In a major digital transformation move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that it will no longer issue physical migration certificates for classes 10 & 12 students. Starting from the 2025 academic session, the board will provide all migration certificates only through digital platforms. This new policy is widely known as the CBSE migration certificate digital only system.
This change is part of CBSE’s ongoing effort to modernize its processes and make education-related services faster, more secure, and environmentally friendly. Under this initiative, students of classes 10 & 12 will receive their migration certificates exclusively through DigiLocker — a government-approved digital document storage service.
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Why CBSE Has Introduced the “Migration Certificate Digital Only” Policy
The decision to implement the CBSE migration certificate digital only policy is aimed at bringing efficiency and transparency to the certification process. Let’s understand the key reasons behind this move:
1. Easy and Instant Access
Students of classes 10 & 12 will no longer need to wait for postal delivery or visit their schools to collect physical copies. With the CBSE migration certificate digital only system, they can instantly download their certificate from DigiLocker as soon as CBSE uploads it.
2. Safe and Secure
Digital certificates are far more secure than printed ones. The CBSE migration certificate digital only model minimizes the risk of loss, damage, or forgery. Each certificate is digitally signed and verified by CBSE, ensuring authenticity for institutions and employers.
3. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective
By discontinuing printed migration certificates, CBSE contributes to the “Go Green” initiative. This helps save paper and reduces administrative costs. The CBSE migration certificate digital only move benefits the environment while making processes cheaper and cleaner.
4. Supports National Digital Vision
India is moving rapidly toward a digital-first ecosystem. The CBSE migration certificate digital only decision perfectly aligns with national projects like Digital India and the National Academic Depository, which encourage secure online storage of academic records.
5. Eliminates Manual Errors
Digital systems reduce the chances of manual mistakes that often occur during physical certificate handling. For classes 10 & 12, this ensures smoother processing and better accuracy in student records.
What CBSE’s Official Notification Says
The official notification titled “Doing Away with the Hard Copy of Migration Certificate for Both Classes X & XII” was released by CBSE on 4 September 2024. The document clearly states that from the 2025 examination year, CBSE will not issue any printed migration certificates to classes 10 & 12 students. Instead, they will receive digital versions through DigiLocker.
Some key points from the notification include:
- No physical copies of migration certificates will be issued after the 2025 board results.
- Students of classes 10 & 12 will automatically receive their digital migration certificates via DigiLocker.
- The CBSE migration certificate digital only initiative eliminates the migration certificate fee, as it will be free for all students.
- A short transition period will be allowed for those who still require physical copies through CBSE’s Duplicate Academic Document System (DADS).
- The policy was approved by the CBSE Examination Committee in May 2024 and confirmed by the Governing Body in June 2024.
This shows that the CBSE migration certificate digital only decision was thoughtfully planned and not made overnight.
How Students of Classes 10 & 12 Can Get Their Digital Migration Certificates
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide for students of classes 10 & 12 to access their digital certificates:
Step 1: Wait for Results
After CBSE announces the results for classes 10 & 12, the digital migration certificates will be uploaded to each student’s DigiLocker account.
Step 2: Login to DigiLocker
Students need to log in to their DigiLocker account using their registered mobile number or Aadhaar. Under the CBSE migration certificate digital only system, DigiLocker acts as the official platform for retrieving certificates.
Step 3: Download or Share
Once logged in, students can download their digital certificate or share it directly with colleges and universities. Institutions are advised to accept these digital copies as valid documents for admissions.
Step 4: Apply for Physical Copy (If Needed)
If any student from classes 10 & 12 still requires a hard copy during the transition period, they can apply through CBSE’s DADS portal. However, this option will soon be phased out as the CBSE migration certificate digital only system becomes universal.
Step 5: No Extra Fee
Students will no longer pay extra charges for migration certificates. This is part of CBSE’s commitment to making the process cost-free and accessible under the CBSE migration certificate digital only rule.
Reaction From Students and Parents
The announcement of the CBSE migration certificate digital only rule has received mixed reactions. Many students from classes 10 & 12 appreciate the ease and speed of getting their certificates online. They find DigiLocker simple to use and value not having to wait for printed copies.
However, a few parents, especially in rural or less digitally connected areas, worry about internet access and awareness. CBSE has assured that schools will help students download and verify their digital certificates.
Overall, the majority of classes 10 & 12 students have welcomed the decision, recognizing it as a step toward modernization.
Response From Schools and Universities
Schools have been directed to support students in activating their DigiLocker accounts and ensuring that personal details like name, roll number, and date of birth are accurate. For classes 10 & 12, schools will serve as a bridge between CBSE and students during this digital transition.
Colleges and universities have also been informed that they must accept digital migration certificates for admission purposes. CBSE clarified that under the CBSE migration certificate digital only policy, no institution can demand physical copies, as the digital ones are equally valid and verified.
Timeline of Implementation
Here’s the timeline of the CBSE migration certificate digital only rollout:
- 2024 – Transition phase begins.
- 2025 – No more printed migration certificates for classes 10 & 12.
- Beyond 2025 – All future batches will receive only digital migration certificates.
- Permanent phase – The DADS system remains available temporarily for duplicate or special requests.
Benefits of Digital Migration Certificates for Classes 10 & 12
- 24/7 Availability: Students of classes 10 & 12 can access their documents anytime, anywhere.
- Reduced Hassle: No need to visit schools or regional offices.
- Security: Tamper-proof certificates enhance credibility.
- Ease of Verification: Colleges can verify authenticity directly online.
- Convenience for Abroad Admissions: Students applying overseas can instantly email or upload verified copies.
- Eco-conscious Initiative: The CBSE migration certificate digital only shift helps cut down paper waste and postal emissions.
Potential Challenges in the Transition
Although the CBSE migration certificate digital only policy has strong advantages, there are a few challenges that CBSE must address:
- Digital divide: Some areas lack reliable internet or smartphone access.
- Technical issues: Students of classes 10 & 12 may face login or verification errors in DigiLocker.
- Awareness: Rural schools may need extra guidance to adapt smoothly.
- Institutional acceptance: Some older colleges might take time to fully accept digital documents.
CBSE is expected to release detailed FAQs and tutorials to help both schools and students manage the change confidently.
How This Step Shapes the Future of Education
The CBSE migration certificate digital only reform represents more than just a procedural change. It marks a new stage in India’s educational governance — where all academic documents for classes 10 & 12 and beyond will exist securely in digital format. This paves the way for a paperless, more efficient education system.
Soon, mark sheets, passing certificates, and other academic records will all follow the same digital pattern. As CBSE takes the lead, other education boards across India are also expected to adopt similar models.
Final Thoughts
The CBSE migration certificate digital only initiative is a significant and positive step for students of classes 10 & 12. It modernizes the document process, saves time, protects the environment, and ensures nationwide consistency in academic records.
While some challenges remain — especially in awareness and accessibility — the advantages clearly outweigh the drawbacks. By moving to digital-only certificates, CBSE is setting a powerful example of how technology can simplify and strengthen education systems.
As India continues to build a smarter and greener education infrastructure, the CBSE migration certificate digital only policy for classes 10 & 12 students is truly a milestone in the journey toward complete digital transformation.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official CBSE announcements and verified public sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or changes made after publication. Readers are advised to verify details from CBSE’s official website before making decisions.
