IITs, IIMs to accept self-attested documents from students

In a new student-friendly move, candidates aspiring for IITs, IIMs or central universities can now just submit self-attested documents during the application or pre-admission stage. The original documents will have to be produced by students and examined by institutes only at the time of admission.

The Ministry of Human Resource Department (MHRD) has asked institutes under it to accept self-attested documents, informed PTI. As a result students will be saved the hassle of trying to find a gazetted officer to get copies of their certificates attested.

The move comes into effect from this session, as per ministry officials. It’ll provide a much needed relief to students, getting rid of the age-old practice. The development follows after a directive from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension asked various ministries and departments to examine the proposal. Terming the method as "citizen friendly", it said "obtaining either an attested copy or affidavit not only costs money but also involves wastage of time of the citizens and the government officials".

In fact, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in its 12th report titled 'Citizen Centric Administration' -- the Heart Of Governance', had recommended adoption of self-certification provision for simplifying procedures, further informed PTI.

Students especially in rural areas stand to immensely benefit from it along with those who face difficulty in finding an officer to get the photo copies of their certificates attested.  Some ministries and state governments have already adopted the new provision of self certification of documents.

MHRD officials said institutes at the state level would be requested to adopt the new practice keeping overall interest of students in mind.