What is all about religion change in India?
As per Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, freedom of religion is one of the fundamental rights in India. India is a secular country and every Indian citizen has the right to practice and promote their own religion peacefully. This means changing religion (due to self-belief, marriage, or divorce) is legal in India provided the same is in good faith and not because of any coercion or application of force.
Duration Of The Process:
It would take approximately 15- 20 days to prepare the application of religion change. Once the application is submitted, it takes anywhere between 45-60 business days for the publication to be issued. Moreover, the applicant has to frequently visit the office of the Gazette publication to check the status. The entire process can be carried out online as well, from the comfort of your home. The copy of the gazette can be downloaded from the website
The Controller of Publications is the sole publisher of the Official Gazette of India. If they find the application/request to be vague, incomplete, misleading, or unlawful, they are at liberty to reject your application. This will cause you unwanted delays and hence you should do due diligence before submitting your religion change application. You need to take proper care so that the documents submitted are valid and are in proper order.
What are the documents required for religion change in India?
- Identity Proof – Pan card or Driving License or Passport or Aadhar Card or Voter ID
- Address proof – Aadhar Card or Ration Card or Electricity Bill
- Photo proof – One Passport Size Photo
- Application Form – Duly signed application form with all details of the old and new religion, old name, present address, contact details and the reason for religion change.
Optional Documents
- Marriage certificate (For married women)
- Affidavit (If any, made after conversion, etc.)
- Divorce papers (In case of divorce etc.)
What is the procedure of converting to different religions in India?
There are subtle differences among the procedures of converting to different religions in India.
Conversion to Islam
For conversion to Islam, one needs to visit a mosque in the locality and take Shahada in the presence of a Maulvi and two major witnesses. Once the Shahada is performed, the Maulvi will issue a conversion certificate on the letterhead of the mosque, which is called a Shahada certificate. This document includes the date and the details of the witnesses present. Once the individual receives the conversion certificate they can start practicing Islam. The conversion certificate needs to accompany the application form for notification in the official Government Gazette.
Conversion to Christianity
When one goes to the Church for changing the religion, a Baptism procedure will be performed. The person would get a new Christian name and a conversion certificate issued by the church. The conversion certificate needs to accompany the application form for notification in the official Government Gazette.
Conversion to Hinduism
To practice and get converted to Hinduism, there is no official conversion process or religious ceremony. One needs to have the will and the commitment only to study the scriptures and abide by the rules and practices followed in the Religion. In India, you can visit a nearby Arya Samaj temple and show your willingness towards conversion to Hinduism, post which they will issue you a certificate of conversion. The conversion certificate needs to accompany the application form for notification in the official Government Gazette.
