Edu-Tech Evolution: How NDIM and CertOnce are Redefining Academic Credentials!

In the digital age, the authenticity of academic credentials has become paramount. Traditional paper degrees, while still widely used across India, often require manual verification, a process that can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This is where blockchain technology, with its promise of transparency and security, comes into play.

One institution that has successfully harnessed the power of blockchain for credential verification is the New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM). Let’s delve into their journey.

About New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM)

New Delhi Institute of Management, established 25 years ago under the visionary leadership of its founder, Late Mr. Jaswant Rai Bansal, has been recognized as the “Best Industry-Linked B-School of India” for three consecutive years by the AICTE, Ministry of HRD (Government of India), and the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry). NDIM has also been declared as the only “Mentor Institute” in India in the Management category by the AICTE and CII.

The Challenge

While NDIM has earned numerous accolades and recognition over the years, the evolving digital landscape posed new challenges. The institute traditionally issued paper degrees, which, while valuable, often required manual verification by the registrar’s office. As NDIM’s alumni network expanded globally, there emerged a need to provide students with credentials that were not only globally recognized but also easily verifiable in the digital age.

The Solution

NDIM chose to collaborate with CertOnce to issue blockchain-anchored digital diplomas and transcripts. This partnership enabled NDIM to issue digital credentials that are time-stamped, immutable, and can be independently verified by anyone the students choose to share with.

Benefits to Stakeholders

For NDIM:

For Students:

    • Empowerment & Employability: Students have complete autonomy over their credentials, which can be shared with potential employers, boosting their employability.
    • Instant Verification: Students can instantly verify their credentials without any dependency, making the process less time-consuming and more efficient.

For Verifiers:

    • Instant & Independent Verification: The decentralized process allows for quick verification without relying on intermediaries.
    • Data Safety: The technology ensures that student data is not exposed to any public domain during certificate creation.

Beyond diplomas, NDIM also uses the system to issue student transcripts and publish academic research papers, project reports, and more.

Dr. Vishwa Mohan Bansal, Chairman of NDIM, remarked, “We have been setting standards… Implementing a Digital Verifiable Blockchain Anchored Credentialing system adds another one to the long list of its many firsts.”

About CertOnce

CertOnce, founded in Princeton (NJ, USA) in 2019, is revolutionizing the way the world creates digital credentials. Their platform issues verified digital credentials using Blockchain for high-stake credentials and Open Badges for low stakes, which are easily shareable and verifiable with a single click.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of blockchain technology in the academic world is not just a trend but a necessity. Institutions like NDIM are leading the way, showcasing how blockchain can bring about a transformative change in the realm of academic credentialing. As the world moves towards a more digital future, the importance of secure, transparent, and easily verifiable credentials will only grow.