The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has discontinued issuing physical migration certificates for Class 10 and 12 students. This significant policy change is effective from the current academic year. Digital copies will now be the standard, accessible exclusively through the government-backed DigiLocker platform.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in CBSE’s document management strategy. Migration certificates are crucial for students transitioning to new schools, colleges, or universities after completing their secondary or senior secondary education. The move aligns with the board’s existing digital practices; CBSE already provides digital mark sheets and passing certificates via DigiLocker.
Digital Transition to DigiLocker
The shift to digital certificates eliminates the need for students to pay fees for physical copies. Previously, students incurred costs for printing and postal delivery. CBSE will directly upload these certificates to each student’s personal DigiLocker account. Access requires specific Candidate Login credentials, ensuring secure and personalized retrieval for every student.
Recent data from the Class 12 examinations underscores the established trend towards digital documentation. Out of 1,704,367 students who appeared for the exams, a small fraction of 38,386 specifically requested physical migration certificates. This statistic clearly indicates a predominant preference among students for digital document acquisition and storage.
Advantages of Digital Certificates
The transition to digital migration certificates offers multiple benefits for students and academic institutions:
- Cost Savings: Students no longer bear the expenses associated with obtaining physical certificates. This includes printing, processing, and dispatch charges.
- Instant Accessibility: Certificates become available immediately after the official declaration of results. This removes any waiting periods for postal delivery.
- Enhanced Security: DigiLocker provides a highly secure, cloud-based storage platform. Documents are digitally signed, tamper-proof, and fully verifiable, significantly reducing risks of fraud.
- Permanent Archival: Digital copies cannot be lost, misplaced, or physically damaged. Students retain permanent access to their documents anytime, anywhere, using any internet-enabled device.
- Environmental Responsibility: The initiative significantly reduces paper consumption and the environmental footprint linked to large-scale printing and physical distribution.
Accessing Your Digital Certificate
Students who have completed their Class 10th or 12th examinations can download their digital migration certificates through the DigiLocker platform. The process is designed for ease of use:
- Visit the official DigiLocker website at digilocker.gov.in or launch the DigiLocker mobile application on your smartphone.
- Locate and select the ‘CBSE’ section from the list of available issuing authorities.
- Enter your unique login credentials. This typically involves your Aadhaar number or registered mobile number, along with your security PIN.
- Navigate to the specific section designated for ‘Migration Certificate’.
- Click on the relevant link to view and download your certificate. It is advisable to save a local copy for immediate future reference and official submissions.
Procedure for Obtaining Physical Copies
While digital documents are now the primary mode, students requiring a physical hard copy can still obtain one. This process involves applying for a duplicate through the CBSE Duplicate Academic Document System (DADS).
The DADS portal handles all requests for duplicate academic documents, including mark sheets, passing certificates, and migration certificates. Applicants must submit an online application, pay a prescribed fee, and select a delivery method (e.g., speed post). Processing times and associated fees vary based on the document type, the academic year, and the chosen delivery urgency. The system ensures that all issued duplicate documents maintain official validity and authenticity.
This comprehensive digital initiative by CBSE aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Digital India’ program. It aims to foster a more efficient, accessible, transparent, and environmentally conscious educational ecosystem for all students and institutions across the nation.