How to Write a Self Declaration (Swayamghoshana Patra) – Format, Sample and Print

For many certificates and scheme applications in Maharashtra, offices ask for a "swayamghoshana patra" (स्वयंघोषणा पत्र) – a self declaration. Earlier, people had to get a stamp paper affidavit made in front of an officer, which took time and money. Now, for many purposes, a simple self declaration signed by the applicant is accepted.

But many applicants do not know what to write, and offices sometimes return declarations that are incomplete. This guide explains the self declaration (Swayamghoshana Patra) format, the details to include, a sample, the common types, and how to make and print it in minutes.

Quick Answer: A self declaration is a short statement on plain paper in which you declare facts about yourself (like income, residence or date of birth) and confirm they are true. It should include your full name, age, address, the facts being declared, a statement that the information is true and that you know false declaration has legal consequences, place, date and your signature. Check whether the office needs it on plain paper or stamp paper.

What Is a Swayamghoshana Patra?

A swayamghoshana patra is a written declaration by a person, about themselves, signed by them. It is used as supporting proof in applications. The Government of Maharashtra has allowed self declarations in place of affidavits for many services, to reduce cost and inconvenience for citizens. However, the requirement depends on the specific service and office, and some matters still need a proper affidavit. Always check what the concerned office or portal asks for.

Self Declaration vs Affidavit

In both cases, giving false information is a serious matter and can lead to legal action and cancellation of benefits.

What to Include in a Self Declaration

1. Heading: "स्वयंघोषणा पत्र" or "Self Declaration", with the purpose (for example, "for income certificate").
2. Applicant details: full name, father's or husband's name, age, occupation, full address.
3. The facts declared: clearly, in short numbered points – for example annual family income from all sources for a stated year.
4. Truth statement: that the information is true to the best of your knowledge, and that you are aware that a false declaration can lead to legal action.
5. Place and date.
6. Signature or thumb impression of the applicant, with name below.

Some formats also ask for a photo, Aadhaar-linked details or witness signatures. Follow the format prescribed by the office or portal if one is given.

Simple Sample (English)

Self Declaration (for income certificate)

I, [Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Name], aged [age] years, occupation [occupation], residing at [village, taluka, district], hereby declare that:

1. The annual income of my family from all sources for the financial year [year] is ₹[amount].
2. Our family's main source of income is [agriculture / labour / business / service].

I declare that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I am aware that if this information is found to be false, I will be liable for legal action and any benefit received may be cancelled.

Place: [ ] Date: [ ] Signature: [ ]

The same structure works in Marathi. Replace the bracketed parts with real details – never leave blanks or write approximate figures without checking.

Common Types of Swayamghoshana Patra

• Income declaration – for income certificate and scholarships
• Residence declaration – for domicile or residence proof
• Date of birth declaration – where birth records are unavailable, as allowed
• "One and the same person" – when your name is spelt differently in two documents
• Unemployment declaration – for certain schemes and registrations
• Family details declaration – listing family members for schemes

Make Your Self Declaration in Minutes with Our Free Tool

Our free Swayamghoshana Patra (self declaration) maker has ready Marathi formats:

1. Open the Swayamghoshana Patra tool.
2. Choose the type: income, residence, date of birth, one and the same person, unemployed or family.
3. Fill in your details in the form.
4. Preview the declaration and correct any mistakes.
5. Print it or download as PDF.
6. Sign it in ink and attach it with your application.

If you need to type extra Marathi text, use our Marathi Typing tool.

Common Mistakes

• Missing purpose – the office does not know what the declaration is for.
• Incomplete address or wrong village/taluka names.
• Wrong financial year in income declarations.
• Unsigned declaration or signature that does not match other documents.
• Using a declaration where an affidavit is required.
• Writing false or estimated facts. This can lead to legal trouble and cancellation of benefits.

Tips for CSC and VLE Operators

• Know the requirement of each service on the state portal – some ask for a declaration, some for an affidavit.
• Read the declaration aloud to the applicant before they sign, especially for elderly or less literate applicants.
• Never sign on behalf of an applicant. Take thumb impression if they cannot sign, as allowed.
• Scan the signed declaration with our Document Scanner and compress it if the portal has a size limit.
• Do not fill numbers yourself – let the applicant tell you the facts.

Real Example from Our CSC Centre

A student's scholarship application was returned because the income declaration had no financial year and no purpose written. We prepared a fresh declaration with the correct heading, the exact financial year, the family's income from farming and labour as stated by her father, and the truth statement. Her father signed it, we scanned it, and the resubmitted application was accepted.

"One and the Same Person" Declaration Explained

This is one of the most common declarations at CSC centres. It is used when your name appears differently in two documents – for example "Ganesh V. Gavit" in a school certificate and "Ganesh Vitthal Gavit" in Aadhaar, or a woman's maiden name in one document and married name in another. The declaration states both names, mentions the documents in which each appears, and declares that both refer to the same person.

Write both names exactly as printed in the documents, including initials and spellings. Mention the document names (for example "School Leaving Certificate" and "Aadhaar card"). For major changes, such as a full change of name, the office may ask for a gazette notification or other proof, so check the requirement first.

Tips for Writing in Simple Language

• Use short sentences and numbered points for the facts.
• Write numbers both in figures and in words for income amounts.
• Mention the exact purpose, such as "for caste certificate application on the state portal".
• Keep the declaration to one page whenever possible.
• Use the same name spelling as in your main ID document.

After Printing

Sign the declaration in ink on the printed copy – a typed name is not a signature. If a photo is required, paste a recent passport photo and sign across its edge only if the format asks for it. Scan the signed copy clearly and keep the original safely; the office may ask to see it during verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Swayamghoshana Patra?

It is a self declaration in which a person states facts about themselves and signs it, used as supporting proof in applications.

Is a self declaration valid instead of an affidavit?

For many services in Maharashtra, yes, as allowed by the government. But some matters still need an affidavit. Check the office's requirement.

Does a self declaration need stamp paper?

Usually no – plain paper is used. Follow the office's instructions if they ask otherwise.

Can I write it in Marathi?

Yes. Marathi is commonly used in Maharashtra. Our tool provides Marathi formats.

Who should sign the declaration?

The person making the declaration. If they cannot sign, a thumb impression can be used as permitted.

What happens if a declaration is false?

False declarations can lead to legal action and cancellation of any benefit obtained.

Is the Online Wala tool free?

Yes. It is free to use. Do not share OTPs or passwords with anyone.

Conclusion

A clear, honest self declaration can save you the cost and time of an affidavit for many services. Include the purpose, your details, the facts, the truth statement and your signature. Use our free Swayamghoshana Patra maker to prepare and print it correctly.

This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Online Wala is not affiliated with any government department. Check the office or portal for the latest requirement.

About the author

Ganesh Gavit

Owner, Online Wala

Founder of Ganesha Digital. Creates software, apps and ready-to-use templates for businesses, students and CSC/VLE operators.

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