students often face the challenge of managing their academic records and credentials. From certificates, mark sheets, and degree documents to various important identification proofs, safeguarding these papers is crucial. DigiLocker, a government-backed digital storage platform, has emerged as a highly reliable and secure solution for students to store, access, and share their academic records online.

In this blog, we will explore how students can use DigiLocker to protect their academic records, access them digitally, and the advantages of doing so.

What is DigiLocker?

DigiLocker is a government-run initiative developed under the Digital India program, designed to provide citizens with a secure digital platform to store their documents. It allows students to safely store academic records like mark sheets, certificates, and ID proofs online, making it easier to access and share them when needed.

DigiLocker is directly integrated with various educational institutions and government boards, making it a reliable source for storing and verifying documents digitally.

Why Should Students Use DigiLocker for Academic Records?

For students, maintaining academic records safely is critical, as these documents are required for higher education, job applications, and other official purposes. Traditional paper certificates can get lost, damaged, or become hard to access. DigiLocker helps solve these problems by providing:

• Instant access to academic records.

• Digital storage that eliminates the need for physical paperwork.

• Verified credentials from educational institutions.

By using DigiLocker, students can protect their important academic documents and avoid the hassle of carrying or maintaining physical copies.

Features of DigiLocker for Students

• Secure Cloud Storage: DigiLocker offers 1GB of cloud storage for students to upload their scanned documents and academic certificates.

• Automatic Fetching of Records: Integrated with various educational boards and institutions like CBSE, DigiLocker can automatically fetch and store your mark sheets and certificates in your account.

• E-signature Support: With DigiLocker, students can add digital signatures to documents, making them valid for official purposes like admissions or job applications.

• Paperless Document Sharing: Students can share documents through DigiLocker without the need for physical copies, using secure, shareable links.

• Government Recognized: All documents stored in DigiLocker are verified and accepted by most educational institutions and employers across India, making it an official and reliable digital document holder.

How to Store and Access Academic Records on DigiLocker

Step-by-step guide for students to store and access their academic records:

1. Sign Up: Go to the DigiLocker website or download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Sign up using your mobile number or Aadhaar number.

2. Link Your Aadhaar: Linking your Aadhaar number allows you to fetch documents issued by various educational and government authorities.

3. Fetch Documents: DigiLocker automatically fetches and stores your CBSE, ICSE, or university mark sheets, provided your educational institution is linked with DigiLocker.

4. Upload Additional Records: You can manually upload scanned copies of other academic documents like degrees or certificates that may not be linked to DigiLocker.

5. Access Your Documents: Once uploaded or fetched, you can access your academic records anytime via the DigiLocker app or website.

6. Share and Verify: You can share your digital credentials with universities or employers using secure links, ensuring quick and reliable document verification.

Benefits of Using DigiLocker for Students

Here are the key benefits of using DigiLocker to safeguard your academic records:

1. 24/7 Accessibility: DigiLocker allows students to access their academic records anytime and from anywhere, without needing to carry physical copies.

2. Verified Documents: Documents fetched directly from educational institutions through DigiLocker are verified and accepted as official credentials.

3. Secure and Tamper-Proof: DigiLocker ensures your documents are stored in an encrypted format, keeping them safe from tampering, loss, or damage.

4. No Risk of Losing Important Documents: By storing academic records digitally, students eliminate the risk of losing or misplacing crucial certificates or mark sheets.

5. Easy Sharing for Admissions or Job Applications: When applying for higher education or jobs, students can quickly share their academic records digitally via a secure link, speeding up the application process.

6. Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: Using DigiLocker reduces the need for physical storage, printing, and transportation of documents, promoting paperless governance and reducing costs.

7. Recognized by Employers and Institutions: DigiLocker documents are recognized by various institutions and companies, saving time during verification processes for students applying for internships or jobs.

How to Ensure the Safety of Your Digital Credentials

Although DigiLocker is a secure platform, students can take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their digital credentials:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Ensure that your DigiLocker account is protected by enabling two-factor authentication, which requires an OTP along with your password for login.

2. Use a Strong Password: Always use a strong and unique password for your DigiLocker account to prevent unauthorized access.

3. Regular Backups: While DigiLocker is a secure platform, it's a good idea to backup your documents on another digital storage platform or an external hard drive for additional safety.

4. Stay Updated: Always keep the DigiLocker app updated to the latest version, ensuring you have the latest security patches and features.