Starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, it is planned to provide certificates to graduates of general education institutions in electronic form. According to the new approach, students will be able to obtain their documents online at any time, and this innovation will cover approximately 300,000 graduates in total. Against this background, the mechanism for issuing certificates with the application of a digital solution, its regulation rules, as well as the advantages it creates compared to traditional paper documents and the practical conveniences it will provide for citizens are becoming relevant. In addition, the accessibility of the system for graduates living in the regions and whether alternative mechanisms are envisaged for persons with limited access to digital opportunities also attract attention.
In his statement to Modern.az regarding the topic, Vasif Gafarov, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, stated that the application of electronic certificates is one of the important stages of digitalization in the education system, and this step aims to increase the efficiency of management and provide more flexible services to citizens.
The deputy also clarified the issue of how the innovation and mechanism will be applied:
"The innovation is that the issuance of electronic certificates will be carried out through a centralized digital platform. This platform will be integrated into the e-government system, and the data of each graduate will be stored in a single database. The certificate will no longer be presented as a physical document, but as a digital document confirmed by a unique identification code or QR code. This will both facilitate the verification of documents and minimize the risk of forgery. The process will be regulated by normative legal acts, and the rules for data protection, accessibility, and use will be clearly defined."
V. Gafarov also noted that electronic certificates have several advantages compared to traditional paper documents:
"Most importantly, the risk of losing or damaging the document is eliminated. Citizens will be able to access their certificates anytime and anywhere. In addition, when applying to higher or secondary specialized education institutions, the process of submitting documents will be automated, and there will be no need for additional approvals. Data exchange between state institutions will be accelerated, and bureaucratic procedures will be simplified. At the same time, the reduction in paper circulation will also have a positive environmental impact. This innovation promises citizens time and resource savings, more transparent and operational services."
The member of the Milli Majlis also added that regarding the issue of accessibility for graduates living in the regions, it should be taken into account that the success of digital services depends precisely on inclusivity:
"The state has already provided access to electronic services in the regions through platforms such as "ASAN service" and "myGov" in a number of areas. It is a very positive fact that the electronic certificate system is also accessible through this existing infrastructure.
Overall, the transition to electronic certificates is an important step in terms of transparency, efficiency, and modern management in the field of education. However, for this process to be successful, in addition to technical infrastructure, issues such as legal regulation, data security, and increasing the digital literacy of citizens should also be kept in focus simultaneously," the deputy concluded.
