MHRD to make online storage of educational certificates mandatory

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has may make digital storage of educational certificates and awards mandatory for educational institutes. They are to tie up with the National Academic Depository (NAD) for same. So far only 10% of the total number of institutes in India are providing for digital educational certificates. Digital certificates are more secure and easy to access than the physical ones. It is authenticated by the institute and thus, the prospective employers can easily verify the details of the candidates.

Once the institute has registered themselves with NAD, they will be able to upload the certificates online.

What is NAD?

NAD is similar to securities depository used by the equity market for storing purchased shares. NAD was set up in October 2016 after cabinet approval. It is a government of India establishment for online deposition of all the academic awards. the University Grants Commission (UGC) is the authorised body to enter into a tripartite agreement on behalf of all Central Higher Educational Institutions (CHEIs), Institutions of National Importance (INIs) and Boards with the wholly owned subsidiaries of the depositories registered under SEBI Act, 1992, namely NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) and CDSL Ventures Limited (CVL).

Initially this will be for three years to establish NAD comprising of two interoperable digital depositories. Certificates, diplomas, degrees, marksheets and awards will be digitised and NAD will safeguard and provide easy access to and of an academic award. This shall also validate and guarantee the authenticity of the same.

How will NAD work?

NAD comprises of NSDL and CDSL-the two inter-operable digital depository. The students can select any one to register. This will also act as a deterrent to fake and forged paper certificates. All verification needs will be taken care by NAD. the verification fee will be decided upon by the institutes and NAD mutually. Registration fee and annual maintenance fee has been waived off till september 30th. The annual usage fee and first download of an academic certificate download will be free for a student until the age of 27.