Birth, Death Certificate Rules Changed: What West Bengal’s New Registration Norms Mean

Published 16 July 2026 · india

Birth, Death Certificate Rules Changed: What West Bengal’s New Registration Norms Mean Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 15:07 IST The move comes after

Birth, Death Certificate Rules Changed: What West Bengal’s New Registration Norms Mean Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 15:07 IST The move comes after reports of irregularities in the issuance of birth certificates from several districts during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise Rapid Read Going forward, all names must be entered only in the First Name, Middle Name and Last Name format. The use of initials or abbreviations will no longer be allowed. The West Bengal government has introduced new rules for issuing birth and death certificates, tightening the registration process to curb fraudulent documentation and improve verification. The move comes after reports of irregularities in the issuance of birth certificates from several districts during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Following a decision by the state Cabinet, the Health Department has issued the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Rules, 2026 through a gazette notification. The revised rules make significant changes to how birth and death certificates are registered, particularly in cases of delayed applications. What’s Changed? One of the key changes relates to how names are recorded. Going forward, all names must be entered only in the First Name, Middle Name and Last Name format.

The use of initials or abbreviations will no longer be allowed. The government has also introduced digital issuance of birth and death certificates. Citizens can now obtain certificates online, although the existing offline system will continue. Applicants will also have to provide more detailed address information, including the district, block or subdivision, village or ward, house number and PIN code. Delayed Registration Rules Tightened The biggest changes apply to delayed registration of births and deaths. If an application is submitted more than 30 days after the event, applicants must furnish permission from the designated authority, a self-declaration and supporting documents. For registrations delayed by more than one year, approval from the District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or an authorised Executive Magistrate will be mandatory. If the delay exceeds two years, applicants will also need permission from a Judicial Magistrate. Doctor’s Certificate Mandatory For Home Deaths Under the revised rules, deaths that occur outside hospitals or other medical institutions must now be supported by a medical certificate issued by an MBBS doctor or a recognised AYUSH practitioner. The government has also overhauled several applications, certificate and reporting forms, including Forms 1, 1A and 2-13, to strengthen the verification process.