Educational institutions are now uploading mark sheets to the National Academic Depository portal, where they are verified by the principals of the respective colleges and made accessible to students.
In Karnataka, students are raising concerns as some universities and higher educational institutions continue to reject digital mark sheets for admission to postgraduate courses, despite a clear directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Shift to Digital Documentation
Historically, students received printed mark sheets following their semester exams. However, with the rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) in the 2021-22 academic year and the establishment of the Unified University and College Management System (UUCMS) portal for essential processes, the State government has ceased the practice of issuing printed mark sheets.
Institutions are now mandated to issue digital mark sheets as per UGC guidelines. These mark sheets are uploaded to the National Academic Depository (NAD) portal, where they undergo verification by college principals before being accessible to students.
One student expressed frustration: “I applied for a postgraduate program at a private university, but they are insisting on printed mark sheets. They refuse to accept the digital versions, yet we haven’t received printed mark sheets for the last three years.”
Several universities, including Bengaluru City University, have communicated with their affiliated colleges that while some students request printed mark sheets, the majority have stopped issuing them following the NEP implementation. They confirmed that digital mark sheets have been uploaded as per government and UGC instructions, and principals have been directed to verify these documents on the NAD.
Challenges in Job Applications
The confusion extends to job applications for government positions that require graduation qualifications. Candidates are uncertain about the acceptance of digital mark sheets, as the government has yet to clarify their status for recruitment purposes.
“I graduated this year and have applied for numerous government jobs,” shared another student. “During the document verification process, only printed mark sheets are acceptable. I’m anxious since we haven’t received printed versions, and the government hasn’t clarified about using digital ones.”
M.C. Sudhakar, the Minister for Higher Education, addressed these issues, stating, “We are taking steps to provide printed mark sheets on request for those applying to study abroad. The digital mark sheets in the NAD are secure and cannot be forged. They should be recognized as official documents for educational purposes. It is unacceptable for some universities to demand printed mark sheets. We are looking into the complaints received and will discuss this with government officials regarding the acceptance of digital mark sheets for recruitment.”
Published – October 09, 2024 07:56 am IST
