Many travelers are confused as to what would be the start and end dates on their #SchengenVisa application. Let's clarify.
The date when you fly out of India irrespective of the date you enter #Schengen is your start date. Why? Because at the time of boarding your visa should be valid.
Now some countries will give you a visa from the next date of you leaving India in case your flight is post 7 pm etc. So that's totally fine. Till date I have just 1 case where the Immigration Officer in India didn't allow stating your visa is from the next day and cannot fly today. Else no issues and airlines as well as the immigration officers have no issues.
The date when you exit from Schengen is your end date. Like you have a flight from Madrid to Mumbai on 23.12.2026 then thats your end of trip date. Now suppose you have the same flight which is Madrid > Amsterdam on 23.12.2026 @ 17:40 pm and post layover Amsterdam > Mumbai is on 24.12.2026 at 12:01 am then your end date would be 24.12.2026. You can reach India on 24.12.2026 or 25.12.2026 with layover somewhere around the world etc. Still your end date would be the exit date of Schengen.
Start India / Any other country = Start Date. Whichever date reach Schengen
Leave Schengen = End Date. Whichever date reach India or any other country
Hope this helps with the confusion :)
#DakuKiPathshala