UGC Reverses Decision, Excludes Aadhaar Numbers from Graduation Certificates

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed universities not to include students’ Aadhaar numbers on their graduation and provisional certificates. This decision by the UGC comes in response to reports that certain states were contemplating the inclusion of Aadhaar numbers on these certificates. UGC Secretary Manish Joshi has issued an order stating that institutions in possession of Aadhaar numbers must safeguard them and not make them publicly accessible. Higher education institutions are expected to strictly adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

In 2017, the UGC had previously mandated the inclusion of students’ photographs and Aadhaar numbers on graduation certificates as a measure to counter the production of counterfeit UGC certificates. However, this directive has now been reversed.