IIT & IIM Aspirants May Now Self-Attest their Certificate Copies

In an important move, the HRD ministry has decided to free students of institutes under it from the stress of scouting for a gazetted officer to get the copies of their certificates/testimonials attested.

The ministry has asked the IITs, IIMs or central universities to accept the self-attested documents from the students seeking admissions to them.
Bringing an end to the age-old practice and a much needed respite to students, this move will be effective from this session, revealed a ministry official.

However, the original documents would have to be produced at the time of admission, said the official.

The decision has been taken in wake of a directive from the Ministry Of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension that asked various ministries and departments to examine the concerned proposal.

The proposal, while referring the new method as "citizen friendly", said that "obtaining either an attested copy or affidavit not only costs money but also involves wastage of time of the citizens and the government officials".

The proposal also supports the Second Administrative Reforms Commission, which in its 12th report titled as “Citizen Centric Administration — the Heart of Governance” had recommended adoption of self-certification provision for simplifying procedures.

The move brings a great respite to students especially in rural or remote areas who face much difficulty in finding a gazetted officer for getting attested the photo copies of their certificates.

Institutes at the state level would be requested to adopt the new practice keeping overall interest of students in mind, said officials in the HRD ministry.