📄 Phase 1: Pre-Departure Paperwork (Do this abroad)

Before you pack your bags, ensure these documents are processed in your current country of residence. Indian schools and boards (CBSE/ICSE) are strict about original, attested evidence.

• Apostilled Birth Certificate: If your child was born abroad, their birth certificate must be Apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or attested by the Indian Embassy. This is your primary proof of age.
• Original Transcripts (Last 3 Years): Secure stamped and signed progress reports. Some schools also require a “Character Certificate” or a “Letter of Recommendation” from the previous Principal.
• Transfer Certificate (TC) with Attestation: This is the single most important document. It must state the grade completed and whether the child is “promoted” to the next grade. For many Indian boards, the TC must be counter-signed by the local education authority or the Indian Consulate.
• Vaccination & Health Records: Ensure the yellow immunization card is updated. Indian schools often require specific vaccinations (like Typhoid or Hepatitis A) that might not be standard in Western schedules.

🏗️ Phase 2: On-Ground Execution (Groundwork in India)

Once you land, the focus shifts to local compliance and “Equivalence.”

1. The AIU Equivalence Certificate

If your child is joining Grade 10 or 12 from a foreign board (like the US High School Diploma or the French Baccalaureate), you MUST apply for an Equivalence Certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

• Why? Without this, they cannot sit for Indian competitive exams (JEE/NEET) or seek admission to most Indian universities.
• India Wapsi Role: We manage the entire AIU application, including the submission of grade-conversion charts.

2. Digital Identity Integration (Aadhaar & OCI)

• Aadhaar Card: This is now mandatory for school registrations in most states. Ensure your child’s biometric data is updated as soon as you arrive.
• OCI Card: If your child is a foreign citizen, ensure their OCI card is current. Schools require this to categorize them as “NRI/OCI” for fee structures.

3. Second Language Bridge-Work

Most Indian boards require a second (and sometimes third) language, usually Hindi, Sanskrit, or a Regional Language.

• The Groundwork: We recommend starting “Language Bridge Tutors” at least 3 months before the school term starts to prevent the child from feeling overwhelmed.

🛠️ The India Wapsi “Groundwork” Toolkit

🛡️ The India Wapsi “Paperwork” Guarantee

• Verification: We review your foreign documents before you leave, ensuring you don’t have to fly back for a missing stamp.
• Liaison: We act as the bridge between you, the school registrars, and the AIU office in New Delhi.
• Transparency: Every document is stored in your secure India Wapsi Digital Vault, accessible for future college admissions.

“The paperwork is the foundation; the groundwork is the transition. We handle the files so you can handle the feelings.”