Academic Transcripts, Meaning, Format, and How to Apply

authorImageVaishnavi k Pandhari10 Sept, 2025
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Academic Transcripts

Academic Transcripts are important documents in the process of applying to study abroad. It indicates your marks, subjects, and grades in school or college. Academic transcripts are mandatory for most colleges, scholarships, and jobs when applying. Transcripts are indeed a definitive and established method of laying out your educational background. Keep them safe, as they will be needed many times at different times of your academic and professional journeys. 

What are Academic Transcripts?

Academic transcripts are documents provided for official purposes by one's school or college detailing the courses taken with grades, marks, and years taken. Usually included in transcripts are such personal details as your name, a description of courses taken, and the signature or stamp of the institution.. It is proof of the complete academic performance for a specific period of time, mostly during your degree. Other names of transcripts include mark sheets, report cards, academic records, or transcripts of records.

Why Academic Transcripts Matter?

An academic transcript is an official document given out by your school or university, mentioning all the subjects, grades, marks, course credits, and sometimes the degree or rank

  • For admission to higher studies courses, whether in India or abroad 

  • For applications regarding scholarships and internships 

  • Proof in job applications

  • Portray academic performance, strengths, and changes over time 

  • Proof of study, by which universities and employers recognize you

What is a Transcript for High School?

A transcript for high school is an official document that records a student’s academic performance during their high school years. It lists all the courses or subjects the student has taken from grades 9 to 12, along with the marks or grades received in each subject. The transcript certificate also includes the student’s personal details, school name, and the academic years covered. 

 It is signed and stamped by the school authority to confirm authenticity. High school transcripts are important for college admissions, scholarship applications, and sometimes for job opportunities. They provide a complete record of a student’s achievements and academic history during high school.

Format of Academic Transcript

The academic transcript is the one standard format that's going to present all your academic details clearly laid out. It makes it easy for schools, universities, and employers to understand the educational history. However, the form of the design can vary slightly across countries; the essential information remains the same throughout the world.

Each transcript must follow this standard format. Of course, some things might change by school, but the main parts are always there: 

Field

Details Included

Name of Student

Your full legal name

Student ID/Roll Number

Unique code or number

Name of Course/Programme

BSc, BA, BTech, or other

Years/Semesters Attended

All years or semesters covered

List of Subjects/Courses

All subjects you studied

Marks/Grades Received

Marks or grades for each subject

Total or CGPA

Overall percentage or grade

Date of Issue

When the transcript was made

Signature/Stamp

Authority’s sign and official stamp

Academic Transcript Sample

An academic transcript sample will help you understand your way through the typical format and details made available in an official transcript. The subjects, grades, and individuals are shown in an organized format. Seeing one can guide you in reviewing your own transcript or preparing requests for official documents. It will most likely contain the main details like your name, courses, marks, overall scores, and official authentication. 

 The actual transcript will vary to contain your personalized academic data. Getting your academic transcripts is too simple, using just a few techniques. Academic transcripts play an important role in applying to colleges, jobs, or scholarships. 

 

Field

Example Data

Student Name

Anjali Shurpali

Student ID

202301234

Course

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Institution Name

XYZ University

Academic Period

2019 – 2022

Semester 1 Subjects

Mathematics – 85, Physics – 79

Semester 2 Subjects

Chemistry – 88, Biology – 82

Total Percentage

83%

CGPA

8.3

Date of Issue

15-05-2024

Signature/Stamp

Authorized Signatory & Seal

How to Get Academic Transcripts?

Getting your academic transcripts is easy if you follow a few simple steps. Academic transcripts are important for applying to colleges, jobs, and scholarships. Some institutions have a student portal on their website to get an Academic transcript online. Listed below are the steps to get academic transcripts:

  • Visit your school, college, or university's administrative or exam office. 

  • Ask for a transcript request form or check if you can apply online. 

  • Fill out the form with your name, course, college ID, and other required details. 

  • Attach any necessary documents, like copies of your mark sheets or ID card. 

  • Pay the required fee, if any. 

  • Submit your application in person or online. 

 

Most institutions will take a few days or weeks to process your request. You could collect the transcripts personally or require them to send them directly to another university or employer. Always remember to get more copies for future use and check if your transcript should be sealed or stamped for authenticity. 

 Academic transcripts are essential documents recording educational accomplishments and serve as proof of the detailed coursework, grades, and overall standing of an individual. Accurate and up-to-date transcripts are extremely important, whether you are applying for higher studies, scholarships, or jobs. Anything in such a format and knowledge of how to procure transcripts will smooth the path for your application. Always safeguard your transcripts and apply well ahead of time when they are required. Academic transcripts are considered a bona fide representation of your labor and academic journey.

 

Academic Transcripts FAQs

What is an academic transcript?

It is an official record of your marks and grades.

Can I get an online copy of my academic transcripts?

Some schools and colleges do provide transcripts online.

What do I do if there are errors in my transcript?

Contact your school office or college and request corrections.

How long will it take for transcripts to be received?

It differs, but usually takes about one to two weeks

Are transcripts and mark sheets the same?

Mark sheets are for one year, and transcripts list the records altogether for every year.
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