While you put money into actual property or undertake a constructing mission, understanding the authorized certificates related to the development course of is crucial. These paperwork aren’t simply bureaucratic paperwork — they safeguard security requirements, authorized compliance, and your (purchaser) rights.
Below RERA (Actual Property Regulatory Authority) rules, acquiring and sustaining these certificates on the proper levels is obligatory. This weblog helps you perceive:
- What every certificates means
- When and why it’s issued
- How RERA impacts these certificates
- Key variations between them
Graduation, Completion, OC & Possession Certificates Defined
Let’s now perceive about every certainly one of them;
1. Graduation Certificates (CC)
The Graduation Certificates is the primary authorized inexperienced sign you get from the native municipal authority (civic physique) earlier than beginning any building on a property. It confirms that the constructing plan is authorised and meets:
- Native zoning rules – decide what could be constructed and the place.
- Ex : Constructing a industrial store in a residential-only space is just not allowed.
- Environmental and security necessities – concentrate on minimizing ecological impression and guaranteeing public security.
- Ex : Hearth security clearance for a high-rise constructing.
- Structural and architectural norms – be sure that the constructing is designed and constructed to be protected, secure, and practical.
- Ex : Staircase design with correct emergency hearth exit.
With out this certificates, beginning building is unlawful and will result in penalties, demolition orders, or authorized disputes.
2. Completion Certificates (CC or BCC)
The Completion Certificates is issued by the municipal authority as soon as building is completed. It confirms that the constructing has been constructed as per the authorised plan and complies with:
- Structural security norms
- Ex : Columns and beams designed to carry the constructing’s weight safely.
- Hearth security requirements
- Obligatory hearth exits and staircases saved clear and usable.
- Municipal rules
- Ex : Constructing peak and variety of flooring inside permitted limits (or) Correct connection to municipal water, sewage, and drainage techniques.
This certificates proves the constructing is legally constructed and match for occupancy analysis by the authorities.
3. Occupancy Certificates (OC)
The Occupancy Certificates is among the most essential certificates for end-users and consumers. It permits folks to transfer into and occupy the constructing.
- Confirms the constructing is protected for dwelling or use
- Certifies that every one utility provisions (drainage, water, electrical energy, sanitation) are in place
- Solely granted when the constructing meets all regulatory standards
It’s issued after remaining inspections and achievement of all security and utility compliance by the involved authorities. For phased or multi-tower tasks, authorities might concern Half OC for particular towers or wings which are totally full.
Below RERA, promoters can’t hand over possession or gather full cost from the client and not using a legitimate Occupancy Certificates. Doing so is a violation and attracts penalties.
4. Possession Certificates
The Possession Certificates is a proper declaration from the promoter or builder to the client stating that the property is prepared for bodily possession. It’s an inner hand-over doc (not issued by the municipality or civic physique) that marks the top of the promoter’s duty to ship a vacant and usable area.
- Purchaser can bodily take over the unit
- All dues and authorized conditions are addressed
- Generally linked with RERA compliance earlier than remaining cost
Builders typically concern possession letters with out OC or Half OC — courts/RERA have repeatedly held this doesn’t create authorized possession.
Graduation vs Completion vs Occupancy vs Possession Certificates

| Certificates | Issued By | Objective | Obligatory? | RERA Affect |
| Graduation Certificates | Municipal Authority | Permission to begin building | Sure | Obligatory for mission registration |
| Completion Certificates | Municipal Authority | Confirms building executed per plan | Sure | Vital for OC |
| Occupancy Certificates | Municipal Authority | Authorized permission to occupy constructing | Sure | Have to be obtained earlier than possession beneath RERA |
| Possession Certificates | Promoter/Developer | Confirms hand-over to purchaser | Not statutory | Linked to purchaser rights beneath RERA |
Understanding the distinction between constructing certificates isn’t simply technical information — it empowers you to make knowledgeable funding choices and defend your authorized rights.
To sum it up;
- Graduation Certificates begins the authorized course of
- Completion Certificates validates construction completion
- Occupancy Certificates means that you can reside or use the constructing
- Possession Certificates formally palms over the property to you.
All the time confirm these paperwork earlier than signing agreements or making funds — particularly in RERA-regulated markets.
Proceed studying:
(Submit first revealed on : 23-Jan-2026)

