Types of diploma and who issues them
Unlike a degree, a diploma is not always issued by a university. The issuing body matters, because it decides which state office verifies the document and what supporting papers are needed.
| Diploma | Typical issuing body | Common jobs abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Polytechnic diploma (civil, mechanical, electrical, electronics) | State Board of Technical Education | Site supervisor, technician, draughtsman, maintenance |
| ITI trade certificate (NTC / NAC) | NCVT / DGT, or the state council for vocational training | Electrician, fitter, welder, plumber, HVAC |
| GNM or ANM nursing diploma | State nursing council or state nurses registration body | Staff nurse, caregiver, home nursing |
| Para-medical diplomas (DMLT, radiology, OT technician) | State para-medical council or board | Lab technician, radiographer, OT assistant |
| Diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharm) | State board of technical education or pharmacy body | Pharmacy assistant |
If your diploma came from a private institute, look for the name of the board or council printed on it. The institute's own certificate, without a board's name, is a course certificate and may not be accepted for attestation. Send us a photo and we will tell you.
How a diploma reaches the MEA
Diplomas follow the same two pre-verification routes as other education documents.
Route A
Notary + SDM → MEA
For apostille countries where the checklist does not ask for state verification. ₹1,500 per document.
Route B
State HRD → MEA
For Gulf embassy attestation, for Italy, Spain and Portugal, and whenever the employer asks for state verification. Priced on quote.
Some state offices want the diploma marksheets alongside the certificate when they verify it, so keep those ready.
Where diploma holders usually go
Gulf jobs
Many diploma holders who contact us are heading for work in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. These are embassy attestation countries: the diploma goes through State HRD, MEA attestation and then that country's embassy. For Saudi Arabia the final step is the MEA e-apostille with a QR code. For Bahrain, it is usually the MEA apostille with a translation.
Many Gulf employers also ask for an experience letter attested alongside the diploma, especially for technical and nursing posts. See experience certificate attestation.
Germany and vocational training
Some diploma holders apply for vocational training (Ausbildung) or skilled work in Germany. Germany accepts the MEA apostille. Whether you need Notary + SDM or State HRD depends on what the training provider or visa checklist says. Note that recognition of your diploma as equal to a German qualification is a separate process run by German authorities. An apostille proves your Indian diploma is genuine. It does not decide whether Germany treats it as equivalent.
Other countries
Italy, Spain and Portugal require State HRD before the MEA apostille. For China, the diploma needs MEA attestation and then China Embassy legalisation.
What to send
- Original diploma certificate
- Diploma marksheets, all years or semesters
- Passport copy
- Offer letter or employer checklist, if you have it
- 10th certificate, if your diploma was taken after the 10th and the employer wants the full education history
Delhi clients can drop documents at our New Ashok Nagar office. From any other city, courier the originals to us. We send them back by Blue Dart or another secure courier.
Questions about diploma attestation
My diploma was lateral-entry into a degree. Do I attest both?
If you are applying on the basis of the degree, the employer may still want the diploma to show your full path. Read the checklist. Each document is attested and priced separately.
Can an ITI certificate be attested for a Gulf visa?
Yes, if it is a recognised NCVT or state council certificate. The issuing body decides which office verifies it, so send us a clear photo of both sides before couriering.
My nursing diploma has a separate council registration certificate. Which one is attested?
Overseas employers often ask for both: the diploma as proof of training, and the registration as proof you can practise. Each one is a separate document with its own route. We confirm which ones your employer list needs.
The institute has closed. Can my diploma still be attested?
Usually yes, because verification is done with the board or council that issued it, not the institute. If the board has also changed its name, the state office may take longer. We tell you before starting.
How long will it take?
It depends on the state and the country. We give you a time estimate with the price, before you send anything.