Gazette Name Change in West Bengal

Introduction

If you want to legally change your name in West Bengal, the name-change notification can be published through The Kolkata Gazette Part-II, Government of West Bengal. People commonly search for this process as “West Bengal Gazette Name Change,” but the official name of the State Gazette used for such notifications is The Kolkata Gazette Part-II.

This does not mean that the Gazette is only for people living in Kolkata city. Eligible applicants from different districts of West Bengal can use the prescribed Kolkata Gazette Part-II process for permitted matters such as change of name, correction of spelling, change of surname and other notified categories.

The process is different from the Central Gazette or Gazette of India process. West Bengal has its own online system, prescribed affidavit requirements, newspaper advertisement requirement, GRIPS payment process and Gazette publication mechanism.

Quick Overview of Gazette Name Change in West Bengal

What Is the West Bengal Gazette for Name Change?

For name-change matters in West Bengal, the relevant official State publication is The Kolkata Gazette Part-II. Therefore, when someone refers to “West Bengal Gazette for name change,” they are generally referring to the Kolkata Gazette Part-II process.

Kolkata Gazette Part-II is not a separate Gazette restricted only to Kolkata residents. It is a Government of West Bengal Gazette publication used for prescribed notifications relating to eligible applicants across the State.

The official Gazette portal specifically covers applications relating to Change of Name, including correction of spelling, Change of Surname, Gender and other prescribed public notices.

Who Publishes the Kolkata Gazette Part-II?

Earlier, printing of Part-II Gazette notifications was handled at the West Bengal Government Press, Alipore Campus. Under the Government of West Bengal notification dated 22 August 2022, publication of Kolkata Gazette Part-II was assigned to Saraswaty Press Limited, a Government of West Bengal enterprise.

Therefore, references to Saraswaty Press Limited in the current name-change process do not mean that it is a private Gazette. It publishes Kolkata Gazette Part-II under the Government of West Bengal framework.

Who Can Apply for Gazette Name Change in West Bengal?

Under the notified general guideline, an ordinary applicant should generally be 18 years of age or above and domiciled in West Bengal.

Eligible applicants can be from Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, Murshidabad, Malda, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman and other districts of West Bengal.

Government employees and certain special categories may have additional document or departmental requirements.

What Types of Name Changes Can Be Published?

Kolkata Gazette Part-II provides for several types of notifications. Depending on the applicant's situation, the process may relate to:

• Complete change of name
• Correction of spelling in name
• Change of surname
• Deletion of surname
• Reversion to maiden surname in applicable cases
• Name or surname changes connected with marriage or divorce
• Other permitted categories under the Gazette guidelines

The correct category should be selected according to the actual change required.

Step-by-Step Gazette Name Change Process in West Bengal

Step 1: Decide the Exact Old and New Name

The first step is to finalise the exact existing name and proposed new name. Do not prepare the affidavit or newspaper advertisement until the spelling of the new name is completely final.

For example:

Existing Name: Rajesh Kumar Das
Proposed New Name: Rajesh Kumar Dutta

The same spelling should later appear in the affidavit, newspaper advertisement, Gazette application and supporting declarations.

Differences involving initials, spaces, surname spelling or middle names can create problems during scrutiny and later document updates.

Step 2: Prepare the Name Change Affidavit

The affidavit is an important part of the West Bengal Change of Name process. Under the notified Kolkata Gazette Part-II procedure, a Change of Name application requires the prescribed affidavit duly attested by a First Class Judicial Magistrate.

This is an important point because many generic internet guides mention only a Notary affidavit. Applicants should follow the requirement prescribed for Kolkata Gazette Part-II instead of blindly using a Central Gazette or another State's format.

What Should the Affidavit Contain?

The affidavit should clearly establish who is changing the name and what the proposed new name will be. Relevant details generally include:

• Existing full name
• Proposed new full name
• Father's, husband's or applicable relation details
• Complete residential address
• Declaration regarding change of name
• Affidavit number and date
• Details of the authority before whom the affidavit is sworn

The details should remain consistent with the online Gazette application.

Where Can the Affidavit Be Prepared Locally?

An applicant does not generally need to go to Kolkata merely to get the initial affidavit drafted. The drafting and court-related preparation can usually be handled locally according to the jurisdiction of the applicant.

For example, an applicant residing in Howrah, Siliguri, Malda, Durgapur, Asansol, Nadia or another district can approach the competent local court system and obtain appropriate legal assistance for preparation of the affidavit.

The important requirement is not where the document was typed but whether the affidavit complies with the prescribed Gazette requirement.

Step 3: Publish the Name Change in a Newspaper

After preparation of the affidavit, a recent advertisement regarding the proposed name change has to be published in a daily local or national newspaper in accordance with the prescribed guideline.

The notified West Bengal guidelines permit the advertisement in languages including Bengali, English, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali and Santhali.

Therefore, it should not be stated that every applicant compulsorily needs two newspaper advertisements—one English and one Bengali—for a normal Kolkata Gazette Part-II application.

Sample Newspaper Advertisement

I, [Existing Name], son/daughter/wife of [Relation Name], residing at [Complete Address], have changed my name from [Existing Name] to [New Name] and shall henceforth be known as [New Name].

The exact wording can be adjusted according to the facts of the case. However, the old name, new name and personal details should match the affidavit.

Which Newspaper Should Be Used in West Bengal?

The Government guideline does not prescribe that every applicant must use one particular newspaper brand.

A suitable daily local or national newspaper complying with the prescribed requirement may be used. Depending on the district and preferred language, applicants may choose a recognised newspaper available in their area.

Do not assume that only a particular Bengali or English newspaper will be accepted unless the latest official instructions specifically state so.

Step 4: Keep All Required Documents Ready

Before starting the online application, scan the relevant documents clearly. Blurred, incomplete or badly cropped files may create unnecessary scrutiny.

Step 5: Apply on the Official Kolkata Gazette Part-II Portal

The West Bengal name-change Gazette application is submitted through the official Kolkata Gazette Part-II online portal.

The applicant has to register using the required personal details and mobile number. OTP-based verification is used as part of the online process.

The applicant should enter correct details at the registration stage because the same information may later be connected with application processing and communication.

Step 6: Choose the Correct Application Category

After login, select the category according to the actual requirement.

If the applicant is changing the full name, the appropriate category may be Change of Name. If only the surname is being changed or deleted, the portal separately provides for Change of Surname.

Choosing an incorrect category can result in unnecessary rectification or delay.

Step 7: Fill the Online Undertaking Carefully

The official Change of Name undertaking asks for details relating to the existing name, proposed name, residential address, relation details and affidavit information.

The applicant should enter the same name spelling used in the affidavit and newspaper advertisement.

For example, if the affidavit says “Sourav Kumar Sen,” do not enter “Sourav K. Sen” or “Sourav Sen” in the application unless that variation is specifically part of the case.

Step 8: Pay the Gazette Publication Fee

The published West Bengal guidelines prescribe a printing/publication charge of ₹1,100 for Change of Name.

The payment process is connected with the West Bengal Government GRIPS system. Applicants should complete the payment using the current details displayed by the official system and preserve the receipt.

Government fees can be revised through subsequent notifications, so the current amount should always be confirmed before payment.

Step 9: Upload the Documents

Upload clear scanned copies of all documents required for the selected category.

Before final submission, check that the affidavit is completely visible, the newspaper notice can be read clearly, the identity proof is not blurred and the payment receipt belongs to the correct application.

Do not upload an incomplete affidavit or a document where important text has been cropped.

Step 10: Submit the Application

Once all information and documents are checked, submit the application for scrutiny.

The concerned Gazette team reviews the submitted information and supporting documents. If the application is complete and compliant, it proceeds towards publication.

Step 11: Rectification if Any Mistake Is Found

If there is a document shortfall or a correction is required, the applicant may be informed through the registered mobile number and may be required to rectify the application through the prescribed online mechanism.

A rectification opportunity does not mean that applicants should submit incomplete applications intentionally. Checking everything before submission remains the safer approach.

Step 12: Publication in The Kolkata Gazette Part-II

After approval, the name-change notification is published in The Kolkata Gazette Part-II.

Published Change of Name and Change of Surname entries are available through the official Gazette system, and the applicant can obtain the relevant Gazette copy electronically after publication.

The final Gazette PDF should be kept safely because it may be required later while applying to update other records.

How Much Does Gazette Name Change Cost in West Bengal?

Under the published West Bengal guideline, the Gazette publication charge for a Change of Name application is ₹1,100.

This should not be confused with the total cost of the entire process. Separate expenses may arise for preparation of the affidavit, court-related work, newspaper advertisement, document preparation or professional assistance if the applicant chooses to take such assistance.

The Government Gazette fee should always be verified from the official portal before payment because fee structures may change.

How Long Does Gazette Name Change Take in West Bengal?

The notified guideline states that where all documents are found to be in order, the notification is intended to be issued within seven days of submission.

This should not be treated as an unconditional guarantee. Actual processing can take longer where documents require verification, details do not match, payment information is incorrect or rectification is required.

Applicants who need the Gazette for a passport, visa, admission, employment or other deadline should keep reasonable additional time available.

Where Is the West Bengal Gazette Help Desk?

The official guideline provides a help facility for applicants who require assistance with the online application.

Gazette Part-II Help Desk
Sealdah Office
32, A.P.C. Road
Kolkata – 700009

This address should not be confused with an instruction to courier every ordinary Gazette application there. The regular process is primarily online.

Can the Gazette Process Be Done from My Own District?

Yes. Applicants from different districts of West Bengal can generally complete much of the preparatory work locally.

For example, a person from Darjeeling may prepare the appropriate affidavit through the competent local process and arrange the newspaper advertisement there. The Gazette application can then be filed online through the prescribed State portal.

The same principle applies to applicants from Howrah, Hooghly, Malda, Nadia, Murshidabad, Jalpaiguri, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and other districts.

Do West Bengal Applicants Need to Send Documents to Delhi?

Not for an ordinary Kolkata Gazette Part-II application.

The Central Gazette/Gazette of India has a separate procedure administered under the Central Government framework. Instructions involving the Department of Publication in Delhi, BharatKosh or other Central submission requirements should not be mixed with the West Bengal State Gazette process.

West Bengal Gazette vs Central Gazette

Applicants should first determine which Gazette publication is actually required by the authority where they intend to use the changed name.

Change of Name vs Correction of Name

A legal name change and correction of an incorrect entry are not always the same process.

For example, if your correct name is Subhajit Chatterjee in Aadhaar, passport and birth records but a school certificate incorrectly shows Subhajit Chaterjee, the first issue may be correction of that particular certificate.

However, if your existing legal name is Subhajit Chatterjee and you intentionally want to become Arjun Chatterjee, it is a substantive change of name.

The Kolkata Gazette Part-II portal also expressly refers to Change of Name including correction of spelling, but the requirement of the authority holding the incorrect record should still be checked before choosing the process.

Change of Surname in West Bengal

The Gazette portal separately recognises Change of Surname. Therefore, applicants changing or deleting only a surname should carefully select the relevant category rather than automatically filing every case as a complete Change of Name.

The supporting affidavit and other documents should correspond with the type of surname change requested.

Name Change After Marriage in West Bengal

After marriage, a person may wish to add the spouse's surname, replace an existing surname or use another permitted form of name.

The documents required will depend on the actual change and on the authority where the applicant subsequently wants to update the record. A marriage certificate and existing identity documents may become relevant.

Gazette publication should not be described as automatically changing Aadhaar, PAN, passport or bank records. Each record has to be updated separately under the rules of the concerned authority.

Name or Surname Change After Divorce

Where an applicant wishes to revert to a maiden surname or previous surname after divorce or separation, additional documents such as the relevant competent court decree or order may be required under the applicable category.

The Gazette application should match the legal documents supporting the change.

Change After Death of Husband

Where a surname reversion is connected with the death of the husband, the death certificate issued by the competent authority may become an important supporting document depending on the applicable Gazette category.

West Bengal Government Employees

West Bengal State Government employees are also covered under the Gazette framework, but publication in the Gazette may not by itself complete every departmental requirement.

After publication, the employee may separately need to follow the concerned department's rules for updating service records, payroll, pension records or other official files.

What About Name Change for a Minor?

The general eligibility language in the notified Kolkata Gazette Part-II guideline refers to an ordinary applicant who has attained 18 years of age and is domiciled in West Bengal.

Therefore, a minor child's application should not simply copy the Central Gazette minor process or an adult West Bengal procedure without verification.

Where the applicant is below 18 years, the current process should first be confirmed with the Gazette authority, particularly when birth certificate details, parent names, custody or school records are involved.

Common Mistakes in West Bengal Gazette Name Change

• Calling it a Kolkata city-only Gazette instead of understanding that Kolkata Gazette Part-II is a Government of West Bengal publication.
• Following Central Gazette instructions for a West Bengal State Gazette application.
• Using only a simple Notary affidavit without checking the prescribed First Class Judicial Magistrate requirement.
• Using different spellings of the old or new name in different documents.
• Selecting Change of Name when the actual application belongs under Change of Surname.
• Publishing an advertisement with incorrect name or address details.
• Uploading blurred or incomplete documents.
• Entering incorrect payment information.
• Using an inactive mobile number for OTP or application communication.
• Assuming Gazette publication automatically changes every other government document.
• Submitting false, incomplete or misleading information.

What Happens After Gazette Publication?

Publication in The Kolkata Gazette Part-II creates an official public record of the approved notification, but it does not automatically modify every other record.

Depending on the applicant's requirements, the Gazette copy may later be used as supporting evidence while applying separately to update:

• Aadhaar
• PAN
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Driving Licence
• Bank Accounts
• Employment Records
• School or University Records
• Insurance Records
• Property-related Records

Each authority follows its own correction and name-change rules, so the documents accepted by one authority may differ from another.

Aadhaar Update After Gazette Publication

Aadhaar details have to be updated separately according to the current UIDAI rules. Gazette publication does not itself alter the Aadhaar database.

The applicant should check the current acceptable-document requirements before submitting the Aadhaar update request.

PAN and Bank Account Name Update

PAN records and bank accounts also require separate applications. The concerned authority or bank may ask for supporting identity documents and evidence of the name change depending on the case.

Keep the Gazette PDF, affidavit and other relevant records safely even after the publication process has been completed.

Passport Name Change After Gazette

Passport changes are governed by the current Passport Seva requirements. The exact supporting documents can vary according to whether the case involves a complete name change, surname change, marriage-related change or another situation.

Do not assume that publication in either a State Gazette or Central Gazette will be accepted in exactly the same manner for every passport-related case without checking the current passport requirements.

School, Board and University Records

Gazette publication does not automatically alter educational certificates.

Schools, examination boards and universities have their own rules regarding correction or change of name. Some matters may require Gazette evidence, while others may require additional documents or approval under the concerned institution's rules.

Is The Kolkata Gazette Part-II Only Valid in Kolkata?

No. The name “Kolkata Gazette” is the official Gazette title; it does not mean that the Gazette is only for Kolkata city residents.

The Kolkata Gazette Part-II is a Government of West Bengal publication used for prescribed categories under the State Gazette framework.

Does Everyone Need Central Gazette After West Bengal Gazette?

No single answer applies to every case.

If the authority where the applicant intends to update the name accepts the relevant State Gazette and supporting documents, a separate Central Gazette may not necessarily be required. If a particular authority specifically requires Gazette of India publication, the applicant should follow that authority's requirement.

For this reason, the final purpose of the name change should be checked before starting unnecessary duplicate Gazette procedures.

Final Checklist Before Submitting the Application

• Confirm the existing name exactly as per records.
• Finalise the exact proposed new name.
• Check every spelling before preparing the affidavit.
• Use the affidavit format and attestation required for the selected category.
• Make sure newspaper details match the affidavit.
• Use clear and readable scans.
• Select the correct Gazette application category.
• Verify the current Government fee before payment.
• Keep the GRIPS payment receipt safely.
• Use an active registered mobile number.
• Check every detail before final submission.

Official West Bengal Gazette Resources

The Kolkata Gazette Part-II – Government of West Bengal:
Visit Official Kolkata Gazette Part-II Portal

West Bengal Government GRIPS Portal:
Visit Official GRIPS Payment Portal

Gazette Part-II Help Desk:
Sealdah Office
32, A.P.C. Road
Kolkata – 700009

Government fees, procedures and document requirements may be revised from time to time. Applicants should verify the latest instructions on the official Gazette portal before making payment or submitting an application.

Conclusion

Gazette name change in West Bengal is carried out through The Kolkata Gazette Part-II, Government of West Bengal. Although people commonly call it the West Bengal Gazette, “The Kolkata Gazette Part-II” is the official name used for the relevant State Gazette publication.

The process generally involves finalising the new name, preparing the prescribed affidavit, publishing a newspaper notice, collecting supporting documents, applying online, paying the Government fee and completing scrutiny before Gazette publication.

Keeping the same old name, new name and personal details throughout the affidavit, newspaper advertisement and online application can help reduce avoidable objections and corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it called West Bengal Gazette or Kolkata Gazette?

People commonly search for “West Bengal Gazette,” but the official State Gazette used for these notifications is called The Kolkata Gazette Part-II.

2. Is Kolkata Gazette only for Kolkata residents?

No. It is a Government of West Bengal Gazette publication and the notified process applies to eligible applicants across West Bengal, subject to applicable requirements.

3. Can I apply for name change online?

Yes. The Kolkata Gazette Part-II system provides an online application process.

4. Can I apply from Howrah, Siliguri or another district?

Yes. Eligible applicants from other districts of West Bengal can use the prescribed State Gazette process. Preparatory work can generally be handled locally, while the application is submitted online.

5. Is an affidavit required?

Yes. For an ordinary Change of Name application, the notified process prescribes the applicable affidavit with First Class Judicial Magistrate attestation.

6. Is newspaper publication required?

Yes. A recent advertisement in a qualifying daily local or national newspaper forms part of the prescribed documents.

7. Are two newspapers compulsory?

The notified Kolkata Gazette Part-II guideline refers to one recent advertisement in a daily local or national newspaper. Applicants should nevertheless verify the latest portal requirement before publishing the notice.

8. Can the newspaper advertisement be in Bengali?

Yes. Bengali is among the languages recognised in the notified guidelines along with other listed languages.

9. What is the Government fee for Change of Name?

The published guideline specifies ₹1,100 for Change of Name, subject to revision by the Government.

10. Where is the Government fee paid?

The West Bengal Gazette procedure uses the State GRIPS payment mechanism according to the prescribed process.

11. Do I have to send the documents to Delhi?

No, not for an ordinary Kolkata Gazette Part-II application. Delhi-related procedures belong to the separate Central Gazette/Gazette of India process.

12. Who currently publishes Kolkata Gazette Part-II?

Kolkata Gazette Part-II is published through Saraswaty Press Limited under the Government of West Bengal framework.

13. When did Saraswaty Press start publishing Part-II?

The Government of West Bengal issued the relevant guideline on 22 August 2022 stating that Kolkata Gazette Part-II notification would henceforth be published by Saraswaty Press Limited.

14. Where can I get help with the online application?

The notified Gazette Part-II Help Desk is at Sealdah Office, 32, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata – 700009.

15. How long does Gazette publication take?

The notified guideline indicates publication within seven days where all documents are found in order. Actual cases may take longer if rectification or further scrutiny is necessary.

16. Can I change only my surname?

Yes. Change of Surname is available as a separate application category under Kolkata Gazette Part-II.

17. Can Gazette be used for spelling correction?

The official portal expressly includes correction of spelling within the Change of Name-related guidelines. However, if only one document contains an error, the issuing authority's direct correction procedure should also be checked.

18. Does Gazette publication automatically change Aadhaar or PAN?

No. Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank and other records must be updated separately according to the rules of the concerned authority.

19. Do West Bengal Government employees follow the same process?

The Gazette framework covers State Government employees, but departmental service-record requirements may also need to be completed separately.

20. Is Central Gazette compulsory after Kolkata Gazette?

Not automatically. The correct Gazette requirement depends on the purpose of the name change and the rules of the authority where the applicant intends to use the changed name.