How to Get an Equivalency Certificate to Study at Osmania University | Process | Fees | Timeline

Understanding Equivalency at Osmania University

The word “equivalency certificate” causes most people to drop their plans of studying at Osmania University. While it sounds simple and straightforward, it is most definitely not. In this guide, I will cover who needs an equivalency certificate and how to get it.

Key Points to Remember

1. University’s Discretion: Each university has its own criteria for equivalency, and you cannot dictate terms to them. You can only present your case, and the university may or may not accept you as a student. They primarily check if your degree is valid and reputable.

2. Reputation and Accreditation: Osmania University is one of the top universities in India with NAAC A+ accreditation. They maintain high standards to protect their reputation, and they assess the merit and legitimacy of the degrees from other institutions. The university by-laws govern how they assess and grant equivalency.

Who Needs an Equivalency Certificate?

The following categories of students need to obtain an equivalency certificate (if you did not do UG at OU):

• Students Interested in B.Ed.: Those who wish to pursue a B.Ed. at Osmania University.

• Students Interested in M.Ed.: Those who wish to pursue an M.Ed. at Osmania University.

• Students Interested in LLB: Those who wish to pursue LLB programs at Osmania University.

• Distance Education Aspirants: Those interested in any course at Prof. G. Ram Reddy Center for Distance Education at PG level.

• Postgraduate Program Aspirants: Those who wish to undertake any postgraduate program at Osmania University.

Students who have completed their degrees from different universities (within the same state, different states, or other countries) and wish to pursue a postgraduate or equivalent program at Osmania University must submit an equivalency certificate. This certificate certifies that the degree obtained from any part of India or the world is equivalent to a degree issued by Osmania University.

Note: If you have already pursued a UG degree at Osmania University and you are applying for a postgraduate program at Osmania University, you do not need an equivalency certificate.

Applying for an Equivalency Certificate

1. In-Person Application: You can visit the Academic Section on the second floor of the Administrative Building, opposite the Controller of Examinations. This is also where the Registrar’s office is located, making it easy to find. You can ask for directions within the university or use Google Maps.

2. Postal Application: Sending your documents(according to checklist below) by SPEED POST or REGISTERED POST, is a more efficient way to apply. Include a Demand Draft (DD) with your documents. This method compels the university to read your application, process your request, and potentially call you for further documentation, saving you time and the hassle of visiting the university in person. You will probably eventually have to go to the university, but by that time, half of your work is already done.

• Speed/Registered Post Benefits: Using speed post, which costs around 20 to 25 rupees, initiates the process without needing to visit the university. The university will process the mail, read your application, and decide on approval. Note that sending documents via speed post does not guarantee approval, but it does move your application forward.

3. Potential Rejection: The university may reject your application if they lack sufficient documentation regarding your course. Understanding the multi-step rejection process can help you remain resilient:

• Administrative Assistant: The first point of contact who might not have decision-making power and could reject your application. This person is usually very rude, don’t take it personally, they don’t know anything.

• Section Superintendent: A higher authority who can take decisions. If unsatisfied with the response, proceed to the next level. This is basically the person who can make or break your case. They are more empathetic than the assistant, they will at least listen to your case.

• Deputy Registrar (Academic): Oversees academic matters in the entire section and can review your case. Since this person is an officer, they have more discretionary power and can do more with your case.

• Registrar: The highest authority within the university you can approach if previous steps do not yield a favorable response. You have every right to go to the Registrar of the university to plead your case and ask.

4. Legal Recourse: If all internal university channels are exhausted, you can file a petition in court to get a response. Although this is a lengthy process, it can sometimes produce results.

You do not need to panic, most people will not cross Level 2 (Section Superintendent). 95% of cases will be dealt at that level.

Checklist for Issuing an Equivalency Certificate – These are the documents you need. All Xerox copies to be submitted and originals will be verified when you go there and returned to you. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL TC here, that needs to be submitted in the college you take admission into.

• Application Form for Eligibility/Equivalency Certificate

• 10th Class (SSC) Memorandum of Marks

• 10+2 (Intermediate) Memorandum of Marks

• Graduation (Degree 3 years) Memorandum of Marks, or any other degree education – Individual Memos and Consolidated Memos both are mandatory

• Transfer Certificate issued by College (Last studied) – Only Xerox

• Migration Certificate issued by Concerned University

• Any education/study carried through distance mode, the institution has to be recognized by concerned competent authority (within the Territorial jurisdiction) – Distance Education Bureau (DEB) is the authority.

• Your Parent University has to be listed in UGC listed Universities – Most universities are eligible except if it is a fake university (fake means it doesn’t have UGC recognition).

• There is no distance mode in Engineering/Medicine/Pharmacy/Law – This means that if you studied any of these in distance, you probably won’t be given an equivalency certificate.

• The candidate himself/herself only should approach for applying equivalency certificate

• Once your academic documents are verified, you need to fill an application form with a demand draft for Rs. 2,000/- (w.e.f. 01.08.2019) drawn in favor of the Registrar, O.U.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

1. Have the Demand Draft Ready: If you are applying in person, make sure you already have the Demand Draft (DD) with you. This saves a lot of time. Worst case scenario, you can cancel the DD with minimal charges (around 50 rupees) if not needed. Make sure you take the DD from any bank near your house so that you can go back to cancel if needed. Avoid SBI if possible, they take more time to issue DD.

If your application is approved and you don’t have the DD, you will need to visit the State Bank of India inside Osmania University Arts College (which is 5-7 mins by vehicle), wasting an hour or more. By then, the administrative office might close, leading to a futile visit. Nobody in the admin building will be present after 5pm.

2. Consider Sending Your Application by Post: Sending your application via Registered or Speed post can be more efficient. This way, your documents reach the specific section dealing with academic equivalency or eligibility.

3. Be Prepared for Follow-Ups: Mailing the documents does not mean you won’t have to visit the university eventually, but it can streamline the process and reduce unnecessary trips.

Final Steps

After the verification of your documents, the university staff will make a small initial on your documents and direct you to the DAK branch which is in the basement. The DAK branch will accept your documents and provide you with a small acknowledgment.

Collecting Your Certificate

Acknowledgment and Collection: After about a week (they mention four days, but it’s safer to expect a week), your equivalency certificate will be ready for collection. You must visit the university in person to collect the certificate.

This is how an equivalency certificate from Osmania University looks. Your actual certificate may differ from this.

Note: You are NOT required to submit the original for admission into any course. Furthermore, you must also note that this certificate is only valid for the academic year that is mentioned, if you wish to undertake in any course in the future, you must pay the fee again and submit a copy of the existing certificate and take a new certificate for that academic year.

Conclusion

While the process might seem daunting, you must be persistent, you must not allow any bureaucracy to stand in the way of your education. Understanding each step and being prepared can significantly increase your chances of obtaining an equivalency certificate from Osmania University. It is a straightforward process for many applicants but also problematic for quite a few. Most applicants will not need to go beyond the initial steps, but knowing your rights and the complete process will help you navigate it effectively.