If you're a student or institution trying to understand the types of certificates issued on NAD, this guide will give you the full picture. The National Academic Depository (NAD) is India’s official digital repository that stores and verifies academic records in a secure and tamper-proof format.

From school mark sheets to professional degrees, NAD offers verified, digitally signed documents that can be accessed and shared anytime via DigiLocker. This system reduces fraud, eliminates paperwork, and speeds up verification for employers, embassies, and educational institutions.

What Is the NAD System and Why It Matters for Academic Records

The NAD platform is maintained by government-authorized agencies like CVL and NDML under the Ministry of Education. It enables universities, boards, and certifying bodies to issue academic credentials directly to students in digital format.

These records are legally valid and can be accessed through DigiLocker using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. This ensures identity verification, permanent record storage, and seamless document sharing.

Major Types of Certificates Issued on NAD

Here are the key academic documents that can be issued, stored, and accessed via NAD through DigiLocker:

1. Degree Certificates (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)

Universities upload bachelor's and master's degree certificates directly to NAD. These include B.A., B.Sc., B.Tech, M.A., M.Com., M.Tech, and similar qualifications from recognized institutions.

Digitally signed by the institution, these are accepted for job applications and higher studies in India and abroad.

2. Diploma Certificates (Technical and Non-Technical)

Polytechnic, skill development, and professional diploma certificates are available for download on NAD. These include diplomas in engineering, management, hospitality, and health sciences issued by state boards or autonomous institutes.

3. School-Level Mark Sheets and Certificates

Secondary and higher secondary boards such as CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards issue 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates via NAD. Students can easily access their board exam results for entrance exams, admissions, or government services.

4. Professional Certifications

Professional councils and certifying bodies can issue documents related to law, medicine, accounting, architecture, and more. These certifications are essential for applying to regulated professions and are instantly verifiable through NAD.

5. Semester-Wise Academic Transcripts

Some universities also upload individual semester transcripts, which students need when applying abroad or for competitive exams. These transcripts include subject-wise scores and academic progression over the course duration.

6. Convocation Certificates

Convocation or award certificates, often presented at formal graduation ceremonies, are available on NAD. These digital certificates serve as formal proof of graduation and are useful when applying for scholarships or fellowships.

7. Skill-Based Certifications and Online Course Credentials

Institutions offering digital learning and skill-based training can issue micro-credentials through NAD. This includes government skill development programs and edtech-certified courses that have official academic backing.

Who Can Issue Certificates on NAD?

Only NAD-registered institutions are authorized to upload and issue certificates. These include:

• UGC-recognized universities
  
  

• AICTE-approved colleges
  
  

• CBSE, State, and National Boards
  
  

• Professional councils (like Bar Council, MCI, ICAI)
  
  

• Skill development authorities and training partners
  
  

Students must ensure their institution is NAD-integrated to benefit from this system.

Benefits of Accessing These Certificates via NAD

1. Legally Valid and Digitally Signed
   Every certificate issued on NAD carries a digital signature from the issuing body, ensuring authenticity and legality.
   
   

2. No Physical Damage or Loss Risk
   Documents are stored permanently online, accessible anytime without risk of misplacement or tampering.
   
   

3. Verified Sharing with One Click
   Students can instantly share verified records with employers, embassies, or universities—no attestation needed.
   
   

4. Centralized Document Hub
   All academic certificates across your education journey can be accessed from one secure DigiLocker account.
   
   

TruScholar’s Role in Expanding Certificate Types and Use Cases

TruScholar supports academic institutions by helping them issue blockchain-based credentials that are compatible with systems like NAD.

1. Blockchain-Secured Academic Documents
   TruScholar enhances certificate security by making them immutable and tamper-proof through blockchain technology.
   
   

2. Support for Digital Badges and Skill Credentials
   It allows institutions to issue digital badges and micro-certifications for online courses, training modules, or skill bootcamps.
   
   

3. NAD-Compatible Verification for Institutions
   TruScholar provides APIs and tech support for NAD integration, ensuring easy issuance of verified certificates through both systems.
   
   

4. Real-Time Sharing With Global Institutions
   Students can share TruScholar-verified and NAD-linked documents for international university applications and visa processing.

Read more at the TruScholar blog for use cases, case studies, and adoption insights.

FAQs: Types of Certificate Issued on NAD

Q1: Can I download all my school and college certificates from NAD?
Yes, if your institution or board is NAD-registered and has uploaded your records, you can access them via DigiLocker.

Q2: Are online course certificates included on NAD?
Yes, if the course is accredited and the issuing body is NAD-integrated or uses platforms like TruScholar.

Q3: What if my certificate is not showing on NAD?
Contact your institution to confirm if they have uploaded your records. If not, ask them to issue it digitally through NAD.

Q4: Are NAD-issued certificates accepted for international applications?
Yes, NAD documents are digitally signed and accepted globally, especially for education, jobs, and visa purposes.

If you’re a student, understanding the types of certificate issued on NAD helps you stay organized, verify credentials quickly, and avoid delays when opportunities arise. It’s a must-use platform for India’s digital-first academic future.