Summary — The Citizenship Document Matrix
|
Document |
Proves Identity? |
Proves Citizenship? |
Legal Status |
|
Aadhaar |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Proof of identity & residence only |
|
Voter ID |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Proof of electoral eligibility only |
|
PAN Card |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Tax identifier — no citizenship link |
|
Passport |
✅ Yes |
⚠️ Partial |
Strong evidence but not conclusive |
|
Birth Certificate |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes (with conditions) |
Foundational for citizenship by birth |
|
Naturalisation/Registration Certificate |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Most definitive proof for acquired citizenship |
|
Nationality Certificate |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Rare — issued only in special circumstances |
|
Parents' birth/citizenship records |
⚠️ Partial |
✅ Supporting |
Essential for those born after 1987 |
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