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Religion Conversion - Overview

Religion conversion is basically a practice where an Individual renounces his original religion and adapts to different religions and ideals. Conversion of religion is a basic right in India. As per Article 15 of the constitution an individual has the freedom to choose a particular religion. Especially in India where multiple religions are prevalent religious conversions are quite common. Conversion of religion due to self-belief, divorce, and marriage is completely legal in India.

Legal Procedure for Religion Conversion in India

legal procedure for religion conversion in india

Duration Of Religion Conversion Process

It would take approximately 15 - 20 days to prepare the application of religion conversion. Once the application is submitted, it takes anywhere between 45-60 business days for the publication to be issued. Moreover, the applicant has to frequently visit the office of the Gazette publication to check the status. The entire process can be carried out online as well, from the comfort of your home. The copy of the gazette can be downloaded from the website

The Controller of Publications is the sole publisher of the Official Gazette of India. If they find the application/request to be vague, incomplete, misleading, or unlawful, they are at liberty to reject your application. This will cause you unwanted delays and hence you should do due diligence before submitting your religion change application. You need to take proper care so that the documents submitted are valid and are in proper order.

Documents Required for Religion Change in India

  • Identity Proof – Pan card or Driving License or Passport or Aadhar Card or Voter ID
  • Address proof – Aadhar Card or Ration Card or Electricity Bill
  • Photo proof – One Passport Size Photo
  • Application Form – Duly signed application form with all details of the old and new religion, old name, present address, contact details and the reason for religion change.

Optional Documents

affidavit required for religion change in india?

Procedure of Religion Conversion in India

There are subtle differences among the procedures of converting to different religions in India.

Conversion to Islam

For conversion to Islam, one needs to visit a mosque in the locality and take Shahada in the presence of a Maulvi and two major witnesses. Once the Shahada is performed, the Maulvi will issue a conversion certificate on the letterhead of the mosque, which is called a Shahada certificate. This document includes the date and the details of the witnesses present. Once the individual receives the conversion certificate they can start practicing Islam. This religion conversion certificate needs to accompany the application form for notification in the official Government Gazette.

Conversion to Christianity

When one goes to the Church for changing the religion, a Baptism procedure will be performed.The person would get a new Christian name and a religion change certificate issued by the church. This religion conversion certificate needs to accompany the application form for notification in the official Government Gazette.

Conversion to Hinduism

To practice and get converted to Hinduism, there is no official conversion process or religious ceremony. One needs to have the will and the commitment only to study the scriptures and abide by the rules and practices followed in the Religion. In India, you can visit a nearby Arya Samaj temple and show your willingness towards conversion to Hinduism, post which they will issue you a religion change certificate This religion conversion certificate needs to accompany the application form for notification in the official Government Gazette.

Why choose Vakilsearch for Religion Change in India?

Vakilsearch helps you obtaining the legal validation to your decision of religion change. At Vakilsearch, we will collect and verify your documents. Then we would prepare the religion change affidavit and send it to you for your approval and signature. Post your approval and sign off, we would submit the completed application with the authority and would also carry out the necessary follow-up with them. We would track the application status on your behalf and would keep you posted regularly.

We will ensure the religion change gets officially notified in the National Gazette. During the entire process, you can have absolute peace of mind and will get all the information you need, from the comfort of wherever you are!

Once the publication comes out, we will be sending you a copy of the Gazette via email. You can print one copy for your records.

FAQs on Religion Conversion

In India, there's no specific legal procedure for conversion between religions. It's considered a matter of personal belief and conscience. However, some situations might involve updating official documents like passports or voter IDs to reflect your new faith. Talk to our experts today and know more.
The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and conscience, including the right to convert to any faith. However, certain laws aim to prevent illegal practices like coercion or fraudulent conversions. It's crucial to ensure any conversion happens due to genuine personal conviction and without undue pressure.
According to the latest census data, Islam is the fastest-growing religion in India, followed by Christianity. However, it's important to note that population growth rates for all religions, including Hinduism, continue to change over time.
Official data on annual conversion numbers for specific religions isn't readily available in India. Conversion is often a personal decision with various motivations, making it difficult to track precise figures.
Concerns around religious conversion in India primarily focus on potential coercion, especially targeting vulnerable groups. The Indian Constitution prohibits forced conversions, and legal measures exist to address such issues. However, open discussions and mutual respect are essential for navigating sensitive topics related to religion.
The religion conversion cost is claimed to be about ₹50 lakh every month, with an average of 100 families being re-converted, largely in the western UP region. According to Rajeshwar Singh, in charge of Dharm Jagran's western UP, the average expense for each family is close to ₹5,000.
You can get a religion certificate in India through Vakilsearch. Our team can complete the whole process in just 3 easy steps. The certificate and authorisation may affect the requirements and procedures.
The following legal drawbacks of religion conversion could apply to the marriage:
  • An immediate end to the marriage
  • A reason for divorce brought about by the non-convert
  • A reason for divorce brought on by the convert.
In India, the subject of religious conversion is contentious. Although it is everyone's right to practise whatever religion they so choose, there are worries about forced conversions and the politicisation of religion. It frequently causes conflict amongst various ethnicities in India.
Yes, it is mandatory to submit a copy of the conversion certificate while applying for religion change in India.
Yes, Indian law confers upon the citizen the right to practice and profess any religion. Hence, a citizen can change his religion whenever he wishes to.
Here at Vakilsearch, we take about 6-8 weeks to get your religion change notification complete in the Gazette of India.
The process of religious conversion is changing one's identity, worldview, and association with a particular religion. Conversely, the structures to and from which people convert are dialectically established (and frequently changed).
Any conversion from one faith to another that is the result of deception, coercion, or other improper influence, or that involves a juvenile under the age of 18, is not recognised by law.
To convert to Christianity, baptism has to be done. The baptism had almost always to be done in the name of the Trinity and with water. Such converts are typically welcomed through a formal ceremony that typically also includes partaking in the denomination's communion and, in certain cases, being confirmed.
There is no formal ceremony or conversion process to join the Hindu faith. One merely needs to have the desire and dedication to read the scriptures and adhere to the rules in order to become a follower.
To convert to Islam, one must go to a mosque in the area and perform the Shahada in front of a Maulvi and two important witnesses. After the Shahada has been performed, the Maulvi will issue a conversion certificate—known as a Shahada certificate—on the mosque's letterhead.
It takes almost 60 days for the process of religion conversion in India.
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