How to Get Police Clearance Certificate in Kolkata — PCC Guide 2026 | Advocate Panchanand Shaw

What is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the police authorities certifying that the applicant has no criminal record — or listing any criminal cases against them. It is primarily required for: visa applications (employment visa, immigration, permanent residency), overseas employment, adoption procedures, long-term travel, and in some cases, for domestic employment verification.

In Kolkata, PCCs are issued through two channels: (1) Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for PCC linked to passport applications, and (2) Kolkata Police for standalone PCC applications (especially for employment and domestic purposes). The procedure and processing time differ between the two.

PCC Through Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

If you need a PCC for international travel or visa, the Passport Seva Kendra route is the standard approach. The PCC issued by PSK mentions that the applicant has 'no criminal record' based on police verification and is valid for the passport's purpose. Process:

1. Visit passportindia.gov.in and log in to your account.
2. Select 'Apply for Police Clearance Certificate' under the 'Miscellaneous Services' section.
3. Fill the PCC application form — the same as the passport form but specifically for PCC. You must mention the country for which PCC is required and the purpose (employment, residence, long-term stay, etc.).
4. Pay the fee: ₹500 for a standard PCC application (36-page passport-type verification).
5. Book an appointment at the nearest PSK in Kolkata — PSK Kolkata (Brabourne Road), PSK Behala, PSK Salt Lake, etc.
6. Visit the PSK on the appointment date with original documents: old passport, Aadhaar card, address proof, and a copy of the visa requirement letter or job offer (if applicable).
7. At the PSK, your documents are verified, biometrics captured, and the application is forwarded for police verification.
8. The local police station conducts a verification — they check criminal records at the police station, district, and state levels.
9. If the police verification is clear, the PCC is issued and can be downloaded from the Passport Seva portal or collected from the PSK.
10. Processing time: Typically 7-21 working days after the PSK appointment, depending on the police verification speed.

PCC Through Kolkata Police (Standalone)

For domestic purposes — employment background checks, adoption, licensing, or where the PCC is specifically requested by an Indian authority — you can apply directly through Kolkata Police:

1. Visit the local police station with jurisdiction over your residence.
2. Submit a written application addressed to the Station House Officer (SHO) or the Officer-in-Charge (OC), requesting a Police Clearance Certificate.
3. Attach the required documents: (1) Identity proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, or passport, (2) Address proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, electricity bill, or rent agreement (registered), (3) Passport-size photographs — 2-3 recent photographs, (4) Purpose statement — a letter explaining why the PCC is required, (5) Application fee — varies, typically ₹100-500 (payable by challan or online).
4. The police station records your application and initiates the verification process — they check: (a) Station records for any criminal cases, (b) District crime records, (c) State crime records (through the Crime Criminal Tracking Network System — CCTNS), (d) Character verification by the local beat officer (who visits your residence).
5. If the verification is clear, the PCC is issued on the Kolkata Police letterhead, signed by the SHO or ACP.
6. Processing time: Typically 15-30 working days from application.

Difference Between PSK PCC and Kolkata Police PCC

• PSK PCC: Issued for passport/visa purposes. Mentions 'No Adverse Information' based on verification. Valid for the specific country and purpose mentioned in the application. Linked to your passport.
• Kolkata Police PCC: Issued for domestic purposes (employment, adoption, licensing). Gives a certificate of character and no criminal record. Not linked to passport — a standalone certificate.