DigiLocker Complete Guide 2026 — Download, Verify & Use Documents for Exams

1. Setting Up DigiLocker — First Time Registration

Visit digilocker.gov.in or download the DigiLocker app from Google Play or Apple App Store. Click 'Sign Up'. Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify with OTP. Set a 6-digit security PIN — remember this, it is needed every login. Your DigiLocker account is now created and linked to your Aadhaar. Important: DigiLocker requires your mobile number to be registered with Aadhaar. If your number is not registered, visit any Aadhaar enrolment centre to update it first. Once set up, click 'Get More Documents' to add official documents — they auto-populate from issuing authorities.

2. Which Documents Can You Get on DigiLocker?

Academic documents: CBSE Class 10 and 12 marksheets and certificates (from 2004 onwards), state board certificates for 20+ state boards, university degrees and transcripts for 100+ universities. Identity documents: Aadhaar Card (official UIDAI format), Driving Licence (transport ministry), Vehicle Registration Certificate (Parivahan), Voter ID (election commission). Government-issued certificates: PAN card, EPFO UAN passbook, National Academic Depository documents. Employment documents: ESIC insurance cards, NPS statement. Not all documents are available — coverage depends on whether the issuing authority has integrated with DigiLocker. Check 'Partners' section for the full list.

3. How to Download CBSE Marksheet from DigiLocker

Go to DigiLocker → 'Get More Documents' → search 'CBSE' → select 'CBSE Marksheet Class 10' or 'Class 12'. Enter your roll number and year of passing. The official digitally signed marksheet will appear in your DigiLocker under 'Issued Documents'. Download as PDF — the downloaded file contains a QR code and digital signature from CBSE. This PDF is legally equivalent to your original marksheet. For older years: CBSE marksheets are available from 2004 for Class 10 and from 2009 for Class 12. For years before this, your physical marksheet is the only option.

4. How to Use DigiLocker Documents for State Exam Applications

Most state PSC portals (UPPSC, BPSC, MPSC, TNPSC) and central exam portals (SSC, IBPS, RRB) now accept DigiLocker-issued documents as valid proof during online application and document verification. In online applications: upload the PDF downloaded from DigiLocker directly — it contains an embedded QR code that officials can scan to verify authenticity. At document verification: show the document on your phone through the DigiLocker app — officials can scan the QR code or enter the document URI to verify. The digital document is legally valid under the IT Act 2000 and its amendments. However: always carry original physical documents as backup — some exam centres still prefer physical documents for on-spot verification.

5. How to Share DigiLocker Documents Securely

DigiLocker allows you to share documents without downloading them — maintaining the official digital signature chain. In the DigiLocker app, open the document → tap 'Share' → choose 'Share via URI'. The recipient gets a secure link that expires after 24 hours — they can verify the document is authentic by accessing the link. You can also share via 'eSign' — adding your Aadhaar-based digital signature to a document before sharing makes it even more legally robust. Never share your DigiLocker PIN, OTP, or login credentials with anyone. Government offices never ask for your DigiLocker credentials — only for the document itself.

6. Troubleshooting Common DigiLocker Problems

Document not showing: The issuing authority (CBSE/state board/university) may not have uploaded that year's records yet — check the 'Partners' list for coverage details. OTP not received: Ensure your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active and has good signal. If the number changed, update it at Aadhaar enrolment centre. Downloaded PDF shows 'Invalid Signature': Your PDF viewer may not support the DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) embedded in government PDFs. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader — it properly validates Indian government digital signatures. Documents uploaded by yourself (Uploaded Documents section) are NOT digitally signed by the issuing authority — only 'Issued Documents' (fetched directly from the issuing authority) carry official legal validity.

Frequently Asked Questions