NCERT to Grant Nationwide Equivalence for Class 10 and 12 Board Certificates

New Delhi, September 27, 2025 – In a landmark reform under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the government has authorised the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to grant nationwide equivalence to Class 10 and Class 12 board certificates.

The move ensures that certificates issued by different school education boards across India will now hold uniform recognition, simplifying student mobility for higher education and government jobs.

PARAKH to Oversee the Process

According to the Ministry of Education, NCERT will implement this through its National Assessment Centre – PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development). The system is designed to establish fair, transparent, and academically rigorous benchmarks while maintaining national standards.

This framework will apply to certificates issued by all boards created under:

• Central or State legislation

• Executive orders

• Statutory authorities

• Other recognised educational bodies

Once NCERT grants equivalence, the certificates will automatically carry nationwide validity, ensuring students face no barriers while migrating between institutions or applying for admissions and jobs.

Replacing the Earlier AIU System

Previously, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) was responsible for handling certificate equivalence. With NCERT taking charge, the government expects the process to become more streamlined and student-friendly.

The reform was officially notified in the e-Gazette on September 6, 2025, marking a crucial step towards achieving uniformity in India’s fragmented school education system.

Impact on Students

The decision will make academic mobility far smoother. Whether shifting between states, boards, or applying to central universities and competitive examinations, students will now have clarity and nationwide recognition for their Class 10 and 12 qualifications.

Experts say this will reduce confusion and paperwork, particularly for students from smaller boards who often faced hurdles in securing admission equivalence.