By Need to draft an affidavit in India but don’t know where to start? This comprehensive 2025 guide is your one-stop resource. We break down the exact affidavit format, provide multilingual templates (Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, etc.), and explain the critical legal aspects like stamp duty, notarization, and the serious consequences of perjury under the Indian Penal Code. Whether you need an affidavit for a name change, proof of address, or any other legal purpose, our expert guide will walk you through creating a legally sound document from start to finish.
A Comprehensive Guide to Drafting and Executing Affidavits in India
Your definitive, interactive manual for navigating the legal landscape of affidavits across all Indian states.
Last Updated: October 2025
The Universal Affidavit Template
This master template serves as the foundation for any general-purpose affidavit in India. It incorporates the essential legal components required across jurisdictions, making it a reliable starting point for your legal drafting needs.
AFFIDAVIT
BEFORE THE [NAME OF AUTHORITY]
AT [CITY, STATE]
Case No. / File No.: _________________________
IN THE MATTER OF:
[Name of Applicant]... Applicant
VERSUS
[Name of Respondent]... Respondent
I, [Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], aged about [Age] years, by occupation [Occupation], residing at [Full Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and state on oath as follows:
- That I am the deponent herein and am fully conversant with the facts and circumstances of the matter.
- That the statements made in paragraphs ____ are based on my personal knowledge...
- That [Statement of fact]...
VERIFICATION
Verified at [Place] on this the [Day] day of [Month], [Year], that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief...
____________________
(Signature of Deponent)
DEPONENT
____________________
(Signature & Seal of Attesting Authority)
NOTARY PUBLIC / OATH COMMISSIONER
Below is the core text of the affidavit, available in multiple languages for your convenience.
AFFIDAVIT
I, [Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], aged about [Age] years, by occupation [Occupation], residing at [Full Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and state on oath as follows:
- That I am the deponent herein...
- That the statements made are true to my knowledge...
VERIFICATION
Verified at [Place] on this the [Day] day of [Month], [Year], that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief...
Anatomy of a Legally Sound Affidavit
An affidavit is more than a statement; it's a sworn testimony with significant legal weight. Understanding its components is crucial for ensuring its validity. Below is an interactive breakdown of the key elements.
Heading & Jurisdiction
Clearly states the authority ("BEFORE THE...") and location ("AT..."). This establishes legal context and governs procedural rules.
Deponent's Preamble
Provides full identification (name, age, address) of the person making the statement (the deponent), ensuring accountability.
Solemn Affirmation
The core legal phrase ("...solemnly affirm and state on oath...") that transforms the document into sworn testimony, invoking penalties for perjury.
Body of Declarations
A series of numbered paragraphs, each containing a single, distinct statement of fact. This structure is essential for legal clarity and scrutiny.
Verification Clause
A mandatory declaration where the deponent re-asserts the truthfulness of all statements "to the best of my knowledge and belief."
Execution & Notarization
The deponent's signature and the attestation (signature, seal, registration number) by a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner, which authenticates the document.
Common Types of Affidavits and Their Uses
While the basic structure remains consistent, affidavits are tailored for specific purposes. Here are some of the most common types you'll encounter in India, each serving a unique legal or administrative function.
Affidavit for Name Change
Used to formally declare a change in one's name. It's a critical document for updating passports, bank records, and other official IDs after marriage, divorce, or personal choice.
Affidavit for Proof of Address
Serves as a sworn statement confirming a person's residential address, often used when other official proofs like utility bills are unavailable or not in the person's name.
Affidavit for Lost Documents
A declaration detailing the circumstances under which an important document (like a passport, degree certificate, or property deed) was lost, stolen, or destroyed. It's the first step in applying for a duplicate.
Affidavit of Income
A sworn statement declaring one's annual income from all sources. Commonly required for university admissions (EWS category), scholarships, and certain government schemes.
Affidavit for Gap Year
Required by educational institutions for students who have a gap in their academic timeline. The affidavit states the reason for the break, ensuring the student was not involved in any illegal activities.
Affidavit for No Criminal Record
A self-declaration stating that the deponent has no past or pending criminal cases. It is often required for visa applications, government jobs, and sensitive employment roles.
The Legal Stakes: Understanding Perjury
An affidavit is not just a form; it is a sworn testimony. Providing false information in an affidavit has severe legal consequences under Indian law. This act is known as perjury.
The Crime of Perjury: Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 191 (Giving False Evidence): Defines perjury as intentionally making a false statement, under oath, which one either knows to be false or does not believe to be true.
Section 193 (Punishment for False Evidence): Prescribes the punishment for perjury. If a false affidavit is submitted in a judicial proceeding, the penalty can be imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine. For non-judicial proceedings, it can extend to three years and a fine.
Always ensure every statement in your affidavit is accurate and truthful. The legal system relies on the sanctity of sworn statements, and courts take a very serious view of any attempt to mislead them.
State-Specific Compliance Framework
Procedural requirements, especially stamp duty, vary significantly across India. Use our interactive tools to find the correct compliance details for your state.
Stamp Duty Value Comparison
This chart visualizes the varying non-judicial stamp paper values required for affidavits in different Indian states. Higher bars indicate a higher cost.
State-wise Compliance Matrix
Filter and search through our comprehensive database to quickly find the stamp duty and e-stamping information for any state or union territory.
| State/Union Territory | Stamp Duty (₹) | E-Stamping | Official Portal/Authority |
|---|
No states found
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Multilingual Affidavit Templates
India's linguistic diversity is a cornerstone of its identity. We provide professionally translated affidavit templates in major regional languages to ensure accessibility and legal clarity for all.
AFFIDAVIT
I, ****, son/daughter/wife of ****, aged about **[Age in years]** years... do hereby solemnly affirm and state on oath as follows: ...
Best Practices & Execution Checklist
A flawless affidavit requires meticulous attention to detail during drafting and execution. Follow our expert checklist to create a legally robust document that stands up to scrutiny.
1. Verify State Requirements
Always begin by checking the **State-wise Compliance Matrix** above for the correct stamp duty and e-stamping rules in your jurisdiction.
2. Procure Correct Stamp Paper
Use the official SHCIL/state portal for e-stamping, or purchase physical non-judicial stamp paper of the exact required value from a licensed vendor.
3. Execute Before an Official
The deponent must physically appear before a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner. Carry valid photo ID for verification.
4. Sign in Presence, Not Before
Crucially, the deponent must sign the affidavit only in the physical presence of the attesting official. Pre-signing invalidates the process.
5. Ensure Proper Attestation
Verify the official signs, affixes their seal (with name and registration number), and records the notarization in their official register.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Navigating legal documents can bring up many questions. We've compiled answers to some of the most common queries about affidavits in India to provide you with quick and clear guidance.
