Top 10 Important Documents For The Citizens Of India

Top 10 Crucial Documents For Indians

The top 10 crucial documents that every Indian citizen is required to have are listed below in detail for one’s better understanding and reference:

1. Ration Card

A ration card is a primary document issued by the government of India through which eligible households can purchase food grains and other items at subsidised rates from the Public Distribution System (PDS). It helps people from the vulnerable sections of society especially those below the poverty line. A ration card is one of the measures taken by the government to protect people from going to sleep hungry, especially due to reasons like low income or unemployment.

2. Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is an official legal document that comprises necessary information about the individual to whom the government certificate is issued like name, date of birth, place of birth, time of birth, name of the parents or guardians, etc.

A birth certificate also helps the individual prove their citizenship in a country which is then used to apply for other government services like passports. With the help of the issued birth certificates, it becomes easier for the government to account for and manage data concerning the population which can then be used for various purposes and programmes.

3. Aadhaar Card

The Aadhaar card is one of India’s largest bio-metric-based identification systems issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and is used by all the citizens of India for
innumerable purposes. It contains a unique 12-digit identification number through which people can complete various tasks.

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4. Educational Documents

Education is one the most important components of one’s life and educational documents are a way of proving an individual’s educational qualifications. Some of the most important educational documents are as follows:

• 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree
• Professional courses certificate
• Certificate of Diplomas

5. Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card

A Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card is issued by the Income Tax Department of India and comprises a ten-character alphanumeric identifier. The identifier helps people in conducting a wide range of financial transactions such as investing in securities, purchasing property, or opening a bank account within the boundaries of the law.

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6. Passport

Passport allows people to travel from one country to another by being a measure of identity proving an individual’s identity and nationality. Individuals need to submit some supporting documents to apply for a passport such as

• Voter ID Card
• Aadhaar card or PAN card
• Utility bills
• Driving’ licence, etc.

7. Driving Licence

To drive a vehicle in India, people are mandated to have driving licences. Anyone above the age of 18 years can apply for a driving licence. Driving licences are required for driving vehicles such as motorcycles and motor vehicles ranging from light, medium, and heavy such as cars, jeeps, trucks, etc. Whoever clears the theory and practical exam is awarded their respective driving licences. Eligible individuals are required to attach some supporting documents while applying for a driving licence such as proof of address, an Aadhaar card, birth certificate, or Voter ID card.

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8. Voter ID Card

A Voter ID Card formerly known as the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India enables people to vote locally and nationally and also serves the role of identity proof. It comprises significant information like an individual’s name, photograph, date of birth, and a unique identification number.

9. Marriage Certificate

Married couples are required to officially register their marriage unions with the Registrar of Marriage in India by applying for a Marriage Certificate. While applying, applicants need to attach some supporting documents like birth certificates, Aadhaar cards, marriage invitations, and other such documents of the couple and pay a registration fee of Rs. 100 or Rs. 150.

10. Bank Passbook

Every bank working in India provides accountholders with passbooks which comprise all their financial activities such as details of both, deposits and withdrawals so that they can manage their funds effectively.