The Free Passport Scheme is an initiative by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Haryana, aimed at encouraging students to pursue higher education and international opportunities. Under this scheme, final-year undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students studying in government colleges receive reimbursement of their passport application fees.
The passport application procedure remains the same as a regular passport application, and students are expected to complete the process independently before claiming reimbursement.
Benefits
- Reimbursement of ₹1,500/- for passport application fees.
- Mode of Disbursement: The reimbursement is processed through the respective college where the student is enrolled.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Haryana.
- Educational Qualification: The applicant must be a final-year student of a UG or PG program in a government college in Haryana.
- Passport Status: The applicant must not already hold a valid passport.
Exclusions
- Students studying in private colleges are not eligible.
- Students who already possess a passport are not eligible.
Application Process
Step 1: Apply for Passport through the Passport Seva Portal
- Register on the Passport Seva portal: https://www.passportindia.gov.in.
- Login using credentials and choose the applicable option (Fresh Passport).
- Fill out the application form carefully and submit.
- Pay the passport fee of ₹1,500/- online using:
- Internet Banking
- Debit Card / Credit Card
- SBI Challan
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Print the application receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN) and appointment details.
Step 2: Attend the Passport Appointment
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) on the scheduled appointment date.
- Carry the original documents submitted in the application (with self-attested copies).
- Complete the pre-verification process and collect a token.
- Submit the documents at Counter A.
- Attend the verification process at Counter B.
- Final approval is granted by the granting officer at Counter C.
- Once police verification is complete, the passport is issued, printed, laminated, and dispatched to the student’s registered address.
Step 3: Apply for Passport Fee Reimbursement
- Visit the official website of the Free Passport Scheme (Haryana).
- Click on “Apply for Passport Fee Reimbursement”.
- Login using credentials (same as ERP Portal login for students).
- Fill out the reimbursement form and upload a copy of the passport.
- Click “Submit”.
Step 4: Verification and Fee Reimbursement Process
- College Verification:
- The college administration will verify the details submitted by the student.
- Payment Challan Generation:
- The college head office will generate the Challan/EPS through the e-Salary website.
- Reimbursement from the Treasury:
- After treasury clearance, the amount will be credited directly to the student’s bank account.
Documents Required
For Passport Application
-
Address Proof (Any one of the following):
- Aadhaar Card
- Electricity Bill
- Water Bill
- Telephone Bill (Landline or Postpaid Mobile)
- Proof of Gas Connection
- Voter ID
- Income Tax Assessment Order
- Registered Rent Agreement
- Bank Account Passbook (Photo Passbook)
-
Proof of Date of Birth (Any one of the following):
- Birth Certificate issued by a municipal body.
- Secondary School Leaving Certificate or a Certificate issued by a recognized Board.
-
Other Required Documents:
- Student ID Card.
- Bonafide Certificate (Study Certificate) issued by the college.
- A certificate/letter stating that original educational certificates are not available.
- Photocopies of certificates attested by the head of the institution.
For Reimbursement Application
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bank Account Details (Linked to Aadhaar).
- Copy of Issued Passport.
- College Verification Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the Free Passport Scheme, and who implements it?
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Haryana, to reimburse passport application fees for final-year students in government colleges. - Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Free Passport Scheme?
Students who are permanent residents of Haryana, are in their final year of UG/PG courses in a government college, and do not already have a passport. - Q: Is the scheme available for students of private colleges?
No, only students studying in government colleges in Haryana are eligible. - Q: What expenses does the Free Passport Scheme cover?
The scheme covers the passport application fee of ₹1,500/-. - Q: Do students need to pay the passport fee first and then apply for reimbursement?
Yes, students must first apply and pay for the passport. Once the passport is issued, they can apply for reimbursement. - Q: How can a student apply for passport fee reimbursement?
Students can apply through the official Free Passport Scheme portal and submit a reimbursement request after their passport is issued. - Q: What happens after a student submits the reimbursement application?
The college verifies the application, generates a payment challan, and forwards it to the state treasury for final disbursement. - Q: When will students receive the reimbursement amount?
Once the treasury clears the payment, the reimbursement is directly credited to the student’s bank account. - Q: What documents are required to apply for the passport?
Students need address proof, date of birth proof, student ID, bonafide certificate, and attested photocopies of certificates. - Q: Is there a minimum attendance requirement to be eligible for the scheme?
No specific attendance requirement is mentioned, but students must be actively enrolled in their final year. - Q: How long does it take for the passport to be issued?
The standard processing time for a normal passport is 25-30 days after successful verification. - Q: Where should students submit their passport application?
Students must apply online at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) via https://www.passportindia.gov.in. - Q: What happens if a student’s reimbursement application is rejected?
Students should contact their college administration to resolve issues. If still rejected, they may not be eligible. - Q: Can a student apply if they already hold a passport?
No, students who already have a passport are not eligible for this scheme.