Affiliation No: IA702, 94883
Admissions open for Academic Year 2026-2027
Call us at: +919663213636

What is an Academic Transcript? Importance, Format & How to Get It

Written ByAnkita Singha
Calander
Updated on09 Feb, 2026
Reading
Min Reading4 min read
what is academic transcript

Students often need a document that includes every detail of their academic journey. 

It is officially known as an “academic transcript”. A proof that helps students and others to understand all the learning information in-depth. 

To know in a better way this detailed guide will help you out. So, if you are a parent, teacher or student let’s get started.  

What Is an Academic Transcript?

An academic transcript is an official document required to reflect the academic journey, performance, and achievements of students in detail. 

It is mainly issued by a school, college, or university. An academic transcript generally includes: 

  • Courses studied. 
  • Grades or marks obtained. 
  • Duration of study. 
  • Credits earned. 
  • Overall academic performance. 

Why Do Accurate Academic Transcripts Matter? 4 Top Reasons

Explore top 4 reasons why accurate academic transcripts matters for students future goals:

1. Credibility of Qualifications

An academic transcript is used as a kind of proof to showcase students’ grades at past academic performance

Various institutions consider students’ qualifications invalid or unverifiable without academic transcripts

2. Meeting Eligibility Criteria

Various schools, colleges and Universities have strict eligibility criteria to enroll students. 

Through academic transcripts it becomes easy to verify documents for admission. 

3. Smooth Credit Transfers

In the academic journey students transfer from one institute to another. 

In this situation, students can smoothly proceed with an academic transcript which showcases all the academic details of the student. 

4. Professional Opportunities

There are many employers who look for academic transcripts of employees to verify their qualifications. 

Whether it is a government job, private company internship or any other part time job transcript ensures individual reliability and competence. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Get an Academic Transcript

To get an official academic transcript, one should follow step-by-step guide:

1. Find the Right Office

The first step is to identify where transcripts are issued. Find the right office such as the registrar’s office. 

2. Check Procedures

The next step is to check the procedures in depth because each institute follows different rules. 

Go through the official website to read accurate guidelines or visit the office. 

3. Gather Documents

Collection of all the documents is important before applying. For example:

  • Students ID proof 
  • Enrollment number or roll number
  • Previous mark sheets
  • Degree certificate etc

4. Submit Your Request

The next step is to check the accuracy and submit the application with documents. 

5. Pay Fees

Then pay the transcript fees depending on:

  • Number of copies
  • Domestic or international delivery
  • Speed of processing

6. Specify Delivery

After payment save the receipt and choose specify delivery type such as:

  • Self-collection
  • Courier or postal delivery
  • Direct delivery to universities abroad etc. 

7. Track and Collect

Track them because it can take days to weeks. Once ready, collect the transcript or verify its delivery to the desired location. 

Details Must Be Included in Academic Transcripts

Given below are important details must accurately  include in academic transcripts: 

1. Personal Information

  • Name of the student 
  • Contact information 
  • Student ID/registration number 
  • Date of birth

2. Program Information 

  • Degree or program name
  • Major and minor fields of study 
  • Starting and ending date range of study

3. Institution Information

  • Name of educational institution 
  • Accreditation information
  • Logo and/or seal 
  • Contact information and address

4. Academic Performance

  • Courses/subjects
  • Grades or marks received
  • GPA, Cumulative GPA, or class ranking
  • Credit hours per course/subject

5. Certification and Authentication

  • Signature of the registrar or academic authority. 
  • Date of issue
  • Official stamp or seal 

Academic Transcript vs Marksheet: Key Difference

Understand the key difference between academic transcript vs marksheet in detail:

1. Scope

The scope of academic transcript is for the entire academic program. While the scope of the marksheet is for one semester or year. 

2. Content

In academic transcript, all subjects, grades, credits, GPA/CGPA, and overall academic history. While marks in specific subjects for that period, credits, semester GPA. 

3. Purpose

The main purpose of academic transcripts is that it is used as an official record for foreign universities, immigration, detailed job applications, and credit transfers. 

On the other hand, the main purpose is immediate academic progression, showing students passed a term. 

4. Issuer

In academic transcripts, the issuer is the registrar’s office. While in the marksheet the issuer is the examination department. 

Conclusion

An academic transcript is one of a needful document of a student’s academic journey. It works as a proof of education qualifications. 

Understanding its importance in students’ career growth makes the educational journey smooth, especially for those who want to pursue higher studies abroad. 

To get an accurate academic transcript follow the given step by step procedure and avoid mistakes. 

FAQs

No, official academic transcripts do not expire. It is a permanent record of academic history. While transcripts themselves are permanent academic records that don’t expire, many institutions and employers require recently issued transcripts (typically within 3-6 months) to ensure authenticity and prevent tampering.

Transcripts required for job applications depend on the employer and position. Entry-level positions, government jobs, and roles requiring specific educational qualifications often require transcripts. While, many private sector jobs do not require transcripts, especially for experienced professionals. 

Yes, students often need a transcript for studying abroad. It represents a fundamental document of a student to understand the academic history, eligibility, grades etc.

Yes. Academic dismissal usually appears on a student’s transcript. 

No. Academic transcripts and marksheet are not the same. Academic transcripts is an academic history that showcases grades, credits, performance etc while marksheet showcase students scores for a specific semester or year. 

By following the 7 steps students can collect an academic transcript. 

  • Find the right office
  • Check procedures
  • Gather documents
  • Submit your request
  • Pay fees
  • Specify delivery
  • Track and collect

No. TC or transfer certificate and transcript are not the same. TC is known for leaving an institute while transcript is an academic history that showcases grades, credits, performance etc.

Ankita Singha

Author Image

I, Ankita Singha is a passionate content writer at 21kschool with 1.5 years of experience in crafting engaging digital content in different domains. With a talent for storytelling and visual expression, I blend creativity and strategy seamlessly. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting new things, calligraphy, and dancing.

Admission closing Soon Enquire Now