Truth About Backdated Degrees in India – Exposed! | Backdated Degree Valid Or Not?

Introduction

In today’s competitive world, education is a necessity. With rising job demands and eligibility requirements, many students and working professionals look for shortcuts to secure a degree. One of the most controversial shortcuts in India is the backdated degree. But what exactly is a backdated degree? Is it legal? Is it valid for government or private jobs? Can it get you into trouble?

In this blog, we uncover the truth about backdated degrees in India, their legal implications, and why students must avoid such scams at all costs. Let’s get into the facts!

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What Is a Backdated Degree?

A backdated degree refers to an academic certificate (such as 10th, 12th, graduation, or post-graduation) that shows an earlier date of passing, even though the student did not study or pass in that year

Example:

You failed Class 12 in 2023, but someone offers you a “backdated 12th pass certificate” showing that you passed in 2021 – without actually appearing for the exam in 2021. This is completely illegal.

Why Do People Fall for Backdated Degree Scams?

To cover gaps in education
To apply for jobs that need minimum qualifications
To become eligible for government exams
To fast-track admissions or immigration processes
Due to lack of awareness about legal alternatives

Unfortunately, this leads to serious legal and career consequences.

Is a Backdated Degree Legal in India?

NO. Backdated degrees are not legal in India.

They are considered fake, forged, and fraudulent documents. No recognized board or university in India is allowed to issue certificates with backdated years unless the student genuinely studied and cleared the exams during that time.

As per Indian law:

Issuing a fake or forged degree is a criminal offense
Using a fake/backdated degree can lead to arrest, FIR, and job cancellation
It is punishable under IPC Sections 420, 468, and 471

Consequences of Using a Backdated Degree

Using or even applying with a fake or backdated degree can result in:

Police Case / FIR

You can be arrested and prosecuted for fraud and forgery.

Government Job Disqualification

Private Company Termination

Private companies conduct background checks. A fake degree will lead to job termination and a permanent red flag on your record.

Visa Rejection or Deportation

If you use a backdated or fake degree for studying abroad or immigration, it can lead to visa cancellation, blacklisting, or deportation.

How to Check If a Degree Is Valid or Fake?

Here’s how you can verify the authenticity of any degree or mark sheet

For School Boards (10th / 12th):

Check if the board is recognized by MHRD, State Government, or COBSE
Verify via the official board website or student portal

For University Degrees:

Check if the university is UGC approved
Look for the name in the UGC Portal (www.ugc.ac.in)
Cross-check with AICTE, DEB, or NAAC accreditation if required
Use Digilocker or NAD (National Academic Depository) for records

Common Red Flags of Fake or Backdated Degree Providers

Be cautious of these scams:

Claiming “No Exam, Get Degree in 3 Months”
Backdated 10th or 12th Certificates without attending exams
Only WhatsApp-based communication
No official website or registration portal
EMI offers without formal admission

⚠️ Note: No real university will ever promise a degree without proper admission, classes, assignments, or EXAM

Real Alternatives to Backdated Degrees

There are legal, valid, and government-recognized options to complete your education without falling into fraud:

1. NIOS or BOSSE Board for 10th/12th

If you failed or missed 10th or 12th, boards like NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or BOSSE (Board of Open Schooling and Skill Education) allow you to reappear and pass legally.

UGC/AIU/COBSE recognized
Valid for government jobs
Exams held regularly or on-demand

2. Online Degree Programs (UGC-Approved)

You can complete graduation or post-graduation via online universities approved by UGC and DEB. These are legal, flexible, and recognized across India.

Popular courses:

Online B.A. / B.Com. / BBA
Online MBA / MCA
Online PGDCA

3. Skill-Based Certifications

Platforms like NSDC, NIELIT, or government-approved private institutions offer valid certifications and diplomas that enhance employability.

Why You Should Never Buy a Degree

A degree is not just a piece of paper. It’s a representation of your hard work, knowledge, and credibility. A fake or backdated degree:

Destroys trust in your resume
Ends your career before it starts
Can ruin your personal reputation
Can legally land you behind bars

Be Smart: Ask These Questions Before Choosing Any Course or Provider

Is this university or board recognized by UGC, AICTE, or COBSE?
Is there an official website and support number?
Will I receive an official admission letter and student login?
Are classes, exams, and assignments included?
Can I verify the degree online?

If the answer to any of these is “NO” — run away!

How College Sarathi Helps You Choose Legally Valid Courses

At College Sarathi, we believe in real education for real careers.

Here’s how we protect and guide students:

✅ Only suggest UGC-approved online universities
✅ Help students rejoin 10th or 12th via valid open boards (like BOSSE/NIOS)
✅ FREE counselling to avoid scams
✅ Transparent admission process
✅ EMI options available — but only for genuine universities

Final Words: Backdated Degree = Risk Without Return

The truth is clear: backdated degrees in India are fake, illegal, and dangerous. No matter how tempting the shortcut seems, the consequences are lifelong.

Instead, take the right step. Complete your 10th, 12th, or graduation legally through verified channels. Your future deserves authenticity, not shortcuts.