Self-Attestation — Meaning, Definition & Examples (Sarkari Exam 2026)
Category: Documents
Short definition: The practice of certifying photocopies of one's own documents as 'true copy of original' by signing them — replacing the older requirement of attestation by a Gazetted Officer or Notary.
What is Self-Attestation? (Detailed Explanation)
Self-attestation was introduced by the Government of India in 2014 (DoPT Office Memorandum) to reduce harassment and bureaucratic burden on applicants. Under this system, a candidate signs each photocopy of their own document with the words 'Self-attested' or 'True copy of original' along with the date. The candidate is then personally responsible for the authenticity.
Most central recruitment boards (SSC, UPSC, IBPS, RBI, RRB, Indian Railways) accept self-attested copies at the application stage. At document verification, originals are inspected against the self-attested copies — if any discrepancy is found, the candidate's candidature is cancelled and may face criminal prosecution under IPC Section 471 (using forged documents).
State Government recruitments and some PSU jobs (BHEL, BEL, ISRO, DRDO) still occasionally require Gazetted Officer attestation — usually for caste/category certificates. Always check the specific notification. The trend post-2014 is overwhelmingly towards self-attestation.
Live examples from Sarkari Exam notifications
- All SSC exams — self-attested copies at DV
- UPSC CSE — self-attested DAF documents
- IBPS PO — self-attested certificates for online verification
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Attestation
Q1. Do I need to self-attest every photocopy?
Yes. Each page of every document copy submitted should be signed and dated. Front-only attestation is sometimes accepted, but full attestation is safest.
Q2. What if my self-attested copy has a wrong detail?
If it is a typo on your part, you can request a correction at DV with the original. If it is an attempt to deceive (e.g., changed grade), candidature is cancelled and you may be debarred from future exams.
Q3. Is self-attestation valid for caste certificates?
Original or notarised copy is needed for caste certificates at DV. Self-attested photocopies are accepted only at the initial application stage; you must produce the original at verification.
Related Sarkari terms you should know
- Gazetted Officer — A government officer whose appointment, promotion, or posting is published in the official Gazette o…
- Document Verification (DV) — The final stage of Sarkari recruitment where shortlisted candidates appear with their original certi…
Where to learn more
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