Difference between State Gazette and Central Gazette

The State Gazette and Central Gazette are both important government publications in India, but they serve different purposes and apply to different legal matters. The Central Gazette covers nationwide government announcements, laws, and notifications that affect all Indian citizens, while each State Gazette publishes notifications, rules, and orders relevant only to that particular state. Understanding this difference helps Indian citizens complete legal formalities, change names, and handle government procedures more smoothly.

Introduction

Many people in India come across the term “Gazette Notification” while completing legal or government work. But there are two types: State Gazette and Central Gazette. Knowing the difference helps citizens choose the right notification for their needs, whether it’s for updating a name, responding to government orders, or handling property matters.

Q: What is the State Gazette?

State Gazette is an official publication by a state government in India.
It publishes law changes, notifications, government orders, and public notices that apply only within that state.
Every state like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, or West Bengal has its own Gazette.

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Types of State Gazette notifications:

Local appointments and promotions
State laws and regulations
Land and property notifications
Name change for citizens of a particular state
Public notices about local issues

Q: What is the Central Gazette?

Central Gazette (The Gazette of India) is a publication by the Government of India.
It publishes notifications, laws, orders, and public announcements that apply to the whole country.
Managed and printed by the Directorate of Printing, Department of Publication, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

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Types of Central Gazette notifications:

National laws and statutory rules
Appointments and promotions in central government
National-level name/gender change notifications
Major policy changes affecting all states
Notices for all-India government schemes

Q: When should you use State Gazette and when should you use Central Gazette?

Use State Gazette for legal matters or changes that only affect one state, such as state government jobs, local property issues, or name change in state records like ration card, voter ID, or vehicle registration.
Use Central Gazette for matters that affect all Indians or are required for national-level documents: passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, central government jobs, and visa applications. Central Gazette is widely accepted for changes outside your home state.

Q: What is the process for publishing a notification in each Gazette?

State Gazette process:

Prepare an affidavit or provide Photo ID and Address Proof.
Advertise your change or notice in local newspapers.
Submit your form, documents, and fees to the state’s Gazette office.
Wait for publication and receive your copy.

Central Gazette process:

Prepare an affidavit and required documents.
Advertisement in newspapers is usually mandatory.
Submit a soft copy on CD (MS Word format) along with hard copy, forms, and fees to the Central Gazette office.
Wait for publication and get the official notification.

Q: Which Gazette is safer for legal formalities?

Central Gazette notification is recognized nationwide, especially for passports, Aadhaar, and court cases.
State Gazette is accepted by local departments but can be less useful outside the state.
For legal changes that impact life across India and abroad, choose Central Gazette.

Q: Can you use both Gazettes at the same time?

Yes, in some situations, people publish their notification in both State and Central Gazettes—especially for name changes or property matters if they move to another state or want broad acceptance.

Comparison Between State Gazette and Central Gazette

Criteria

State Gazette

Central Gazette

Issued By

State government authorities

Government of India (Delhi)

Applicability

Only within that state

The whole of India

Uses

Local jobs, property, state laws

Passport, Aadhaar, PAN, national laws

Name Change

For state records

For national records and all states

Govt. Fee

₹523–₹1,470 (varies)

₹1,100–₹3,650

Acceptance

Local (sometimes limited)

Universal across India

Processing Time

10–15 days (varies)

15–60 days

FAQs

Q 1: Is Central Gazette accepted for state-level jobs or documents?

Yes, Central Gazette notifications are generally accepted all over India, including in state departments and for jobs, as it is considered the highest level of certification for legal changes.

Q 2: Can I update my passport or Aadhaar card with State Gazette notification?

In some cases, state Gazette notifications are accepted, but Central Gazette is recommended and sometimes mandatory for passports and Aadhaar, as they are national documents.

Q 3: What happens if I move to a different state?

Central Gazette notification allows changes to be recognized in every state. State Gazette may not be accepted for legal formalities outside that state. For nationwide validity, Central Gazette is best for name, gender, or other updates.

Summary of Key Points:

State Gazette is for state-level issues, Central Gazette for pan-India matters.
Central Gazette is accepted everywhere in India, State Gazette usually only in the issuing state.
For passports and national ID, Central Gazette is safest and most recommended.
Processes, fees, and documents are slightly different; Central Gazette takes longer and costs more.
For important legal changes, always consider where updates will be needed before choosing the Gazette.

Concluding Statement:

If you want to change your name, update your details, or follow legal processes, always decide if you need State Gazette or Central Gazette. For national acceptance, passports or major government records, ask: “Is Central Gazette better for name change in India?” Understanding the difference makes government procedures simple and ensures official changes are accepted everywhere.