How to Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate in India

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document that proves that you have no criminal record or pending criminal charges against you. In India, the PCC is issued by the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Regional Passport Office (RPO). The following is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PCC in India.

1. Gather the required documents: To apply for a PCC in India, you need to have the following documents:

 * Passport-sized photographs (2-3)
 * A photocopy of your passport (all pages, including blank pages)
 * A photocopy of your address proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
 * A photocopy of your birth certificate

2. Register on the Passport Seva website: Visit the Passport Seva website (https://portal2.passportindia.gov.in/) and register yourself. If you are already registered, log in using your username and password.

3. Fill in the application form: Once you have logged in, select the "Police Clearance Certificate" option and fill in the application form with your personal and contact details.

4. Schedule an appointment: After filling in the application form, you need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) to submit your documents and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

5. Pay the application fee: The application fee for a PCC in India is INR 500. You can pay the fee online through the Passport Seva website or in cash at the PSK or RPO.

6. Submit your documents: On the day of your appointment, bring all the required documents along with the photocopies and submit them at the PSK or RPO. Your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will also be collected.

7. Track the status of your application: You can track the status of your PCC application online through the Passport Seva website.

8. Collect your PCC: Once your application is processed, you will receive an email or SMS notification informing you that your PCC is ready for collection. You can collect your PCC from the PSK or RPO where you submitted your application.

In summary, applying for a Police Clearance Certificate in India involves registering on the Passport Seva website, filling in the application form, scheduling an appointment, paying the application fee, submitting your documents and biometric data, tracking the status of your application, and collecting your PCC.