New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC), the higher education authority, has instructed all universities to introduce identification mechanisms like photograph and Unique lD/Aadhaar number in students’ certificates. This step will check ills and malpractices at academic certificates. The UGC also said that such inscriptions will go a long way in uniformly marking a student’s personal identity and other associated details.

In a letter to All Universities, the UGC informed that the identification mechanism has been approved by the UGC in its 521th meeting held on 22 February 2017. The use of digital technology and these moves will curb malpractices and check duplicates at academic certificates and enhance efficiency in verification process.

Here it can be mentioned that in earlier communication by the UGC on 17 October 2014 in which all universities were requested to introduce security features in the marksheets and certificates issued by the university to students enrolled in different programs of study. Such features, of course, are useful for the purposes of verification and curbing duplication. The UGC mentioned that at the same time, these moves help in introducing uniformity and transparency within and across the system of higher education in the country.

In addition to Aadhaar number and photo of candidates, certificates and mark-sheets should also inscribe the name of the institution in which a student is enrolled for a program of study as well as the mode of delivery (regular, part{ime or distance). The higher education authority stated that these details are mentioned correctly on academic certificates which are used by students throughout their lives for various purposes and ends.