When you’re planning to use your academic credentials in another country — whether for higher studies, work, or immigration — having them officially verified is crucial. Academic verification confirms that your transcripts, degree certificates, or diplomas are genuine and valid. Below is a detailed guide to understanding how verification works in India, Canada, and the United States, and how to make sure yours passes scrutiny.
What “Academic Verification” Means
Academic verification is the process by which authorities, institutions, or agencies confirm that the details on your academic documents — your school name, dates, grades, degree earned — are authentic, unaltered, and issued by approved/university recognized institutions. Sometimes verification also includes comparing your qualification against the educational system of another country to determine equivalency.
Academic Verification in India
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India has digital systems for managing academic credentials. One of these is the National Academic Depository (NAD), which securely stores certificates, mark sheets, and diplomas in digital form, helping verify authenticity more easily.
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If your institution has lodged documents in such systems, you can access verified digital copies directly. Otherwise, you often need original sealed transcripts, signed degrees, or mark sheets with proper stamping from your school or board.
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Sometimes institutions require additional attestation or notarization, especially if you need those credentials to be recognized abroad.
Academic Verification in Canada
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For immigration in Canada (for example, under Express Entry), if your education was completed outside Canada, you’ll often need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). It confirms that your foreign degree or diploma is valid and that it’s equivalent to a Canadian credential.
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You submit your academic documents via designated assessment organizations. These examine whether the credentials are authentic (issued by a recognized institution) and match Canadian standards in terms of level.
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The ECA validity has limits. For many cases, it must be less than 5 years old when your immigration or educational application is processed.
Academic Verification in the United States
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U.S. institutions, licensing bodies, or employers often require credential evaluation from recognized evaluation agencies. These agencies verify that your academic certificates are real and then equate them to U.S. educational standards.
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Part of the process may include submitting your transcripts, degree certificates, course descriptions, and sometimes translations if documents are not in English. Verification usually means direct submissions from the issuing institution, sealed documents, or official transcripts that have proper signatures and stamps.
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Credentials from India or other countries are reviewed carefully: the evaluation may be done course by course (detailing credits, grades) or simply degree-level equivalence, depending on what’s needed.
Key Differences to Be Aware Of
| Feature | India | Canada | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital deposit system | Yes (e.g. NAD) for many institutions. | Varies; ECA agencies accept official or sealed documents; some accept digital where permitted . | Evaluation agencies generally require sealed/transcript-issued originals or certified copies; authenticity checks rigorous. |
| Processing time | Can vary widely depending on board/university and whether document digitization is used | Depends on chosen ECA body and how fast the institution responds | Varies per agency; detailed evaluations can take several weeks |
| Purpose of verification | Degrees, mark sheets needed for overseas admission, job credentialing, immigration support | Immigration, admission equivalency, professional licensing in some fields | Admissions, job hiring, licensure, equivalency for graduate studies, etc. |
Steps to Get Your Academic Credentials Verified
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Know what your target university or authority requires — Is an ECA needed? Sealed transcripts? Language translation?
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Gather all original documents — mark sheets, degree certificates, transcript history, proof of institution’s recognition.
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Check for digital document availability — if your institution participates in a trusted deposition system, you may request certified digital versions.
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Contact your institution’s registrar / examination office — request official or sealed transcripts; ensure they include signatures, stamps as specified.
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Use a recognized evaluation agency (if required) — one that the receiving institution accepts, especially in Canada/USA.
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Submit any translations / attestation — if documents are not in the language required, use certified translators; sometimes extra legal or notarized verification is needed.
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Track the process — evaluation or verification agencies often provide status updates. Allow sufficient time.
Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them
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Delayed responses from your institution — request transcripts well in advance.
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Mismatch in names or dates — ensure your name on documents matches your current name and ID. Discrepancies cause rejections.
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Missing stamps or seal — make sure official seals/stamps and signature of authorized person are present.
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Rejection of non-certified copies — agencies often refuse scans or photocopies unless they are certified.
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Validity issues — ECAs or verification reports sometimes expire; check how long they remain valid for your purpose and plan accordingly.
Why Verification Is Critical
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To gain trust from admission committees, employers, or immigration authorities.
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To avoid delays or outright rejection of applications.
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To ensure smooth processing of your credentials abroad, especially when you want them recognized for education, work, or immigration.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
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