What is an Academic Transcript and how do you get one?

What is an Academic Transcript and how do you get one?
Published at : 15 Mar 2024, 7:40 PM IST
Updated at : 15 Mar 2024, 7:40 PM IST

When applying to universities abroad, you must provide sufficient paperwork to support your application. One of these documents is a transcript of records. Managing so many documents may cause you to reflect on academic transcripts and how they differ from mark sheets, certificates, degrees, or diplomas. Transcripts of records are official documents that provide proof of education, containing student and institution information, as well as course information. Students frequently ask for clarification on what an academic transcript is concerning marksheets and other credentials. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. 

In this article, we answer some of the most prevalent queries about academic transcripts among overseas students: What is a transcript? Why are transcripts necessary? How do I receive a transcript certificate? How does one transmit official transcripts to universities? And continued.

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What is an Academic Transcript in India?

Let us shed some light on what constitutes an academic transcript in India. In India, educational transcripts go by a variety of names, including: 

  • Marksheets
  • Academic Certificate
  • Statement of Learning
  • Cumulative Record File (CRF)
  • Record of Achievement
  • Transcript of Records (TOR)
  • Grade Card
  • Diploma Supplement
  • Report Card
  • Mark List

What Information Does an Academic Transcript Contain?

After we’ve answered the question “What is a transcript,” let us explain what an academic transcript comprises. An academic transcript for a degree usually includes the following: 

  • Name of the Academic Universities/Institutions
  • Accreditation
  • Name of Student
  • Name of Student’s parents
  • Date of Birth
  • Year of graduation
  • Roll Number of Student
  • Name of Degree
  • Duration of Course Taken
  • List of Courses
  • Marks/grades obtained in all courses
  • Total Aggregate of the Marks/Grades

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Academic Transcript
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What is an Academic Transcript Certificate?

You’ve probably heard of mark sheets, report cards, academic certificates, accomplishment records, grade cards, and so on if not transcripts. This is what an academic transcript looks like.

Academic transcripts are official academic documents that include information on the disciplines studied as well as grades, marks, and notes. Whatever term you select, colleges are searching for the same information on your course transcript. 

Transcripts of records also contain information about the student, institution, course, subjects, and grading system, which is critical for admission evaluation. Now that we’ve covered the basics of what a transcript certificate is, let’s look at its significance and meaning in India:

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What is a Transcript of Records (ToR)?

Now that you understand what an academic transcript means, let us introduce you to the Transcript of Records, or ToR. A ToR comprises information regarding a student’s courses, credits earned, and exams passed. The transcript of records also includes information about your grades and course durations.

Why is a Transcript of Records Needed?

Now that we understand what a transcript certificate is, let us look at why a transcript of records is required before we examine how to obtain one.

  • Transcripts provide legitimate information regarding the student’s academic career.
  • Transcripts also include facts about the grading scale, which varies greatly between countries.
  • Universities use transcripts to transform your results into their educational system and process them for admission.

To further understand what an academic transcript is, consider the following aspects of a conventional transcript of a degree: 

Sample of an Academic Transcript

Now that we know what is an academic transcript, let us see what an academic transcript looks like and what information it consists of:

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Academic Transcript

Which Transcripts Are Needed for Different Courses?

If you understand what a transcript is and what academic transcripts mean, you won’t have to worry about providing the correct paperwork to universities for various courses. Because colleges state what they require, which is typically transcripts of the most recent qualifications received. Now that we’ve talked about why a transcript of records is necessary, here’s what transcripts are required for each course: 

  • To apply for an undergraduate-level program such as a bachelor’s degree, diploma, certificate, etc., you must furnish universities with high school transcripts demonstrating academic records from secondary school.
  • If you want to apply for graduate degrees such as a master’s degree or a graduate diploma, you’ll need transcripts from your college or institution.

How to Get a Transcript Certificate?

After we’ve covered what an academic transcript is, let’s look at how to obtain one.

  • Educational transcripts are deemed official only if they bear the official signature, stamp, or seal of the institution, college, or university that issued them. You can obtain an academic transcript from the university where you completed your study. When the institution publishes transcripts, students are notified and asked to collect them from the institution.
  • If you’re wondering how to send official transcripts to institutions, there are several options depending on which country you’re applying to.
  • It can be transmitted to universities electronically via authorized means, uploaded online through the university’s website, or mailed. 

Students frequently struggle to understand the distinction between a transcript and a mark sheet. The distinctions between a transcript and mark sheet, certificate, diploma, and degree are explained below: 

How is a Transcript Different from a Marksheet, Certificate, Diploma, and Degree?

A frequently asked question among students applying for admission to universities outside India is whether transcripts and mark sheets are the same. Now that we understand what an academic transcript in India is, we can distinguish it from other academic record documents such as mark sheets, certificates, diplomas, and degrees. 

Difference Between Transcript and Marksheet

Marksheets are the most frequent term for transcripts in India. The difference between a transcript and a consolidated mark sheet is that you may have numerous mark sheets for different years of study, but all of the information from these mark sheets is recorded in a transcript along with the grading scale. To complete a transcript of records, you will need both mark sheets and a final degree transcript.

Difference Between Transcript and Certificate

University transcripts are not different from certificates. Certificates are part of the transcript because they contain compiled information about your previous degree. In India, students who complete a degree program are issued a certificate. A transcript of a degree differs from a certificate, and a degree certificate is not the same as a transcript. 

Difference Between Transcript and Diploma

While discussing what an academic transcript is, it was clarified that a transcript is an official document that contains all of the academic information about a student’s completed courses. In contrast, a diploma is an educational certification that is published on the transcript together with information about the courses studied, grades received course duration, and so on. This is the distinction between transcripts and diplomas.

Difference Between Transcript and Degree

The distinction between a transcript and a degree is that a degree certifies the completion of an academic program, whereas a transcript of a degree is proof of education that includes all information about the degree, such as subjects studied, tests taken, grades, institution, and so on. 

How Can Final Year Students Get Transcripts of Records?

As previously said, transcripts contain entire information about your education, including marks or grades achieved in your final exams. As a result, it is one of the last documents issued by the institutions. Let’s look at how final-year students might obtain their degree transcripts. 

  • You can only request transcripts from your professor once the final examinations have been completed.
  • Because admission deadlines differ between nations, it may not always be possible to present the resulting transcript in time for admission if only a short period has gone since the exam. In such instances, institutions will accept interim transcripts with results from your most recent tests.
  • Students in their last year can ask for interim transcripts while they wait for final transcripts. Universities will accept provisional transcripts as proof of degree completion until final degrees are conferred.

Before we wrap off our examination of what college transcripts are, let us look at the documents required for admission, as well as the degree transcript

Documents Required Along with Academic Transcripts

A backlog certificate is another vital document that must be included with academic transcripts. You’ll need one to show records of subjects with cleared and uncleared backlogs. A transcript is just one of several documents that you must have on hand when applying to different institutions. Students who pass all topics will not earn a backlog certificate. However, certain institutions may need you to obtain a zero-backlog certificate.

After learning about what an academic transcript is and how to obtain a transcript certificate, let us look at the additional documents needed for the application process:

Academic Transcript

Conclusion

We hope this blog will help you understand what an academic transcript is, how it differs from other academic documents, how to obtain a transcript certificate and much more. The education system in other countries differs greatly from that in India, making it difficult to apply to universities overseas. Universities all over the world are looking for the same information, so all you have to worry about is getting accurate information to the university on time. One of the easiest methods to meet university deadlines is to organize all of your paperwork ahead of time and keep track of any missing information so that you can make the required arrangements. 

For more information, please visit our CollegeChalo page! 

Vani
Vani Jha

Vani Jha is a creative content writer with over 2 years of experience in producing engaging, informative, and well-researched content across various domains. Her expertise lies in SEO, research, editing, and content and copywriting. With a proven track record in enhancing online presence and audience engagement, Vani excels in crafting compelling articles, blogs, and other written materials.

MBA or MCom in 2025: Know Difference, Course, Fee, Eligibility and Colleges

MBA or MCom in 2025: Know Difference, Course, Fee, Eligibility and Colleges
Published at : 15 Mar 2025, 8:10 PM IST
Updated at : 15 Mar 2025, 8:10 PM IST

MBA or MCom in 2025 is all about the complete information about both the academic programs so as to help students who wish to pursue post graduation this year.

Often it is seen that students come forward with great enthusiasm to step into the realms of higher education, but confusion as to what course to study often puts a students in a fix.

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MBA or MCom in 2025

The story will deal with similarities, differences, eligibility and career prospects and so on in connection with MBA and MCom.

Details provided in MBA or MCom in 2025 are quite general in nature, they are meant for broad understanding for students about both the courses.

Those desiring to know more about MBA or MCom can browse various sources in online and offline fronts for in-depth information. Details are mentioned below for the sake of the students:

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MBA or MCom in 2025? Similarities and Differences

While both courses share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of their focus, curriculum, and career prospects.

Similarities

1. Postgraduate degrees: Both MBA and MCom are postgraduate degrees that require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite.

2. Duration: Both courses typically have a duration of two years.

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3. Theoretical and practical learning: Both courses offer a mix of theoretical and practical learning, with a focus on developing analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Differences

1. Focus: MBA focuses on business management and administration, covering topics like finance, marketing, human resources, and operations. MCom, on the other hand, focuses on commerce and trade, covering topics like accounting, taxation, and financial management.

2. Curriculum: The curriculum for MBA and MCom differs significantly. MBA courses include subjects like organizational behavior, business strategy, and entrepreneurship, while MCom courses include subjects like advanced accounting, taxation laws, and financial management.

3. Career prospects: MBA graduates can pursue careers in management, consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship, among others. MCom graduates can pursue careers in accounting, taxation, financial management, and research, among others.

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4. Entrance exams: The entrance exams for MBA and MCom also differ. MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, and GMAT are highly competitive, while MCom entrance exams like DUET, BHU PET, and JNU CEE are relatively less competitive.

5. Specializations: MBA courses offer a range of specializations like finance, marketing, human resources, and operations, while MCom courses offer specializations like accounting, taxation, and financial management.

MBA or MCom in 2025? Consider these factors

When choosing between MBA and MCom, consider the following factors:

1. Career goals: What are your career aspirations? If you want to pursue a career in business management, MBA might be the better choice. If you want to pursue a career in commerce and trade, MCom might be the better choice.

2. Interests: What are your interests? If you’re interested in business and management, MBA might be the better choice. If you’re interested in commerce and trade, MCom might be the better choice.

3. Skills: What are your skills? If you have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, MBA might be the better choice. If you have strong numerical and accounting skills, MCom might be the better choice.

Ultimately, the choice between MBA and MCom depends on one’s individual goals, interests, and skills.

Eligibility

There is more to it than meets the eye as far as MBA or MCom in 2025 is concerned. One of them is the eligibility criteria. Who can choose what course, MBA or MCom in 2025? The answers are below:

MCom

Those deciding for go for MCom in MBA or MCom in 2025 must fulfill the eligibility mentioned below:

1. Bachelor’s degree: You must have a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or a related field (like BCom, BBA, or BBM) from a recognized university.

2. Minimum percentage: You must have secured a minimum percentage (usually 50% to 60%) in your Bachelor’s degree.

3. Entrance exams: Some universities require you to pass entrance exams like DUET, BHU PET, or JNU CEE.

MBA

Those who want to go for MBA, in MBA or MCom in 2025 have to have the criteria specified below:

1. Bachelor’s degree: You must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (like BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, etc.) from a recognized university.

2. Minimum percentage: You must have secured a minimum percentage (usually 50% to 60%) in your Bachelor’s degree.

3. Entrance exams: Most MBA programs require you to pass entrance exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, or MAT.

4. Work experience: Some MBA programs require or prefer candidates with work experience (usually 1-2 years).

Additional Requirements

1. Language proficiency: Some universities may require you to demonstrate language proficiency in English, especially if you’re an international student.

2. Other certifications: Some MBA programs may require or prefer candidates with additional certifications like CA, CS, or CFA.

As far as the information above in connection with MBA or MCom in 2025 is concerned, the above mentioned skills can be of use in both MBA and MCom, these skills will be of added advantage for students of both the courses.

Colleges for MBA or MCom in 2025

MBA or MCom in 2025 is the topic of discussion and then question that comes into one’s mind is that what are the some of the well-known colleges for studying MBA or MCom. The answer is mentioned below:

MBA or MCom in 2025

– Mumbai University, Mumbai: Offers a comprehensive MCom program with specializations in Accounting, Finance, and Management.

– University of Madras, Chennai: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, offering a well-structured MCom program.

– University of Calcutta, Kolkata: A highly respected institution with a long history of academic excellence, offering a comprehensive MCom program.

– Osmania University, Hyderabad: A renowned institution in southern India, offering a well-structured MCom program with various specializations.

Other notable colleges offering MCom programs include:

– Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

– Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh

– Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

– Panjab University, Chandigarh

– University of Pune, Pune

These colleges offer a range of specializations, including Accounting, Finance, Management, and more.

It’s essential to research each college’s program, faculty, and placement opportunities to find the best fit for your academic and career goals.

MBA
IIMs

– IIM Ahmedabad

– IIM Bangalore

– IIM Lucknow

– IIM Indore

Non-IIMs

– Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi

– XLRI Jamshedpur

– SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

– Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon

– Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

Other notable colleges

– Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai

– Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), IIT Bombay

– Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi

– Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM), IIT Kharagpur

Fees

What else is required when it is about MBA or MCom in 2025? The fees, it is about the money one has to pay to study the course. The fees for both the courses are mentioned below for the sake of the students:

MCom

– Government Colleges: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per year

– Private Colleges: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per year

– Distance Education: ₹8,100 to ₹16,200 for the entire 2-year program

Some specific examples of MCom fees in top colleges in India are:

– Shri Ram College of Commerce: ₹50,000

– Hindu College: ₹25,800

– Hansraj College: ₹26,074

– Loyola College: ₹14,830

– Madras Christian College: ₹27,257

MBA

– IIMs: ₹17 lakh to ₹27 lakh

– Top Private Colleges: ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh

– Government Colleges: ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh

– Distance Education: ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh

Some specific examples of MBA fees in top colleges in India are:

– IIM Ahmedabad: ₹26.5 lakh

– IIM Bangalore: ₹26 lakh

– IIM Calcutta: ₹27 lakh

– XLRI Jamshedpur: ₹11.31 lakh

– FMS Delhi: ₹2.32 lakh

Keep in mind that these fees are subject to change and do not include additional expenses such as hostel fees, study materials, and other living expenses.

The fees are subject to change due to various reasons, students can visit the official websites of the institutions or can visit the institutions in person to know more about the fees.

MBA or MCom in 2025

Conclusion

MBA or MCom in 2025 are both courses with their own set of unique features, students can decided depending on their interest and career focus. A career in commerce can gets a boost on study of MCom, a career in corporate world or management world can be boosted through an MBA.

Choice between MBA or MCom in 2025 can be done considered the experience from professionals who have already proved their mettle in commerce or management sectors. Candidates also have to remember to have the required financial viability to study the courses.

Some of the institutions may be offering scholarships, candidates aiming for MBA or MCom in 2025 can also apply for these scholarships. The information can also be obtained from various online or offline sources with regards to MBA or MCom in 2025.

S.
S. Vishnu Sharma

S Vishnu Sharmaa now works with collegechalo.com in the news team. His work involves writing articles related to the education sector in India with a keen focus on higher education issues. Journalism has always been a passion for him. He has more than 10 years of enriching experience with various media organizations like Eenadu, Webdunia, News Today, Infodea. He also has a strong interest in writing about defence and railway related issues.



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