DigiLocker is the sole depository of NAD: UGC

Pune, July 1, 2020: DigiLocker will be the ‘only’ system to maintain the National Academic Depository (NAD), stated the University Grants Commission in a notification issued on June 26.

The NAD is a one-stop database that holds certificates from Std X onwards. NAD was introduced with an aim to reduce fake degrees and enable access to authentic degree certificates online. Also, the document verification seeking entities can use the platform to verify the degrees and certificates awarded through the system. However, until recently NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) and CSDL Venture Limited (CVL) were in-charge of collecting data and storing it in the system.

Now, UGC has delinked all applications which are using NAD through NDML and CVL. They are being linked to DigiLocker. It has clarified that DigiLocker will be the single depository for NAD and previous depositories NDML and CVL are not part of it now. The commission has also informed that for seamless data transfer from the former depositories, UGC has written a request letter to NDML and CVL to transfer the data and DigiLocker to take the sole charge of it. Therefore, now onwards all the academic institutions will have to upload their academic records and awards on the DigiLocker.

Further to enhance the reach of the programme, UGC has instructed universities to designate nodal officers and set up a NAD cell for implementation of it and also reflect the details on their websites. Students are also advised to register themselves on NAD website.