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From India to the USA: Navigating Credential Indian Degree Evaluation in 2024

Posted on July 27, 2024 By Mary Jane

“Can I use my Indian Degree to get admission to the United States?”
We often hear this question and the answer is “Yes”.
Well, the Global Credential Evaluation Services Market Size is projected to reach a CAGR of 9.1% during 2024-2032.
So, by having your Indian degree evaluated, you can take a significant leap towards your dreams.
Whether you’re a student or an immigrant or seeking employment after graduation, here’s how you can navigate your future from India to the USA through credential evaluation services.
Let’s explore this in detail-:

What is Credential Evaluation and Why is it Important?

Credential Evaluation is a type of service usually conducted by 3rd party organizations that are proficient and specialized in transcript evaluation.
This evaluation compares the professional & academic qualifications, degrees, and certificates that you’ve earned in one country to that standard in another.
The process of credential evaluation is imperative for international students and professionals who are moving abroad due to certain reasons-:

Academic Admission

US colleges and universities must have an in-depth understanding of your professional and academic background to determine your eligibility for admissions.

Employment Opportunities

Employers in the US need to have a clear understanding of overall background and that increases the likelihood of securing job opportunities that align perfectly with your expertise and proficiency.

Immigration Process Support

Help individuals provide evidence of their educational qualifications while seeking immigration process support.

How Can I Get My Indian Degree Evaluated in the USA?

To get your Indian Degree evaluated in the US, you must –

  • Research and choose the most accredited agencies
  • Gather the right and official documents like degree certifications, transcripts, or a course description
  • Ensure that all certificates and documents have been translated by a certified translator.
  • Fill out the application form, and attach the documents in the mail according to the respective guidelines
  • Pay the fees and track the status of your application online.

How Do US Universities Evaluate My 3-Year Indian Bachelor's Degree?

The process of evaluating a 3-year Indian Bachelor’s Degree varies among different US universities. However, the Indian education system famously has a 10+2+3 scheme, meaning 10 years of first-stage schooling (take a secondary school certificate exam)
+ 2 years of second-stage schooling (high school certificate exam)
+ 3 years of bachelor’s degree study.
Typically, evaluation is often done course by course or document-by-document, having its own set of policies and criteria.

Will the US host 2 million international students within the decade?

As of 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs statistics indicate that over 1.5 million Indian students are studying internationally.
So in the coming decade, will the US host 2 million international students?
According to a new analysis from the international research firm HolonIQ, it is anticipated to have a 4.6% compound annual growth rate through 2034. This will result in a foreign enrolment base of nearly 1.8 million students by that year.
And, without any doubt, India followed by China will be the biggest driving force for abroad education.

Types of Credential Evaluations


Here are the types of credential evaluation to consider-:

Evaluation Table
Criteria Course-by-Course Evaluation Document-by-Document Evaluation
Offers Provides a more detailed analysis of an applicant’s educational credentials Provides a summary of the applicant’s educational background
Purpose Academic admissions, course transfer, advanced standing Employment, immigration, professional licensure
Content Analyzed Individual courses, grades, credits Overall degree and educational level
Report Includes US equivalent of each course, GPA calculation US equivalent of the overall degree, institutional accreditation
Typical Requirements Transcripts, syllabus/course descriptions, degree certificates Transcripts, degree certificates
Processing Time Longer due to detailed analysis Shorter due to less detailed analysis
Cost Quite higher Comparatively Lower
Ideal for Graduate institution applications, transfer requests, and licensing boards (except for CPA) USA immigration, first-year admissions, and job applications

5 Steps to Get Your Indian Degree Evaluated

Here’s the step-by-step guidance for getting your Indian Degree evaluated -:

1. Determine the Purpose

Determine the purpose of getting your credentials evaluated.
Whether it’s for employment, getting a professional license, further education, or immigration. Identifying the purpose will influence the type of evaluation you need.

2. Choose a Recognized Evaluation Company

Choose a recognized and trusted evaluation agency like ERES.
Ensure that the agency is accredited by a recognized body, such as NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators). Additionally –

  • Compare the fees charged by different agencies. Get a complete breakdown of costs & what’s included
  • Evaluate turnaround time and clarify if there’s any additional fee for an even quicker evaluation
  • Check online reviews, read testimonials, and read the case studies from their website
  • Book an appointment with HR to ask for preferred evaluation services
  • Don’t forget to consider their specialization and proven experience with an Indian degree

3. Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents for evaluation purposes. This typically includes -:

  • Transcripts
  • Syllabus
  • Degree Certificates
  • Marksheets
  • Diplomas
  • Any other academic records

Tips to Ensure Your Documents Are in Correct Place

  • Translation
  • Make sure you’ve collected all the original copies of the documents. Also, note that all your documents must be translated into the English language by certified translators without fail.

  • Notarization
  • Verify your document’s authenticity through notarization. Ensure it has been performed by a government-licensed Notary Public.

    Checklist of Documents

    Ask your respective evaluation agency and prepare a checklist of documents so you don’t miss any before submission.

4. Submit Your Application

    Confirmation: Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with details on tracking your application status.
    Incorrect Documents: Double-check that you are submitting the correct documents in the required format.
    Payment Issues: Ensure your payment goes through and keep a receipt or confirmation of the payment.
    Late Submission: Submit your documents promptly to avoid delays, especially if you have deadlines for applications or visa processes.
    Once you’re ready with your documents, complete the application process for credential evaluation. Most of the agencies have an online submission system.
    So, register on the evaluation service’s website, create an account, and fill out the form entering your personal information, educational background, and the type of evaluation you need.
    Pay the evaluation fees and proceed for further document verification, if your evaluation agency demands.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    • ❌Incomplete Application -> ✅Ensure all documents are filled correctly and completely
    • ❌Incorrected Document -> ✅Double check all documents before you hit the submit button
    • ❌Payment Error -> ✅Maintain a receipt or voucher to confirm the payment
    • ❌Late Submission -> Collect, arrange, and submit all necessary documents promptly without fail

    5. Follow Up and Await Results

    Typically, it takes 2 to 4 weeks to get your Indian Degree evaluated. However, it varies from agency to agency and the specific requirements.
    However, certain services demand an additional fee to speed up the time to a few days.
    You can always track the status of your application just by logging in. Ask your agency to provide you with that link.

    The Final Words

    Navigating through the credential evaluation process from India to the US can be challenging and complex.
    However, with a trusted agency and the right approach, you can streamline the process and make your dreams come true.
    Whether you’re aiming for higher education or seeking a job opportunity, confidently assemble your documents and a well-done credential evaluation will pave the way for your journey.
    If you’re stuck in between the process or looking for a trusted partner, ERES is here to help!
    Book an appointment and let our experts handle the hassle. Call us now!

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ERES

Educational Records Evaluation Service helps Non-US educated individuals to receive their US equivalences with our credential evaluation reports.

Contact us

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4773 Mangels Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94534, USA.


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