New Delhi, September 27, 2025 – In a landmark move to unify India’s diverse education landscape, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been empowered to grant nationwide equivalence to Class 10 and 12 certificates issued by various school boards. This decision, formalized through a recent government notification, promises to eliminate disparities in certificate recognition, easing student transitions between boards and boosting access to higher education and jobs.

Announcement and Government Notification

The Ministry of Education announced the shift on Friday, marking a significant policy update. A notification published in the e-Gazette on September 6, 2025, by the Department of School Education and Literacy, assigns NCERT this pivotal role, superseding a 2021 order that had delegated it to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Officials emphasized that this change stems from the need for a more centralized and academically rigorous process to handle equivalence requests.

The scope is broad, encompassing certificates from central and state government boards, private Indian school boards established by legislative acts, and other recognized statutory bodies authorized to conduct secondary and senior secondary examinations.

NCERT’s Role Through PARAKH

NCERT will operationalize this responsibility via PARAKH – the National Assessment Centre for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development. Established under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PARAKH is designed to ensure evaluations are standardized, transparent, and aligned with holistic educational goals.

“This initiative will foster a unified framework for assessing and recognizing academic achievements across boards,” an education ministry official stated, highlighting PARAKH’s mandate to maintain high standards in equivalence determinations.

Implications for Students and Mobility

For millions of students, this means automatic nationwide validity for their certificates, facilitating smoother inter-board migrations. Whether switching from a state board like Maharashtra to a central one like CBSE, or pursuing admissions in universities and government jobs, students will face fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

The policy supports equitable access to opportunities under central, state governments, and union territories. It addresses long-standing issues where varying board standards led to recognition delays, particularly for rural or underprivileged students relocating for better prospects.

Alignment with National Education Policy 2020

This development is a direct implementation of NEP 2020’s vision for a flexible, inclusive education system. By centralizing equivalence under NCERT, the policy reinforces efforts to bridge gaps between diverse boards, promoting quality and consistency. It builds on NEP’s emphasis on holistic development, where assessments like those under PARAKH prioritize knowledge over rote learning.

Education experts view this as a step toward a “one nation, one education standard” ethos, potentially influencing future reforms in curriculum alignment and board examinations.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Expectations

While the initiative is lauded for its potential, stakeholders call for clear guidelines on implementation timelines and appeal mechanisms. NCERT has yet to release detailed operational protocols, but officials assure a phased rollout to minimize disruptions.

As India strides toward educational equity, NCERT’s expanded mandate could redefine how academic credentials are valued, ensuring no student’s potential is hindered by board affiliations. This policy not only standardizes certificates but also symbolizes a commitment to a more interconnected and progressive schooling ecosystem.

  Class 10, class12, education, NCERT