Citizenship Act, 1955 Explained | Indian Citizenship Rules & Documents
Citizenship Act, 1955: How to Prove Indian Citizenship (Complete Guide)
The Citizenship Act, 1955 is the main law that defines who is an Indian citizen and how citizenship can be acquired or lost. This Act explains the rules related to citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalisation. It has been amended several times to meet new situations in India.
In this article, you will understand what the Citizenship Act, 1955 is, its main provisions, and how Indian citizenship can be proved.
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What is the Citizenship Act, 1955?
The Citizenship Act, 1955 was enacted by the Parliament of India to determine citizenship of India after independence. It provides legal provisions for:
Acquisition of Indian citizenship
Termination of citizenship
Deprivation of citizenship
This Act applies to the whole of India.
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Ways to Acquire Indian Citizenship
According to the Citizenship Act, 1955, Indian citizenship can be acquired in five main ways:
Citizenship Act 1955 explained in simple language. Learn how to get Indian citizenship, required documents, rules, CAA 2019, and ways to prove Indian citizenship.
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1. Citizenship by Birth
A person is considered an Indian citizen by birth if:
Born in India before 1 July 1987, or
Born in India between 1 July 1987 and 2 December 2004, and one parent is an Indian citizen, or
Born in India after 3 December 2004, and both parents are Indian citizens, or one parent is a citizen and the other is not an illegal migrant.
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2. Citizenship by Descent
A person born outside India can get Indian citizenship by descent if:
One or both parents are Indian citizens at the time of birth
Birth is registered at an Indian consulate within the prescribed time
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3. Citizenship by Registration
Citizenship by registration can be granted to:
Persons of Indian origin residing in India
Spouse of an Indian citizen
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
Minor children of Indian citizens
Registration must be done through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
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4. Citizenship by Naturalisation
A foreign national can apply for Indian citizenship by naturalisation if:
Lived in India for 12 years (continuous stay)
Good moral character
Knowledge of any Indian language
Intends to live permanently in India
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5. Citizenship by Incorporation of Territory
If any foreign territory becomes part of India, the Government may specify who will be considered Indian citizens from that territory.
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How to Prove Indian Citizenship?
To prove Indian citizenship, the following documents are commonly accepted:
Birth Certificate
Indian Passport
Voter ID Card
Aadhaar Card (supporting document)
Parents’ citizenship documents
School certificates
Government-issued residence proof
> Note: Aadhaar alone is not proof of citizenship.
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Loss of Indian Citizenship
Indian citizenship can be lost in three ways:
1. Renunciation
Voluntarily giving up Indian citizenship.
2. Termination
Automatically ends when a person acquires foreign citizenship.
3. Deprivation
Government can cancel citizenship in case of fraud, disloyalty, or unlawful activities.
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Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 provides citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, belonging to:
Hindu
Sikh
Buddhist
Jain
Parsi
Christian
They must have entered India before 31 December 2014.
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Importance of the Citizenship Act
Defines legal identity of Indian citizens
Protects rights under the Constitution
Essential for voting, government jobs, and welfare schemes
Helps in verification during NRC, SIR, and other official processes
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Conclusion
The Citizenship Act, 1955 is a very important law that explains who is an Indian citizen and how citizenship can be obtained or lost. Every Indian should understand this Act, especially when filling forms related to citizenship verification.
If you want updates on citizenship laws, SIR form, NRC, and government rules, stay connected with our blog.
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