Certificates for Employability: How Students Leverage NAD and SWAYAM
In India’s evolving education and employment landscape, certificates play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic achievement and workplace readiness. Employers increasingly rely on verified, credible documents to evaluate skills. Platforms like the National Academic Depository (NAD) and SWAYAM are helping students showcase their qualifications digitally, thereby simplifying verification, reducing fraud, and improving employability prospects. To know more, read the full article below.
This Story also Contains
- Understanding the Role of NAD in Employability
- NAD Statistics 2023-24: A Growing Digital Movement
- SWAYAM Certificates
- Impact on Employability due to NAD and SWAYAM
- NAD vs SWAYAM for Employability
- Benefits for Students & Professionals
Understanding the Role of NAD in Employability
The National Academic Depository (NAD) is a digital storehouse of academic awards set up by the Government of India. It allows students, universities, and employers to access, verify, and share academic records in a safe and tamper-proof format.
Key Features of NAD:
- Secure Verification - Eliminates fake certificates.
- Universities Linked - 1,100+ academic institutions on-boarded.
- Student Control - Students can share verified documents with employers.
- Time-Saving - Verification requests are completed online without physical paperwork.
NAD Statistics 2023-24: A Growing Digital Movement
According to the Annual Report 2023-24, Ministry of Education:
| Parameter | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | Growth ( per cent) |
|---|---|---|---|
NAD Verification Conducted | 19.3 lakh | 33.5 lakh | 73 per cent increase |
Institutions On-boarded | 985 | 1,137 | 15.4 per cent increase |
Documents Uploaded | 7.1 crore | 9.4 crore | 32 per cent increase |
This surge shows a significant adoption of digital verification. The 73 per cent rise in verification proves universities and employers are increasingly relying on NAD to validate student credentials.
SWAYAM Certificates
While NAD handles academic record authenticity, SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) strengthens employability by offering skill-oriented, government-recognised certifications.
Key Highlights of SWAYAM 2023-24:
- Enrolments: 1.3 crore learners.
- Courses Offered: 2,800+ courses across disciplines.
- Certifications Issued: 22 lakh in 2023-24.
- Employer Acceptance: Growing recognition in IT, finance, and government recruitment.
SWAYAM certificates complement formal degrees by validating job-oriented skills such as data science, AI, management, and language training.
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Impact on Employability due to NAD and SWAYAM
The National Academic Depository (NAD) offers secure, online access to verified academic awards, while SWAYAM provides government-recognised certification for courses across diverse fields. Together, they have transformed how students and professionals present their credentials, ensuring faster verification for universities and employers, while also improving trust.
How NAD Helps:
- Ensures document authenticity, reducing fraud.
- Accelerates university admissions (both domestic and international).
- Increases employer confidence in candidate qualifications.
How SWAYAM Helps:
- Offers skill-based certifications aligned with industry demand.
- Enhances resumes with government-backed recognition.
- Encourages lifelong learning among professionals.
NAD vs SWAYAM for Employability
| Aspect | NAD | SWAYAM |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Secure verification of academic awards | Skill enhancement and certification |
Beneficiaries | Students, universities, employers | Students, professionals, lifelong learners |
2023-24 Numbers | 33.5 lakh verification | 22 lakh certificates issued |
Impact | Reduces fraud, speeds up applications | Adds industry-ready skills |
A survey (MoE, 2023-24) indicates:
- 45 per cent of students reported faster university application approvals due to NAD.
- 37 per cent of employers found SWAYAM-certified candidates better prepared.
- 60 per cent of professionals said digital certificates improved their job mobility.
Benefits for Students & Professionals
- Accessibility - Online access to documents anytime.
- Recognition - Government-certified validation.
- Cost Savings - No courier, notarisation, or middlemen required.
- Global Acceptance - Recognised by foreign universities.
- Career Edge - Adds value to CVs during recruitment.
India’s higher education and employment ecosystem is undergoing a digital shift. With NAD ensuring authenticity and SWAYAM offering skill-based certifications, students and professionals are better equipped to succeed. The rapid growth in verification and certifications in 2023-24 reflects their rising importance. Together, NAD and SWAYAM are transforming how India builds a workforce ready for both domestic and global opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
NAD ensures trust in academic credentials, while SWAYAM enhances employability through skill certification.
Absolutely. SWAYAM is designed for both students and professionals seeking continuous learning.
Most NAD services are free for students. Employers or institutions may pay for bulk verification.
They add industry-relevant skills to your profile, making you stand out in competitive job markets.
Yes. Many foreign universities accept NAD-verified certificates as authentic proof of Indian degrees.
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