CBSE Digital Migration Certificate 2025: Why CBSE Is Shifting to Digital Format, What It Means for Students

CBSE Digital Migration Certificate 2025 will fully replace physical copies from October 2025 for Classes 10 and 12. Students can download their migration certificates free via DigiLocker, ensuring faster access, secure verification, and eco-friendly documentation for college admissions and transfers.

CBSE Digital Migration Certificate 2025 marks a major step in the board’s shift toward complete digital documentation. Starting from the 2025 board examinations, students of Classes 10 and 12 will no longer receive physical (hard-copy) migration certificates. Instead, all migration certificates will be issued exclusively in digital format through the DigiLocker platform, allowing students to access, download, and share their verified certificates online anytime, anywhere. This move aims to make the process faster, paperless, and more secure for millions of CBSE students across India.

CBSE Digital Migration Certificate 2025 Overview

The CBSE Digital Migration Certificate 2025 initiative is part of the board’s broader digital transformation to simplify student documentation and improve accessibility. From October 2025, students of Classes 10 and 12 will receive their migration certificates only in digital form via DigiLocker. This ensures faster availability, eliminates paperwork, and enhances document security through verified online records. Below is a quick overview of all key details related to this update.

What is a Migration Certificate and Why It Matters

A migration certificate is an official document issued by a board (in this case CBSE) when a student completes their studies under that board and opts to move to another board, state or institution. It formally shows that the student has completed the requisite examination (Class 10 or Class 12) under CBSE, and allows them to migrate/seek admission elsewhere without ambiguity.

In earlier practice by CBSE, after results for Class 10/12, the board or the school would issue a physical copy of the migration certificate which the student would keep and submit when required (for example, when joining a new board or a new institution).

Because of its significance — in admissions, transfers, further studies, and verification — the migration certificate is a key document in a student’s academic record.

What Is Changing: The New Digital-Only Migration Certificate

Starting from the 2025 examination cycle, CBSE has introduced a major change in the way migration certificates are issued. In an effort to streamline documentation and promote paperless processes, the board will now move entirely to a digital system. This means students will no longer need to wait for physical documents or visit their schools for collection — everything will be accessible online in a secure and verifiable format.

Here are the salient features of the change announced by CBSE:

• From the 2025 board examination cycle, for Classes 10 and 12, CBSE will not issue physical/hard-copy migration certificates.
• Instead, the certificate will be issued digitally through DigiLocker (or a similar authorised platform) — students can download or share this certificate electronically.
• The digital certificate will carry the same legal validity as the physical version — recognized for admissions, transfers, higher education etc.
• There is no fee for obtaining the digital migration certificate. Previously, physical copies often required a fee.
• For students who pass under CBSE but for some reason still need a physical copy (for instance older batches or exceptional cases), CBSE has provided a “duplicate physical copy” option via its Duplicate Academic Document System (DADS) portal.
• The board has also emphasised that the process will be automatic — after results are declared, digital certificates will be uploaded to the student’s DigiLocker account (subject to correct data).

Why CBSE Is Making the Shift Now

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken this step as part of its ongoing modernization efforts to make student documentation faster, safer, and more accessible. With education systems across India moving toward digital integration, this shift ensures that students’ academic records remain easily verifiable and future-ready. It’s also a move toward sustainability — reducing paper usage and simplifying administrative work for both schools and students.

There are several reasons behind CBSE’s decision. These include:

(a) Aligning with national digital-ecosystem

CBSE is part of India’s broader push for digitising education records, aligning with the University Grants Commission (UGC) guideline that higher-education institutions accept digital documents uploaded on the National Academic Depository (NAD) or DigiLocker as valid. 

(b) Speed & convenience for students

Issuing hard copies involved printing, dispatch, risk of loss/damage, delays in verification etc. A digital certificate allows instantaneous access, sharing, and verification. 

(c) Reducing costs & paperwork

By shifting to digital only, CBSE reduces administrative burden, printing and mailing costs, and simplifies record-keeping. Also fewer students request a hard copy: for example, of ~17 lakh Class 12 students in 2025, only ~38,000 applied for hard copy migration certificate (~2.2 %). 

(d) Environmental & security benefits

Paperless processes cut down on paper-waste, carbon footprint; digital documents via secure platforms reduce risks of forgery, damage or loss.

(e) Modernising the education board’s ecosystem

As more students, institutions, employers and admission systems go digital, CBSE is modernising to stay relevant and efficient.

What This Means for Students – Benefits & Things to Watch

For students, this digital transition by CBSE is largely a positive move that simplifies access to important documents while supporting eco-friendly and modern practices. With certificates now stored securely online, students no longer have to worry about misplacing papers or waiting for physical dispatches. However, it’s still important to ensure that personal details and DigiLocker accounts are correctly set up to avoid delays.

• Instant access: Once results are out and if your details are correct, you can access your certificate via DigiLocker anytime, anywhere.
• Free of cost: No fees for the digital version, which is a relief for many students.
• Less risk of loss or damage: Digital storage means you can retain a secure copy and share as needed without physical fragility.
• Recognised for admissions: Since the digital version is legally valid, you can use it for college admissions, board transfers etc.
• Eco-friendly: You are part of a process that reduces paper use and contributes to sustainability.
• Equal access: Students in remote areas may find it easier to access digital certificates rather than waiting for postal delivery.

Things to Watch / Prepare For

• Ensure data accuracy: Make sure your school has submitted your correct details (name, enrolment number, board roll, etc). Errors may delay certificate issuance.
• Activate DigiLocker account: CBSE has created a mechanism (six-digit access code) for activating DigiLocker accounts for Class 10/12 students. Schools need to give this access code.
• Be aware of connectivity/digital divide: If you live in an area with limited internet access, plan ahead to download or share your certificate.
• Still check for physical copy needs: If a specific institution demands a printed version (rare, but possible during transition), you may need to apply via DADS.
• Backup your file: Even though the certificate is digital, download a PDF and store securely (cloud/USB).
• Verify acceptance by institutions: While institutions are instructed to accept digital certificates, always double-check with your college/university.
• Handle corrections quickly: In case of any discrepancy, seek correction through your school/CBSE portal early to avoid delays in admissions.

How Students Should Prepare & Access Their Digital Migration Certificate

Here’s a step-by-step guideline for students under CBSE who will receive their migration certificate digitally:

Step 1: Check with your school

• Confirm that your school has submitted accurate data to CBSE (roll number, name spelling, board registration).
• Ask the school for the six-digit access code required for DigiLocker account activation.

Step 2: Register / activate your DigiLocker account

• Visit the DigiLocker website or mobile app.
• Use your mobile number or Aadhaar (as required) to sign-up.
• Use the six-digit code given by your school to link your account.
• Set a secure PIN/password.

Step 3: After results declaration

• Once CBSE declares the result, your migration certificate should be automatically uploaded to your DigiLocker account (if all details are correct).
• Log-in, go to “Issued Documents” → select CBSE → Migration Certificate.

Step 4: Download and save the certificate

• Download the PDF version of your migration certificate.
• Save a backup in your personal storage (cloud/USB).
• You can print it if you wish, but it’s not compulsory.

Step 5: Use/share the certificate for admissions/transfers

• Provide the downloaded certificate to your next institution when required.
• Use the QR-code or digital signature (if provided) for verification by the receiving institution.

Step 6: If you require a physical copy

• If for some reason you still need a printed hard copy, apply via CBSE’s Duplicate Academic Document System (DADS) portal.
• Fill in the application, submit required details, and CBSE will process and dispatch the copy (this is generally only for special cases).

CBSE Digital Migration Certificate 2025 FAQs 

Will my digital migration certificate be accepted by colleges/universities?
Yes. The CBSE has confirmed that the digital certificate via DigiLocker is legally valid and will be accepted by higher education institutions and other boards. 

Do I still need to pay for the migration certificate?
No. The digital version is free of cost as per CBSE’s current announcement. 

What if I don’t have access to internet or a smartphone?
You may face some inconvenience, but you can use a computer at school/internet centre, or ask someone to help you download/save the certificate. For a physical copy, you may apply via DADS.

What happens if my details (name/spelling/enrolment no) are wrong?
Incorrect data may delay issuance of the digital certificate. Contact your school immediately for corrections before results are declared.

Can I still get a physical copy if I want it?
Yes — but only via CBSE’s Duplicate Academic Document System (DADS) and typically for special cases. The standard issuance is digital-only.

Is this change applicable only for new batches/2025-26?
Yes — The change is effective from the board exams of 2025 onwards for Classes 10 and 12 under CBSE. Previous batches may still have physical certificates or may choose duplicate copies. 

Final Thoughts

The shift by CBSE to digital migration certificates marks a significant step in the digital transformation of India’s school-board ecosystem. For students of Classes 10 and 12, this means faster access, greater convenience, zero fees, and a more secure approach to handling one of their key academic documents.

However, the success of this transition depends on awareness and preparedness — students and schools must ensure correct data submission, DigiLocker activation, and clarity on how to download and use the certificate. For any student moving to higher education, changing boards or shifting states, being proactive about this new process will save time and avoid last-minute hassles.

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