How to Verify Degree Certificate Through RTI in India (2026)

By Advocate Narsimha Chary | April 2026 | 9 min read

An employee submitted their degree certificate, but you want to verify that it’s genuine and that the person actually graduated from the university they claim.

Or you’re an alumnus, and someone is using a fake degree from your university to land jobs. Or you’ve been offered admission to a course, but the university is questioning whether your previous degree was real.

The solution is simple: RTI. Universities maintain official records of all graduates. You can file an RTI application asking the university to confirm whether a specific person holds a degree from them — and the university is legally required to respond.

This guide shows you how to verify degrees using RTI, step by step.

Your Right to Verify Educational Credentials — What the Law Says

Before reaching for RTI, it helps to understand the legal foundation:

• University Acts (UGC Act, 1956 & State Acts): Universities are required to maintain and publish records of all graduates. These records are public information available under RTI.
• UGC Regulations: Universities must issue degree certificates only to those who have completed the course and met all requirements. Degree records are official public documents.
• RTI Act, 2005 — Section 3: Every citizen has the right to access information held by public authorities, including universities and their degree award records.

So if the authority has not given you this information despite your legal right, RTI becomes your escalation tool.

Why RTI Works for Degree Verification

Many employers and institutions conduct background checks by asking candidates directly, but candidates can lie. RTI bypasses this by going directly to the university’s official records. The university is legally bound to respond within 30 days with official confirmation (or a written statement that the person is not a graduate). This creates an irrefutable audit trail.

For a related guide, see our post on RTI for Degree Certificate Verification.

Why File RTI?

Here is why filing an RTI makes a difference:

• You need to verify an employee’s or candidate’s educational credentials before hiring.
• You suspect a degree certificate may be fake or forged.
• An educational institution is questioning your degree legitimacy.
• A university claims they have no record of a person you believe is their graduate.
• You need official confirmation of a degree for legal or professional purposes.

An RTI application creates a paper trail. Unlike a verbal request, the PIO is legally accountable to respond — and faces penalties if they do not.

Before You File RTI: Try These Steps First

RTI should not be your first step. Try these before filing:

1. Contact the university’s admissions or records office and provide the person’s name, roll number, and approximate graduation year. Ask them to confirm the degree.
2. Request the degree certificate holder to provide their degree certificate and supporting documents (marksheet, registration certificate).
3. Check the university’s official website or database (many universities publish convocation lists and degree holder names).

If none of these work, RTI is your next move.

How to File RTI — Step by Step

Step 1: Identify the Correct Authority

Your RTI application must go to the Public Information Officer (PIO) at the relevant government office. If you are unsure which office, send it to the next higher authority — they are required to transfer it within 5 days under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act.

Step 2: Draft Your RTI Application

Your application should include:

• Your name, address, and contact details
• Reference numbers, dates, and office name
• Clear, specific questions (see sample below)
• RTI fee of ₹10 (via Indian Postal Order, demand draft, or online payment)

Step 3: Submit the RTI

You have three options:

• Registered Post — send to the PIO with the ₹10 postal order enclosed. Keep the receipt.
• In Person — submit at the office and get an acknowledgement receipt.
• Online — through rtionline.gov.in (central) or your state’s RTI portal.

Step 4: Wait for the Response

The PIO must respond within 30 days. If no response, file a First Appeal within 30 days of the deadline.

Sample RTI Application

Below is a ready-to-use format. Replace the placeholders with your details:

What to Ask — High-Success Questions

Use specific, factual questions for the best results:

1. Please confirm whether [Person’s Full Name], Roll No. / Registration No. [___], graduated from your institution with a degree in [Course Name / Specialization] in [Year].
2. If the person is a graduate, provide the degree certificate number, issue date, and marks obtained.
3. What are the qualifications required for the degree mentioned above? Does the candidate meet all criteria?
4. Is there any record of disciplinary action, disqualification, or cancellation of this degree?
5. If no record exists of this person as a graduate, please provide written confirmation that they are not listed in your graduate database.

Avoid asking “why” questions. RTI covers factual information, not explanations or opinions.

What Happens After You File?

• The PIO acknowledges your application and assigns it internally.
• Within 30 days, you receive a written response — either the information or a reason for denial.
• If no response in 30 days, file a First Appeal (usually with the DCP or SP).
• If the First Appeal fails, file a Second Appeal with the State Information Commission.

Officers who fail to respond can face penalties of up to ₹25,000 under the RTI Act.

When Can This Information Be Denied?

In most cases, this information is accessible. However, the PIO may deny your request under:

• Section 8(1)(j) — if they claim it’s personal information and involves privacy (weak argument; degree is a public credential).
• Section 8(1)(i) — if they claim the information is available elsewhere (degree records are with the university).
• Claiming degree records are confidential (false; degree records are public).

The PIO must cite the specific section. A blanket refusal is itself a violation and grounds for appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not providing the person’s full name, roll number, or graduation year — universities need specific identifiers.
• Asking the university to verify on behalf of a private employer — clearly state that verification is for legitimate purposes.
• Assuming the person being verified has consented — universities may ask for written consent from the graduate before providing details.
• Not specifying what degree or specialization you’re asking about — be explicit.
• Giving up if the first response is incomplete — file a First Appeal if needed.

Real-Life Situations Where This RTI Helps

• Employment verification — employers verify candidates’ educational credentials during background checks.
• Fraud investigation — catching fake degrees and educational fraud.
• Admission eligibility — universities verify previous degrees before granting admission.
• Professional registration — medical, legal, and engineering councils verify degrees before registration.
• Degree cancellation cases — if a degree was awarded fraudulently, RTI can serve as evidence.

Why Use FileMyRTI Instead of Filing Yourself?

Filing an RTI yourself is your right. But FileMyRTI simplifies the process:

• Expert-drafted RTI applications — including Advocate Narsimha Chary (10,000+ RTIs filed) and Advocate K.N.S.K. Vara Prasad.
• Correct authority identification — your RTI reaches the right PIO.
• Filing and tracking — we handle submission and follow up.
• Appeal support — we help you file First and Second Appeals if needed.

Related Resources

• RTI for Degree Certificate Verification
• RTI for Marksheet Verification
• How to File RTI Online
• First RTI Appeal Filing
• Second RTI Appeal Filing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a private citizen verify someone’s degree without their permission?

RTI gives you the right to ask, but universities may ask for consent from the graduate. If it’s for legitimate purposes (fraud prevention, employment), you can still file RTI.

2. What if the university says they can’t confirm due to privacy?

File a First Appeal arguing that degree records are public information and privacy cannot override transparency in educational credentials.

3. Can I verify multiple people’s degrees in one RTI?

Yes, you can ask for verification of multiple candidates in a single RTI application.

4. How long does degree verification take?

The university must respond within 30 days under RTI. Some universities respond faster for large employers.

5. What if the person’s degree was awarded many years ago?

Universities maintain degree records indefinitely. RTI can access records from decades ago.

6. Can I share the RTI response publicly if I find a fake degree?

Yes, once you have an RTI response, it becomes a public document. You can share it with relevant authorities.

7. What if the university can’t find any record?

That’s the answer you needed — official confirmation that the person is NOT a graduate of that university.

Conclusion

The law gives you the right to this information. With a well-drafted RTI application sent to the correct authority, you can get an official response within 30 days.

If you would rather not deal with the paperwork yourself, FileMyRTI’s experts handle everything from drafting to filing to tracking — so you get what you need without the hassle.

Apply Now → filemyrti.com/apply/personal-rti/rti-for-education-record-verification