Hello aspirant,

To apply for passport, birth certificate is not mandatory as per the Passport Rules, 1980 but for visa, yes it is absolutely important as it will be asked by the officials to show the proof of your original birth certificate as well as a clear photocopy. So yes, the birth certificate is important while applying for visa and if you fail to produce, either the officials will cancel your VISA application or put you into serious legal action. So make sure you have the birth certificate and other documents needed for passport and visa.

Hope, this information helps you.