NCERT Takes Over Certificate Equivalence for Students Across India

The Indian government has transferred the responsibility of certificate equivalence for 10th and 12th-grade students from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to NCERT. This change aims to simplify the process for students across various boards, ensuring that their certificates are recognized nationwide. The new system will be implemented through the PARAKH Center, enhancing the reliability of equivalence determinations. This move is expected to benefit students by eliminating previous challenges related to certificate validation during college admissions and job applications.

By Ambika Singh Sep 29, 2025, 10:53 IST

New Responsibilities Assigned to NCERT

Students in grades 10 and 12, whether enrolled in CBSE, ICSE, or state boards, can now rest easy regarding the validity of their certificates. The government has designated NCERT to oversee this responsibility, which was previously managed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This change aims to streamline the process for students, ensuring no complications arise during college admissions or when applying for government jobs.

Transition of Responsibilities

On September 6, 2025, the Ministry of Education published a notification in the e-Gazette announcing this shift. The AIU had been tasked with this role since November 15, 2021, but the government has now transferred it directly to NCERT.

Implementation via PARAKH Center

NCERT will execute this responsibility through its specialized institute, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development). Established under the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), PARAKH aims to enhance the reliability and robustness of the equivalence determination process for 10th and 12th-grade certificates nationwide.

Scope of the New Regulation

This new framework will apply to all recognized school boards in India, including those established by Parliament or State Legislative Assemblies, as well as those recognized by statutory bodies. The decisions made by NCERT will be mandatory for all.

Benefits for Students

Previously, students from various boards faced challenges in proving the equivalence of their certificates during admissions or job applications, often leading to a tedious process. With the introduction of the NCERT-issued equivalency certificate, students can now enjoy nationwide validity, eliminating issues when transitioning between different boards.