Delhi University degrees to have security features resembling currency to prevent duplication

Delhi University is set to introduce enhanced security measures for its degree certificates, making them highly resistant to forgery. An official announced on Monday that more than a dozen “currency-like” security features will be incorporated into the special degrees, which are scheduled to be conferred upon over 2.25 lakh students during DU’s centenary convocation in February.

The innovative security measures include a hidden image, an invisible ink logo, and microtext, rendering the certificates “nearly impossible” to forge, according to Ajay Arora, Officer on Special Duty, Examination. Notably, these degrees will feature a colored image of the students and their mother’s name, a first for Delhi University.

Arora highlighted that the certificates will possess security features akin to those found in currency notes. The paper quality will be significantly improved, making it 100% water, heat, and electricity resistant, ensuring longevity.

In the event of photocopying, a duplicate degree will reveal an indicator message such as “void” or “copy” due to the presence of the void/copy pentagraph security feature.

The new certificates will sport gold, silver, red, and rainbow-colored foiling in the background, along with a logo featuring a fine line design that enhances both visual appeal and tamper resistance.

Other security measures include a QR code for scanning student details, a watermark logo, a barcode, and a variable serial number for unique certificate identification. Relief text will also be incorporated to distinguish the degree visibly from any forged copies.

The inclusion of a hidden image, an invisible ink logo, and reverse microtext features, reminiscent of those found in currency notes, will aid easy recognition and differentiation between authentic and counterfeit degrees.

Furthermore, the new certificates will be non-tearable and eraser-protected, printed on polyethylene/terephthalate paper, making them weatherproof and durable. With a thickness of 280 microns and 350 GMS, a glossy finish, and archival quality, the degree certificates will also withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius without deteriorating in quality.

(With PTI inputs)