In this article, understand the specifics as to why UGC Plans Real-Time Degree Verification for employers, and also understand its positive implications.

UGC Plans Real-Time Degree Verification for Employers

In a transformative step toward modernizing India’s higher education infrastructure, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced plans to roll out a Real-Time Degree Verification System by mid-2025. The initiative is aimed at helping employers, academic institutions, and government agencies instantly authenticate a candidate’s educational qualifications through a secure, centralized digital platform.

This long-awaited system is expected to curb the rising cases of fake degrees, streamline recruitment processes, and reinforce trust in India’s vast and diverse university ecosystem.

Why the Verification System Is Being Introduced

India produces over 9 million graduates annually, and with increasing mobility across states and countries, the need for instant verification of credentials has become crucial. According to UGC data, over 2,000 fake degree cases were reported in the past five years, causing serious concerns for employers and affecting the credibility of legitimate institutions.

The Real-Time Degree Verification System will help:

• Reduce academic fraud and resume falsification
• Speed up hiring and admissions processes
• Enhance international credibility of Indian degrees
• Improve employer confidence in remote or digital hiring

The system also aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for digitization and standardization in higher education.

How the System Will Work

The UGC has partnered with the National Academic Depository (NAD) and the DigiLocker platform to build a tamper-proof, blockchain-enabled database of degrees issued by recognized universities. Here’s how it will function:

The system will support API-based integration, allowing corporate HR software and government job portals to connect directly for seamless access.

Participation and Compliance from Universities

All UGC-recognized institutions, including central, state, private, and deemed universities, will be mandated to onboard the platform starting in the 2025–26 academic session. Compliance will be linked to university accreditation and funding eligibility.

Support measures include:

• Workshops and training for university registrars and IT staff
• Financial aid for institutions with limited digital infrastructure
• A dedicated helpdesk for implementation assistance

Private universities have also welcomed the initiative, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance their reputation and ease the verification burden on administrative teams.

Benefits for Employers and Students

For employers, especially in sectors like IT, finance, and government recruitment, real-time verification will eliminate the need for physical checks. Thereby, reducing turnaround time from weeks to seconds.

For students, the platform will offer:

• Digital ownership of verified academic records
• Hassle-free sharing with employers, embassies, and institutions
• Protection against misuse or alteration of certificates

Additionally, students with international aspirations will find it easier to apply abroad, as verified documents will meet global standards for authentication.

The Road Ahead: Making Verification a Norm, Not an Exception

UGC is establishing transparency and trust as the new norm in education by incorporating real-time degree verification into the academic ecosystem. The system not only empowers students and employers but also helps regulators and universities maintain accountability.

Experts believe this move will serve as a deterrent to educational fraud and position India as a leader in secure academic verification systems globally.

The pilot phase is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with full nationwide rollout targeted for December 2025.

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