The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed that the National Academic Depository (NAD) is an online storehouse of academic awards (Degrees, Mark-Sheets, etc.) lodged by the Academic Institutions in a digital format. It facilitates students to get authentic documents/ certificates in digital format directly from their original issuers anytime, anywhere without any physical interference.

The Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India has designated the UGC as an authorised body to implement NAD as a permanent scheme without levy of any user charges in co-operation with the DigiLocker as a single depositor of NAD.  Academic Institutions could register themselves and upload academic awards of their institution of NAD through DigiLocker NAD portal.

The DigiLocker platform of the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY). Government of India has the facility to pull students' Degree. Marksheet and other documents into the issued documents section in an electronic form once uploaded through DigiLocker- NAD platform by the original issuer. These electronic records available on DigiLocker platform were valid documents as per the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

According to notification issued by Prof. Rajnish Jain, Secretary of UGC vide D.O. No. F. 1-46/ 2020 (NAD) / DigiLocker) dated 3rd January 2022 to enhance the reach of the NAD programme, all Academic Institutions were directed to accept Degree, Mark-sheets and other documents available in Issue documents in DigiLocker account as valid documents.

(Kiso, IA Peren)