NAD & DigiLocker Explained: How They Benefit Indian Students

Introduction

National Academic Depository (NAD) and DigiLocker are innovative digital ventures by the Indian government to revolutionize academic records management. Both of these platforms enable students from well-known institutions such as Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) to digitally store, retrieve, and exchange their academic records safely. With the launch of NEP 2020 and APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry), the digitalization of academic documents has picked up huge speed.

Most of the Universities including leading universities across India, such as AMU, DU, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia, CCSU, and AKTU, have started integrating NAD and DigiLocker into their academic record management systems.

What is the National Academic Depository (NAD)?

NAD is an digital repository that stores verified academic documents released by academic institutions in India in a safe manner. Controlled by the Ministry of Education and linked with DigiLocker, NAD is a platform in which students are able to securely access and distribute their degrees, diplomas, and certificates with institutions or employers without the necessity of physical documentation.

Key Benefits of NAD:

• Secure and Authentic: Eliminates the risk of fake certificates and marksheets
• Easy to Access: Students can retrieve documents anytime, anywhere.
• Use in Employer Verification: Employers can verify credentials directly from NAD, reducing fraud.
• Paperless Documentation: Reduces dependency on physical certificates.

What is DigiLocker?

DigiLocker is a cloud-based storage of digital documents created by the Government of India to give citizens a safe repository to store and access vital documents, such as academic documents, Aadhaar, PAN, and driving licenses. It is directly integrated with NAD, thus allowing students of AMU, DU, BHU, Jamia, CCSU, and AKTU to retrieve and exchange their certificates in a hassle-free manner.

Key Features of DigiLocker:

• Free Storage: Every student gets a dedicated cloud storage account.
• Easy Integration with Universities: Directly linked with NAD for seamless access to academic records.
• Secure Sharing: Documents can be shared with institutions and employers via secure links.
• Mobile Accessibility: Available as a mobile app for quick access.

How to Register on NAD and DigiLocker

Steps to Register on DigiLocker:

1. Visit https://digilocker.gov.in.
2. Click on Sign Up and enter your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
3. Verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
4. Set a username and password for your DigiLocker account.
5. Link your Aadhaar number to fetch your academic documents automatically.
6. Access your certificates under the Issued Documents section.

Steps to Register on NAD via DigiLocker:

1. Log in to your DigiLocker account.
2. Navigate to the Education section.
3. Select National Academic Depository (NAD).
4. Choose your university (AMU, DU, BHU, Jamia, CCSU, AKTU, etc.).
5. Enter your enrollment number and other required details.
6. Verify the OTP sent by your university (if applicable).
7. Once verified, your academic records will be linked and available in DigiLocker.

Role of NEP 2020 and APAAR in Digital Academic Records

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also advocates for digitization of academic transcripts, as government initiatives such as NAD and DigiLocker. The coming on board of APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) adds the extra layer with a unique digital ID to all students and aggregating all their academic records at one platform.

For more information on APAAR ID and its benefits refer my earlier blog

How APAAR Benefits Students?

• Centralized Record Management: All academic achievements stored under one ID.
• Easy Transfers Between Institutions: Simplifies admission and migration processes.
• Enhanced Security: Eliminates fraudulent certificates and unauthorized modifications.

FAQs

1. How can I register for NAD and DigiLocker?

You can register for DigiLocker at https://digilocker.gov.in using your Aadhaar number and mobile number. NAD is integrated into DigiLocker, so you can access your academic records from there.

2. Is NAD and DigiLocker mandatory for students?

Many universities, including AMU, DU, BHU, Jamia, CCSU, and AKTU, have made NAD and DigiLocker the preferred mode of issuing and storing academic records, but it is not mandatory.

3. How secure is DigiLocker?

DigiLocker uses high-level encryption and is managed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, ensuring the security and authenticity of stored documents.

4. Can I share my DigiLocker documents with employers?

Yes, DigiLocker allows you to share digitally signed academic certificates with employers and institutions via secure links.

5. How does APAAR benefit students?

APAAR links all academic credentials to a single digital ID, making it easier for students to manage and share their records without needing physical documents.

Conclusion

The adoption of NAD, DigiLocker, and APAAR in educational institutions such as AMU, DU, BHU, Jamia, CCSU, and AKTU is a major initiative towards a digital and secure educational environment. In the wake of the Government of India’s increasing emphasis on digitization, the above initiatives facilitate students with the ease of access, security, and hassle-free sharing of their academic documents.