Mangaluru: The Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) plans to issue II PU mark sheets exclusively through DigiLocker from the next academic year, raising concerns among students applying to foreign universities that still require physical copies.
Officials said the digital documents are legally valid under the Information Technology Act and can be used for college admissions. However, parents of students aiming to study abroad fear delays and even rejection, as several overseas universities do not accept digital mark sheets.
They also cited past instances where undergraduate admissions were put on hold until physical documents were produced after digital mark sheets were introduced. Parents have urged the department to clarify its policy and ensure hard copies remain available where needed.
A representative of an overseas education agency said while some foreign universities accept digital mark sheets, many still insist on originals.
Responding to the concerns, Bharath S, director of the department of pre-university education, said provisions would be made to issue physical copies in special cases, including foreign admissions.
V Rashmi Mahesh, principal secretary, department of school education and literacy, said DigiLocker documents come with e-verification, which is widely accepted by universities and employers.
According to a department order, physical mark sheets will continue to be issued to students who passed the second PUC examination this year (2025-26), even as the govt moves towards a digital-only system.
