How to Apply for an AIU Equivalence Certificate Online – Process, Fees & Latest Updates

Did you finish your studies abroad, and are you now curious about how to get your degree recognised in India? This is where the AIU Equivalence Certificate comes in! The Equivalence Certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities is preferred for students wishing to either pursue higher studies or apply for employment in India after completing their studies abroad. This blog will tell you how to apply for an AIU Equivalence Certificate online, as well as the application procedure, documents needed, fees involved and current updates for your information.

What is an AIU Equivalence Certificate by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)?

An AIU Equivalence Certificate is a formal document providing formal recognition that a foreign university degree, diploma or qualification is equivalent to the degree conferred by Indian universities. This certificate facilitates the recognition of various international education systems within the Indian academic education system, ensuring that your foreign qualification is recognised in India for further education or future professional recognition.

AIU Equivalence Certificates are required for students with academic qualifications from various international boards and universities (including International Baccalaureate (IB)) and are validated by Indian authorities such as UGC (University Grants Commission), AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), NMC (National Medical Commission) and other statutory and regulatory bodies.

Key facts about AIU Equivalence Certificate:

• The AIU Equivalence certificate is approved by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) via the official AIU application portal. 
• Provides equivalency of degree qualifications obtained from valid and accredited foreign universities.
• Approved under various boards, like the International Baccalaureate (IB). 
• Required for validating your academic degree qualifications for education (UG and PG professional academic program qualifications and publications).
• The application fee for the AIU Equivalence Certificate will vary depending on the level and type of qualification. 
• The certificate can be verified or downloaded from the official AIU website after post-application and payment through the AIU portal.

Why is the AIU Equivalence Certificate Important?

The AIU Equivalence Certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is a critical document for students who have studied abroad. The certificate ensures that your degree from abroad is officially recognised in India, allowing you to pursue further education, take exams for government jobs, and apply for positions in the public sector. 

A few of the reasons why you need the AIU certificate are: 

• Will be needed for PG programs and further studies in India. 
• Required for exams such as UPSC, GATE, NEET PG, NET, etc. 
• Accepted by bodies like UGC, AICTE, NAAC, and NMC as equivalent degrees. 
• Proof that your foreign degree and the International Baccalaureate (IB) is are equivalent in status. 
• Especially needed when applying for jobs within the public sector in India. 

Who Needs to Apply for It?

If you meet the following criteria, you should consider applying for an AIU Equivalence Certificate: 

• Earned your undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an overseas institution. 
• If you earned a distance or online degree from an overseas institution or an Indian university. 
• You want to continue your education in India or need your degree for job equivalency.

Updated 2025 AIU Online Application Process

Here is the process to apply for an AIU Equivalence Certificate online in 2025 from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) portal.

Step 1 - Visit the AIU Official Portal

• Visit the AIU official website and go to the Equivalence section to start your application.

Step 2 - Register and Create Profile

• You need to sign up on the AIU portal by entering your personal information, such as name, date of birth, email ID and contact number.

Step 3 - Online Application Form

• You need to enter the details of your degree (degree undertaking), university name, year of passing and marks achieved correctly.

Step 4 - Upload Necessary Documents

• Make sure you have digitised copies of the documents. Read more to know more about the required documents 

Step 5 - Pay online for the AIU Equivalence Certificate

• Please pay the fee online via the AIU online payment gateway securely.

Step 6 - Application Status

• Once you apply, your application will be submitted, and you will be given your application number. You will be able to check the status for your AIU, and on approved, you will be able to download the Equivalence Certificate from the AIU portal.

Documents Required for AIU Equivalence Certificate 

When applying for an AIU Equivalence Certificate through the AIU portal, you are required to upload clear scanned copies of all necessary documents to evidence your qualification that you completed overseas. Each of these documents/files must be submitted as PDFs and must not exceed 2MB in size.

The AIU Equivalence Certificate 2025 requires the following mandatory documents: 

• Mark sheets / Transcripts for all years of study 
• Degree certificate issued by the overseas institution
• A copy of your passport (the front and back of the document)
• Visa/immigration stamp (if applicable) 
• Confidential proof of the medium of instruction (if the course was not in English) 
• Letter of acceptance & details of the course from the overseas institution 
• 10th and 12th mark sheets (for Equivalence for undergraduate degree) 
• Self-attestation declaration form as per the AIU requirement 

Having correct and full documents will ensure a speedy processing of the AIU Equivalence Certificate online application.

AIU Equivalence Certificate Fees (2025 Update)

The AIU Equivalence Certificate fee is determined by the application type and level of degree. According to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), candidates will be able to make their fee payment online through the official AIU portal. You can pay via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.

• Equivalent for Undergraduate Degree - ₹12,000 (Approximately)
• Equivalence for Postgraduate Degree - ₹15,000 (Approximately)
• Equivalent Additional Copies or Verification Requirements - ₹1000 for each additional copy

The AIU certificate fee is non-refundable, so candidates should double-check their particulars and documents before making the payment. As always, ensure you check the official AIU website (www.aiu.ac.in) for updates on the fee.

How Long Does It Take to Get the AIU Equivalence Certificate?

The certificate of equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is issued after your application and your uploaded documents have been processed. Here is some information you may want to have if you are considering requesting an equivalence certificate:

• Processing Time: The processing time for a Certificate of Equivalence from AIU generally takes 3 to 4 weeks from the time you submit your application on the AIU portal.
• Verification of Application: Your application will also take time based on the verification process of the Association of Indian Universities and the number of applications received by AIU at the time.
• Tracking Your Application: You can track the status of your AIU equivalence certificate at any time using the official AIU website (www.aiu.ac.in)
• Download Certificate of Equivalence: After your certificate has been authorised, you can download your Certificate of Equivalence from the AIU portal.
• Reducing Processing Time Tip: You can help reduce processing time if you are able to ensure that all documents submitted with your application are legible, accurate, and compliant with the AIU equivalence certificate requirements.

Key Authorities for Degree Recognition in India

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for the AIU Equivalence Certificate

A variety of applicants experience delays because of minor errors throughout the online application for the AIU Equivalence Certificate. To help expedite this process, refrain from the following mistakes:

• Uploading documents that are blurry or contrary to earlier submissions to the AIU portal. 
• Missing transcripts and incorrect mark sheets.
• Applying without checking prior to submission to ensure that the foreign university is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

By avoiding these mistakes, you may be able to expedite the AIU certificate verification and approval process.

Useful Links

• AIU Official Equivalence Portal
• AIU General Guidelines
• AIU Contact Page

Final Tips for AIU Equivalence Certificate Applicants

Consider the following final suggestions to help make your AIU online application smooth and error-free:

• Before applying, please confirm your course and university recognition on the official AIU website (www.aiu.ac.in). 
• Keep a hard and digital copy of your AIU Equivalence Certificate in case you need it for admission or job applications in the future.
• Please save your AIU portal login to track your certificate status and download any updates at your convenience.

With sufficient preparation and the correct documents, obtaining an AIU Equivalence Certificate online should be a smooth and efficient process.

FAQs

1. What is an AIU Equivalence Certificate?
   It’s an official document from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) confirming that your foreign degree is equivalent to an Indian degree.

2. Who needs an AIU Equivalence Certificate?
   Anyone who has studied abroad and wants to pursue higher education or apply for jobs in India.

3. How to apply for an AIU Equivalence Certificate online in 2025?
   Visit the AIU portal (www.aiu.ac.in), register, fill out the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and track your status online.

4. What is the AIU certificate fee in 2025?
   UG degree: ₹12,000
   PG degree: ₹15,000
   Extra copy: ₹1,000 each

5. Can I track my AIU application online?
   Yes, log in to the AIU portal to check your application status anytime.

6. What if my university isn’t recognised by AIU?
   Your application may be rejected. Always verify university recognition on the AIU website before applying.

7. Can I apply from outside India?
   Yes, the process is fully online and accessible from anywhere.

8. Does the AIU certificate expire?
   No, it’s valid for a lifetime.

9. Is it accepted for exams like UPSC, GATE, or NEET PG?
   Yes, it’s recognised by UGC, AICTE, NMC, NAAC, and accepted for major exams.