certificate, also known as the School Leaving Certificate (SLC), is a mandatory legal document confirming that the student has paid all dues, passed the exams (or left mid-session), and is free to join another school.
The TC Number is the primary reference used by the new school to verify the authenticity of the document. In the age of digital education, this number is often used to fetch student details online from state education portals like Banglar Shiksha or Shala Darpan.
What Does TC Number Mean?
- Serial Record: It corresponds to the entry in the school’s “TC Issue Register”.
- Uniqueness: Every TC issued by a school has a different number (e.g., 2024/005).
- Validation: The district education officer (DEO) or the new school uses this number to validate that the certificate is not fake.
Why TC Number is Important
- Admission: No school will admit a student in Class 2 or above without a valid TC Number referenced in the application.
- UDISE Import: To shift a student’s PEN Number to the new school, the digital system often asks for the TC Number of the previous school.
- Passport/Date of Birth: The TC is often used as a valid proof of Date of Birth, and the TC number tracks the source of this proof.
Where is TC Number Used?
- Admission Form: Column: “Previous School TC No & Date”.
- Online Verification: Portals like CBSE’s TC verification system require this number.
- Passport Application: For ECR/Non-ECR checks if using school documents.
How to Find or Check TC Number
- Top Left/Right Corner: On the physical Transfer Certificate, the number is printed prominently at the top, usually labeled “Book No.__ Sl. No.” or “TC No.”.
- School Website: CBSE schools are mandated to upload TCs on their website. You can search using the student’s name.
- Counterfoil: If you lost the original, the school can find the number from their register counterfoil.
Example of TC Number
Format: It varies by school.
- Example 1: TC/2023-24/505 (Year + Serial).
- Example 2: 1055 (Simple Serial).
Scenario: You apply for a passport.
- Requirement: Proof of DOB.
- Document: You submit the TC.
- Check: The passport officer sees TC No: 4492 and might verify it if the school is local.
Common Problems or Errors
- Losing the TC: You cannot simply “download” a new one. You must apply for a “Duplicate TC” at the school, which will have a new TC Number.
- Data Mismatch: If the name on the TC (linked to TC number) differs from the Birth Certificate, admission becomes difficult.
Important Things to Remember
- Do not laminate the original TC until admission is done; the new school usually keeps the original.
- Note down the TC number and date before submitting it.
- Countersignature by the Education Officer is required if moving between different state boards.
For college admissions, this is replaced by the Migration Certificate Number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the TC number written on the certificate?
It is usually located at the top left or top right corner of the document. It may be labeled as ‘Serial No.’, ‘Admission No.’, or simply ‘TC No.’.
Can I get admission without a TC Number?
Generally, no. For admission to Class 2 onwards, a valid Transfer Certificate is mandatory. If you cannot produce one, some states allow an affidavit, but a TC is the standard requirement.
How can I verify a CBSE TC Number online?
Most CBSE schools upload issued TCs on their official websites. You can visit the school’s website, go to the ‘TC Verification’ or ‘Public Disclosure’ section, and enter the TC number to view the digital copy.
What is the difference between Admission Number and TC Number?
Admission Number (General Register No) is the ID given when you joined the school. TC Number is the serial ID given when you leave the school. Both are printed on the TC.
Is a countersigned TC required for changing states?
Yes, if you are transferring from a school in one state to a school in another state (especially State Board), the TC usually needs to be countersigned by the local District Education Officer (DEO) to be valid.