A Promissory Certificate is widely used in Indian business and personal transactions as a formal acknowledgment of debt and promise of payment. This document type is especially relevant when parties need a legally enforceable promise of payment that can potentially be negotiated or transferred. The Promissory Certificate must conform to the requirements of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and relevant stamp duty laws. It should clearly state the amount promised, payment terms, parties involved, and execution date. Commonly used in loan transactions, business financing, and personal lending, it provides a more formal alternative to informal IOUs while being simpler than full loan agreements. The document's enforceability in Indian courts makes it a preferred choice for documenting financial obligations.

1. Date and Place of Execution: Clear statement of when and where the promissory note is executed, essential for enforcement and limitation period calculation

2. Maker Details: Full legal name, address, and identification details of the person/entity making the promise to pay

3. Payee Details: Full legal name, address, and identification details of the person/entity to whom the payment is to be made

4. Promise to Pay: Unconditional undertaking to pay, including the exact amount in both figures and words

5. Payment Terms: Clear specification of when the payment is due (on demand or at a specific future date)

6. Interest Rate: Specification of any applicable interest rate and calculation method

7. Place of Payment: Specification of where the payment is to be made

8. Maker's Signature: Signature of the maker with name written below, properly witnessed