If you're wondering how do I register on NAD portal, you're likely looking for a safe, official way to access your academic certificates online. The National Academic Depository (NAD) is India’s trusted platform for digitally storing and verifying academic documents such as degrees, diplomas, and mark sheets.

Instead of handling physical certificates, students and institutions now use the NAD system—linked via DigiLocker—to manage academic records securely, instantly, and free of cost. Registering on the NAD portal is essential for students seeking seamless verification for job applications, higher studies, and government processes.

What Is the NAD Portal and Why Students Should Register

The NAD portal is a digital academic record system governed by the Ministry of Education, designed to store verified academic credentials in secure, tamper-proof digital format.

Registration allows students to access their certificates online through DigiLocker, eliminating document loss risks, fraud, or long verification delays. This move supports India’s Digital India initiative and streamlines academic workflows for students and institutions alike.

How Do I Register on NAD Portal Through DigiLocker

The registration process is simple, secure, and requires only a few basic details. Here's a complete breakdown of how to get started with your NAD account via DigiLocker:

1. Sign Up on DigiLocker With Aadhaar Integration

Visit https://www.digilocker.gov.in and sign up using your mobile number linked to your Aadhaar for secure identity verification.Once registered, your DigiLocker account becomes the gateway to access your NAD-linked academic documents.

2. Link Your Academic Institution With DigiLocker

After account creation, go to the “Issued Documents” section and select your issuing institution from the list of NAD-enabled universities or boards. Provide necessary details such as your roll number, year of passing, and course name to fetch and link your records directly to your DigiLocker.

3. Fetch and Store Academic Certificates Automatically

Once the institution confirms your credentials, your academic documents are automatically pulled into your DigiLocker. These files are digitally signed and can be used as legal proof anywhere. You can also download, print, or share them with employers, universities, or visa authorities when needed.

Benefits of Registering on the NAD Portal

Registering on the NAD portal via DigiLocker gives students long-term advantages that go far beyond document access.

1. Permanent Access to Verified Certificates
   Your records are safe in NAD for life—even if you lose physical copies or transfer institutions.
   
   

2. Instant Certificate Verification for Employers
   Share verified digital certificates directly from your DigiLocker to speed up job or admissions processes.
   
   

3. Tamper-Proof, Legally Valid Documents
   Documents are digitally signed by your institution, making them secure and legally accepted in India and abroad.
   
   

4. Zero Cost for Students
   Registration and access are completely free, helping every student benefit regardless of financial background.
   
   
   

Institutions That Support NAD and DigiLocker Integration

Thousands of educational institutions in India are already issuing digital certificates through NAD, including:

• Central and State Universities
  
  

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
  
  

• National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
  
  

• UGC-Recognized Private Colleges
  
  

• Open and Distance Learning Boards
  
  
  

Check your institution’s status on the DigiLocker portal to confirm NAD linkage.

Why NAD Is a Game-Changer in Academic Verification

Traditional certificate verification could take days or weeks. NAD changes this by offering real-time digital validation, cutting through red tape and boosting trust in academic credentials. Institutions upload verified data directly to NAD. This eliminates student uploads or scans, improving accuracy and reducing errors in recordkeeping.

TruScholar: Blockchain Credentials That Complement NAD’s Mission

Platforms like TruScholar work alongside systems like NAD to deliver blockchain-verified credentials that are tamper-proof, instantly verifiable, and transparent.

1. Blockchain-Secured Academic Records
   TruScholar uses blockchain technology to ensure that records can’t be altered, increasing trust for employers and institutions.
   
   

2. Fast Credential Issuance
   Institutions can issue digital badges and certificates quickly with minimal delay, ensuring students have access when they need it most.
   
   

3. Supports NAD-Compatible Workflows
   TruScholar credentials can be integrated into broader academic systems like NAD, combining the benefits of decentralization with government compliance.
   
   

4. Real-Time Sharing for Skills & Courses
   TruScholar isn’t limited to degrees—it also certifies skill-based programs, online courses, and micro-credentials for future-ready learners.
   
   

Learn more about how TruScholar supports verified digital learning at TruScholar Blog.

FAQs: How Do I Register on NAD Portal?

Q1: Is registration on NAD compulsory for students?
No, but it's highly recommended for secure and permanent access to verified academic records.

Q2: Can I register without DigiLocker?
Currently, DigiLocker is the official gateway to access NAD services for students.

Q3: What if my institution is not listed?
Contact your college or university to ask when they plan to integrate with NAD. More institutions are being added every month.

Q4: Are NAD certificates accepted abroad?
Yes, digitally signed NAD documents are legally valid and trusted by foreign universities, embassies, and multinational employers.