The National Academic Depository (NAD) allows universities, colleges, boards, and certifying authorities to issue tamper-proof, digitally signed academic certificates. If you're wondering how academic institutions can register under NAD, this guide breaks down every step required to join the government-authorized digital certification system.

By registering under NAD, institutions can eliminate paper certificate fraud, simplify verification processes, and provide students with lifelong access to their academic documents through DigiLocker.

Why Academic Institutions Should Register with NAD for Digital Certificate Issuance

Institutions that integrate with NAD gain the ability to securely issue digital credentials that are legally valid and instantly verifiable. This reduces administrative workload, enhances institutional trust, and future-proofs academic operations in line with Digital India objectives.

Certificates stored on NAD are tamper-proof, digitally signed, and integrated with DigiLocker, making them accessible to students and third parties with minimal effort and maximum credibility.

Step-by-Step Process: How Academic Institutions Can Register Under NAD

Registration is managed through the DigiLocker framework and verified by NAD and UGC. Institutions must follow these steps to begin issuing certificates digitally.

1. Initiate Registration via DigiLocker Portal

The authorized signatory (Account Owner) from the institution should initiate registration by signing up on DigiLocker’s educational partner platform. This creates a secure, identity-linked account. The Account Owner will be the institution’s single point of contact for all NAD-related operations and communications.

2. Select the Institution from the Recognized Database

Once registered, the Account Owner must select their institution from the list of UGC/AICTE-recognized bodies available during onboarding. This ensures only accredited institutions access NAD. If the institution is not listed, the admin must reach out to NAD support to get listed in the official records before proceeding.

3. Provide Details of the Authorized Representative

The Account Owner will enter personal and professional details, including official email, designation, and contact information. These will be verified by NAD and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Only government-recognized educational bodies and authorized personnel are eligible for this account.

4. Accept the Terms and Submit for Review

Before submission, the institution must accept NAD’s terms of service and data security protocols. This confirms their responsibility to issue authentic and verified records. Once submitted, the request goes through verification by NAD and the Ministry of Education.

5. Approval and Activation of NAD Account

After verification, the institution receives a confirmation and activation email. The institution’s NAD dashboard is then enabled, allowing them to upload, manage, and issue digital certificates. Certificates must be in machine-readable formats like XML, and should follow NAD’s security and data structure standards.

What Academic Documents Can Institutions Upload to NAD?

Once registered, institutions can issue the following types of academic documents digitally through NAD:

1. Degree Certificates: UG and PG degree certificates across academic streams issued by UGC-approved universities and colleges.
   
   

2. Diplomas and Technical Certifications: Polytechnic diplomas, management certifications, and technical training credentials issued by AICTE-accredited institutions.
   
   

3. School-Level Certificates: Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, passing certificates, and migration documents from boards like CBSE and state boards.
   
   

4. Professional and Vocational Credentials: Certifications from medical, legal, architecture, and accounting bodies that fall under regulatory councils.
   
   

5. Semester Transcripts and Academic Records: Marksheets and subject-wise results that support applications for higher education or job roles.

Benefits for Institutions That Join NAD

By integrating with NAD, academic institutions create a more reliable, efficient, and secure certification ecosystem that benefits both the institution and its students.

1. Reduces Document Fraud Risk: Digital certificates issued via NAD cannot be forged or altered, ensuring the credibility of academic achievements.
   
   

2. Automates Verification Requests: Employers and universities can verify certificates directly from NAD or DigiLocker, saving time for admin teams.
   
   

3. Supports Lifelong Document Access: Students can download and share verified documents anytime, without needing to revisit the institution.
   
   

4. Complies with Digital India and NEP Goals: NAD registration aligns institutions with India’s education policy for digitization and e-governance in education.
   
   

TruScholar: Supporting Institutions in Digital Certificate Issuance

TruScholar offers blockchain-based credential solutions that complement NAD's digital verification process. Institutions can work with TruScholar to issue decentralized, secure, and tamper-proof academic documents.

1. Blockchain-Based Security Layer: Documents issued through TruScholar are stored on the blockchain, providing lifetime immutability and traceability.
   
   

2. Quick Deployment for NAD Integration: TruScholar helps institutions set up secure digital issuance with tools that sync with NAD formats and APIs.
   
   

3. Support for Online Programs and Skill Badges: Institutions can issue digital badges and course completions, including micro-credentials not always supported by NAD.
   
   

4. Real-Time Sharing With Global Recruiters: Documents can be verified globally, opening opportunities for students in international universities and organizations.
   
   

Explore more at the TruScholar Blog to learn how institutions are going digital securely and rapidly.

Verified Sources and Helpful Links

To register or learn more about the official process, these reliable sources provide up-to-date and actionable information:

• NAD Registration Process for Institutions – NDML NAD

• University Grants Commission (UGC)

• DigiLocker for Educational Partners
  
  

Registering your institution under NAD is more than a digital shift—it’s a move toward nationwide academic trust and efficiency. Understanding how academic institutions can register under NAD is the first step to joining India's secure, future-ready education system.