Why NAD Certificate Digitization Is Transforming Academic Recordkeeping in India

In the digital age, managing paper-based academic records is inefficient, insecure, and unsustainable. That’s why the NAD certificate initiative—powered by DigiLocker—is revolutionizing how institutions issue, students access, and employers verify educational documents, awards, and recognitions.

The National Academic Depository (NAD), integrated with DigiLocker, enables educational boards, universities, and skill development bodies to issue tamper-proof digital certificates and awards. This system empowers students to own their academic journey through safe, instant, and permanent access to verified documents.

What Is the NAD Certificate and How It Works

A NAD certificate is a digitally signed academic document issued through the National Academic Depository platform, delivered directly to a student’s DigiLocker account. It includes mark sheets, degrees, diplomas, vocational qualifications, and recognition-based awards issued by recognized educational institutions.

Each NAD certificate is legally valid, Aadhaar-linked, and stored securely in the student’s DigiLocker profile—ready for use in admissions, job applications, and document verifications.

The Role of DigiLocker in NAD Certificate Issuance

DigiLocker acts as the secure access and delivery system for NAD-issued certificates. Here’s how the ecosystem works:

• The academic institution uploads verified student data to the NAD platform.

• NAD processes and digitally signs the certificates.

• The issued NAD certificate is pushed to the student’s DigiLocker account.

• The student can view, download, and share it anytime using QR codes or official document links.

This ensures that every certificate, award, or recognition is permanently accessible, fraud-proof, and owned by the student.

What Types of Documents Can Be Digitized Through NAD

The NAD platform supports a wide range of academic and non-academic recognitions:

• Academic Certificates – School mark sheets, college degrees, diplomas

• Vocational Qualifications – ITI certifications, NSDC skill programs, trade licenses

• Awards & Recognitions – Merit awards, excellence certificates, scholarship recognitions, digital badges

• Migration & Transfer Certificates – Documents required during college transfer or state board transitions

• Honorary Degrees & Fellowships – Recognitions issued by national academic bodies

All these records, once issued, become digitally signed NAD certificates that remain accessible in the student’s DigiLocker account forever.

Benefits of Digitizing Certificates Through NAD

1. Eliminates Document Forgery and Fraud

Every NAD certificate is digitally signed, time-stamped, and tamper-proof. This ensures the authenticity of the document and builds trust among employers and institutions.

2. Permanent Storage in DigiLocker

Students no longer need to worry about lost, damaged, or outdated documents. Once issued, NAD certificates are stored permanently in their DigiLocker account, accessible with Aadhaar-based login.

3. Faster Verification and Sharing

Whether you’re applying for a job, scholarship, or higher studies, you can share your NAD certificate with a simple secure link or QR code—no photocopies or notary needed.

4. Institutional Efficiency and Cost Savings

Colleges and boards can issue thousands of certificates digitally in seconds—eliminating printing, mailing, and reissue requests, while maintaining digital records for audits.

5. Supports Lifelong Learning Records

As education becomes modular and continuous, NAD helps track not only degrees but also micro-credentials and awards, creating a full academic portfolio over a lifetime.

How DigiLocker Enhances Access to NAD Certificates

DigiLocker is the student-facing platform that brings the power of NAD to life. Every NAD certificate stored in DigiLocker comes with:

• Secure access via Aadhaar-linked mobile number

• Downloadable PDFs of verified academic records

• QR codes for real-time verification

• Shareable document links for recruiters or admission officers

• Zero risk of data loss or misplacement

This enables students to present their credentials with full confidence, whether offline or online, in India or abroad.

How Awards and Recognitions Are Issued Through NAD

Academic awards and recognitions like toppers’ medals, national scholarships, skill badges, or course completion honors can also be issued via NAD in digital format.

Institutions can assign these recognitions to students with details like:

• Award type

• Issue date

• Reason (e.g., academic excellence, participation)

• Digital signature of the issuing authority

These are then stored in DigiLocker alongside academic certificates, making the NAD certificate ecosystem holistic and reflective of the student’s complete academic excellence.

TruScholar: Powering Smart Certificate Digitization in NAD

TruScholar helps institutions issue blockchain-secured digital certificates that integrate with NAD and DigiLocker, offering next-level security, automation, and global validation.

With TruScholar, institutions can:

• Automate issuance of awards and certificates via DigiLocker

• Eliminate chances of data tampering or duplication

• Provide students with real-time access to QR-verifiable credentials

• Reduce the time and cost of managing academic records

For students, it means faster access, universal recognition, and smart sharing of their NAD certificates.

What Students Should Do to Access Their NAD Certificates

• Create a DigiLocker account using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number at www.digilocker.gov.in

• Check the “Issued Documents” section to find your academic certificates or awards issued via NAD

• Download your documents as PDFs and store them securely

• Use DigiLocker’s “Share” feature to generate a link or QR code when applying for jobs, scholarships, or university admissions

• Encourage your institution to issue certificates via NAD if they haven't yet—so all students can benefit from secure digital records

The Future of Academic Records Is Digital, Secure, and Student-Controlled

The NAD certificate system, backed by DigiLocker, is transforming how India manages academic credentials. From schools and colleges to government bodies and global employers, everyone now prefers verified, shareable, tamper-proof documents over traditional paper-based systems.

Whether it's a mark sheet or a merit award, every student deserves a credential that’s secure, accessible, and respected—and that's exactly what NAD and DigiLocker deliver. Start using your digital academic locker today, and take control of your learning legacy.