UGC asks varsities to accept self-attested documents

In a move that could simplify procedures for students, the University Grants Commission has asked universities to accept self-certification of marksheets, birth certificates and other key documents, thus doing away with the requirement of submitting attested documents.

“It is requested that the process of abolition of affidavits and adoption of self-certification be complied with at the earliest and compliance report be sent to UGC within a week of the issue of the letter,” the commission said in its communication dated September 26 to vice-chancellors of all universities. The letter asks varsities to take “urgent necessary steps” to implement the order.

The move follows a communication sent by the HRD Ministry to the UGC informing the latter about the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission for adoption of self-attestation for “simplifying procedures.” Under this, original documents are required to be produced only at the final stage of admission.

According to the UGC, self-certification is citizen-friendly since obtaining either an attested copy or an affidavit has monetary implications and leads to wastage of time.