AIU Equivalence Certificate 2025: Students who have studied overseas or possess foreign credentials must have an Equivalency Certificate (EC) in order to be admitted to Indian universities. Students must get an Equivalence Certificate (EC) from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, if they have previously attended a foreign institution or university that has been accredited, approved, or recognized. In order for students to be admitted to Indian universities, the Evaluation Division in New Delhi issues the Equivalency Certificate (EC).
If you have earned academic qualifications abroad and wish to continue higher education or seek employment in India, obtaining an Equivalency Certificate (EC) from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is an essential step. This AIU Equivalence Certificate validates that your foreign degree or diploma is recognized as equivalent to an Indian qualification, smoothing your path for university admissions, competitive exams, and job applications in India.
What is an AIU Equivalence Certificate 2025?
An Equivalency Certificate issued by the AIU serves as an official validation confirming that a foreign qualification matches the academic standards of an Indian degree. It is mandatory for students who have studied abroad and wish to enroll in Indian universities or pursue professional courses. AIU is the only accredited body in India authorized to grant this equivalence.
AIU Equivalence Certificate for Foreign University Degrees
The AIU is a central body formed to unify Indian universities under one administrative platform aimed at promoting higher education, research, and cultural cooperation. It represents various university types—central, state, deemed, private, open, and institutes of national importance—and protects student and university interests. AIU’s Evaluation Division handles the issuance of Equivalence Certificates for foreign qualifications.
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is a national organization that was established with the intention of uniting all Indian universities under a single administrative coordinating authority in order to safeguard the interests of both Indian institutions and their students. Through participation and collaboration in the areas of education, culture, competitions, sports, and research, the primary goal was to support higher education and university activities. The only organization in India authorized to offer Equivalency Certificates (EC) granted by foreign universities is the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
The organization actively contributes to the expansion and advancement of higher education. Several universities are among the members: Traditional Academic Institutions, Open Universities, Deemed Institutions, State Universities, Central Universities, and Private Universities are all considered to be universities. The Association of Indian Universities’ (AIU) Evaluation Division is in charge of ensuring that degrees earned from recognized foreign boards and universities are academically equivalent.
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Where to get an AIU Equivalency Certificate?
An Equivalency Certificate (EC) is necessary for the following qualifications: Qualifications at the School Level, Qualifications for Higher Education PGDM Programs, Programs for Fellows, Professional Assessments
Who Needs an AIU Equivalence Certificate?
You need an AIU Equivalence Certificate if you: Have completed school, undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional qualifications from accredited foreign institutions. Wish to take admissions in Indian universities for higher studies. Are applying for public sector or government jobs in India requiring recognized academic credentials. Want to appear for competitive exams like UPSC, NET, GATE, or NEET PG.
How to Apply for the AIU Equivalency Certificate in 2025
The application process is mostly online now, designed to be user-friendly and efficient: Visit the AIU Equivalence Portal: Go to the official website at evaluation.aiu.ac.in. Register: Create an account with your details and verify the email. Fill Application: Complete the equivalence application form with accurate academic and personal details. Upload Documents: Submit photocopies of degree certificates, transcripts, offer letters, attestations by embassies or Indian missions, and translations if certificates are in foreign languages.
Pay Fees: The current fee is approximately ₹12,000 (or $200 equivalent), payable online or by Demand Draft favoring “Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.” Submit & Track: Submit the application and check the portal for status updates. Receive Certificate: Processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days, post-verification, after which you obtain the digital or physical equivalence certificate.
Required Documents for Application
Photocopy of foreign degree/ diploma certificates attested by Indian Embassy or Mission. Academic transcripts and mark sheets. Offer letter from the foreign university (if applicable). Proof of residence and attendance in foreign country (passport with entry/exit stamps). Translations of certificates if in languages other than English or Hindi. Other documents like thesis abstracts for PG degrees or accreditation proof for institutions under US system.
Why is the AIU Equivalence Certificate Important?
Ensures smooth academic continuity by validating foreign qualifications in India. Required documentation for university admissions, competitive exams, and jobs. Prevents loss of academic years by recognizing all earned credits transparently. Saves time and avoids admission or job rejection due to unrecognized qualifications.
Where to Send Your Application (for Offline Submission)
Evaluation Division,
Association of Indian Universities,
AIU House, 16 Comrade Indrajit Gupta Marg (Kotla Marg),
New Delhi 110 002
How Long Does It Take to Get an Equivalency Certificate?
Recent updates to UGC and AIU protocols have made the process faster and more transparent than ever before. Most applications are processed within 10 to 30 working days from the date of submission, depending on whether the process is completed online or offline and the completeness of the documents submitted.
- Online submission: Typically processed in 10–15 business days.
- Offline/physical submission: Can take up to 30 business days.
- If documents are incomplete, processing may take longer, as authorities reserve the right to request further documentation on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants should track their requests via the official AIU or UGC portals and maintain communication in case of updates or queries.
AIU approved Foreign University List
The AIU maintains a list of foreign qualifications that are eligible for equivalency, ensuring students from various education systems are covered:
- Secondary and high school certificates from countries such as Afghanistan, France, Iraq, Tunisia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Gulf nations.
- British GCE/IGCSE/GCSE exams (Singapore, Hong Kong, Mauritius).
- US-accredited High School Diplomas.
- Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepalese higher secondary boards.
- Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania Board exams.
- Provincial certificates from Canada and Australia.
- Sri Lankan GCE O and A levels.
- Malaysian STPM qualification.
- Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Yemeni certificates.
- German “Abitur” exams.
- International schools abroad with US-style diplomas.
Key Criteria & Points for EC Approval
Applicants should remember these critical factors before submitting their request:
- Certificates that closely match those recognized by AIU and meet Indian curriculum standards are likely to be approved.
- Only institutions operational with prior approval from regulatory bodies such as AICTE are eligible.
- Provisional results, unapproved off-campus degrees, online/distance programs (unless specified), one-year Masters, and vocational diplomas are not eligible for equivalency.
- Collaborative programs offered in India by foreign universities may not qualify unless degree requirements and recognition are proven.
- In some cases, courses completed in less time than usually required may be accepted if accompanied by documentary evidence of completion of graduation requirements.
Obtaining an Equivalency Certificate in 2025 is much more streamlined, with most applications resolved within two to four weeks. Students should prepare all necessary documents and verify eligibility based on AIU’s approved foreign university list to avoid delays. For specialized cases or unique qualifications, direct consultation with the AIU or, since April 2025, the UGC’s portal, is highly recommended.
FAQs AIU Equivalence Certificate 2025
What is an AIU Equivalency Certificate?
How do I apply for the Equivalency Certificate?
Apply online at evaluation.aiu.ac.in by registering, uploading documents, paying fees, and submitting the form.