If you're wondering how to register as a student on NAD portal, you're one step closer to owning and managing your academic credentials digitally. The National Academic Depository (NAD), supported by the Ministry of Education, enables students to securely access their academic certificates online anytime through the DigiLocker platform.

Once registered, students can download, verify, and share their degrees, diplomas, and other academic documents—without depending on physical copies. It's fast, secure, paperless, and completely free.

What Is the NAD Portal and Why Students Must Register

The NAD portal is a centralized, government-approved system that stores academic records digitally. Certificates are directly issued by recognized institutions and made accessible through DigiLocker, India's digital document platform.

For students, NAD ensures permanent access to academic records and simplifies certificate sharing with employers, universities, or government agencies. Registration also protects your documents from damage, loss, or forgery.

How to Register as a Student on NAD Portal via DigiLocker

To register on the NAD portal, students must create a DigiLocker account and link it with their Aadhaar number. Here's a complete breakdown of the process:

1. Visit the DigiLocker Website or App

Open the DigiLocker website or download the DigiLocker mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This is the official platform through which NAD services are accessed.

2. Sign Up Using Your Aadhaar-Linked Mobile Number

Click on “Sign Up” and enter your mobile number. Make sure it's linked to your Aadhaar card. You'll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification. Once verified, set your username and password for future login. This process links your account with your government-verified identity.

3. Complete Your DigiLocker Profile

After logging in, complete your profile by adding your name, date of birth, email, and Aadhaar number. The system will run an e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) check to confirm your identity. Only after e-KYC is completed will you be able to use DigiLocker for NAD document access.

4. Link Your Academic Institution

Navigate to the “Issued Documents” section and search for your institution, board, or university. Select the institution and provide your academic details like:

• Roll number or enrollment number

• Year of passing

• Course name and level

Once verified, your academic certificates will automatically sync with your DigiLocker account from the NAD repository.

5. Download and Share Verified Academic Certificates

After your documents are linked, you can view them anytime under “Issued Documents.” These certificates are digitally signed, legally valid, and can be downloaded or shared with institutions or employers instantly. They carry metadata and signature information to prevent any tampering or forgery.

Key Requirements to Register as a Student on NAD Portal

To ensure smooth registration, make sure you have the following:

1. Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP and e-KYC
   
   

2. Academic details such as roll number and year of passing
   
   

3. Your institution must be NAD-integrated
   
   

4. A valid email ID for account recovery and notifications

If your institution is not listed, contact their academic office to request NAD integration. Many institutions are currently onboarding.

What Types of Certificates Can You Access on NAD?

Once registered, students can access the following types of documents:

1. Degree Certificates: UG, PG, and doctoral certificates issued by NAD-integrated universities.
   
   

2. Diplomas and Technical Certifications: Documents from polytechnic, skill development, and engineering institutes.
   
   

3. Mark Sheets and Transcripts: Semester-wise academic results needed for further studies or job applications.
   
   

4. School-Level Certificates: Class 10 and 12 mark sheets from CBSE, ICSE, and other state boards.
   
   

5. Convocation and Provisional Certificates: Formal proof of course completion that is digitally signed and stored securely.
   
   

Benefits of Registering as a Student on NAD Portal

1. Permanent Digital Storage: Your academic records are stored permanently and are accessible 24/7.
   
   

2. Legally Accepted Certificates: Documents are digitally signed and accepted by government bodies, embassies, and employers.
   
   

3. No More Lost or Damaged Documents: Digital storage eliminates the risk of losing or misplacing physical certificates.
   
   

4. Instant Sharing and Verification: Use DigiLocker to send certificates directly to universities, recruiters, or visa offices.
   
   

5. 100% Free of Cost: There are no charges for students to access or share NAD documents through DigiLocker.
   
   

TruScholar: Advanced Academic Verification Beyond NAD

TruScholar is a blockchain-powered academic credentialing platform that complements NAD by offering tamper-proof, instantly verifiable digital certificates.

1. Blockchain Secured Records: Certificates issued on TruScholar are immutable and traceable forever.
   
   

2. Supports NAD Integration: TruScholar works with academic institutions to meet NAD document format standards and issue blockchain-enhanced credentials.
   
   

3. Real-Time Global Sharing: Share your verified credentials instantly with employers, scholarship boards, or international universities.
   
   

4. Micro-Credentials and Skill Badges: TruScholar enables institutions to issue digital badges for short-term programs, workshops, and online courses.

Explore more at the TruScholar blog to learn how it’s modernizing academic verification across India.

FAQs: How to Register as a Student on NAD Portal

Q1: Is Aadhaar mandatory for NAD registration?
Yes. Aadhaar is required to verify your identity through DigiLocker’s e-KYC.

Q2: What if I can’t find my institution in the DigiLocker list?
Contact your institution to ask about NAD onboarding. Not all institutions are integrated yet.

Q3: Are NAD certificates legally accepted?
Yes. NAD certificates are digitally signed and accepted by public and private organizations for official use.

Q4: Can I use NAD certificates abroad?
Yes. These certificates are legally valid and widely accepted by international universities and visa authorities.

Knowing how to register as a student on NAD portal gives you access to a powerful digital tool that protects your academic history and simplifies your future. It’s a step every student in India should take for smarter, safer credential management.