The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities and educational institutions to introduce identification mechanisms like student’s photograph and Aadhaar number besides security features in degrees and certificates awarded by them.
“Having security features in the marksheets and certificates issued by varsities are useful for verification and curbing duplication. At the same time, they help in introducing uniformity and transparency within and across the system of higher education in the country,” UGC Secretary JS Sandhu said in a communication to varsities.
“You are directed to include identification mechanisms like photograph and Unique ID/Aadhaar number in students’ certificates,” he said.
A decision in this regard was taken at a recent meeting of the UGC.
In addition to this, UGC has also asked Universities to inscribe the name of the institution in which the student is enrolled. Details of the programme of study along with the mode of study must also be mentioned. Mode of study includes: regular, part time and distance.
“Further, you are also requested to inscribe the name of the institution in which a student is enrolled as well as the mode of delivery (regular, part-time or distance),” he added.
UGC has asked Universities to ensure that the details are mentioned correctly in the academic certificates. The Commission has urged Universities to implement the changes at the earliest in the interests of students in particular and system of higher education in general.