Backdated Degree | Backdated Degrees

What is Backdated Degree ?

A backdated degree, often referred to as a means of attaining a degree certificate with a graduation date that is earlier than the actual date of completion. One should be aware that there is no officially recognized term or category known as “backdated degrees”. Instead this concept serves as a pathway for individuals to secure a degree that recognizes their existing knowledge, expertise, and experiences, irrespective of any past missed opportunities.The concept of backdated degrees has emerged as a powerful tool for individuals seeking to bridge the gap between their current qualifications and their career aspirations.This article aims to shed light on these malpractices in the educational market, intending to help and raise awareness among students.

Especially, in today's tough job market, having a degree can make a big difference in your career. But not everyone follows a traditional path to higher education. There are some individuals who may have missed out on pursuing a degree earlier in life due to various reasons, or they may suddenly need one for work-related purposes to boost their job opportunities. Lots of jobs need a certain level of education, and having a degree can help you qualify for better-paying and more fulfilling roles. When you have a backdated degree, you can stand on equal ground with those who took the usual educational path.

However, backdated degrees are illegal because they are acquired through fraudulent means by altering the date on degree certificates, lack authenticity and fail to gain recognition from employers, universities, and educational institutions. Those in possession of such degrees face verification challenges. Not only are backdated degrees illegal, but they also carry legal consequences for both the student and the institution that issued them.When students are discovered with fraudulent or invalid qualifications, they can face substantial legal consequences. In India, individuals found in possession of fake or deceptive credentials can be subjected to legal action under different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which could result in imprisonment. These legal consequences are applicable in cases where such qualifications are used for various purposes, including job applications. Additionally, individuals who obtain backdated degrees often lack the requisite knowledge and skills for their intended job roles, resulting in below-average job performance and even the risk of job loss.

Why do people search for Backdated Degree ?

People may have various motivations for seeking backdated degrees, though it's important to underline that such actions are generally regarded as fraudulent and illegal. Some individuals pursue backdated degrees for the following reasons:

Job Opportunities: Certain individuals look for backdated degrees to fulfill the educational requirements necessary for job positions they currently don't qualify for. Obtaining a backdated degree becomes a means to meet these requirements and secure employment.
Increased career opportunities: Others consider backdated degrees as a way to advance within their existing careers. They believe that possessing a higher academic qualification could lead to promotions or salary increases, even if they didn't complete the required coursework.
Marketplace Recognition: Having a backdated degree can simplify the competition in the job market by showcasing that individuals have completed their education and possess the required qualifications for their desired career path.
Social Status: Education often carries associations with social status and respect. People may opt for backdated degrees to enhance their sense of prestige and respect within their personal and professional circles.
Employer Pressure: In certain instances, employers may strongly encourage or even mandate their employees to acquire specific qualifications. This pressure can drive individuals to seek backdated degrees to meet these demands.
Immigration or Visa Requirements: Some individuals may seek backdated degrees to fulfill immigration or visa prerequisites, assuming that having a higher educational qualification can facilitate their move to a new country.
Access to Further Education: A backdated degree can render individuals eligible for advanced educational programs, including postgraduate courses and professional certifications that might have been out of reach previously.
Enhanced Credibility: Obtaining a backdated degree from a reputable university can support the credibility of individuals who may have paused their studies in the past. It enables them to present themselves as more professional and knowledgeable in their field.
Career Change Possibilities: With a backdated degree, individuals may explore new career paths or industries that previously seemed out of reach.

It's vital to stress on this that utilizing backdated degrees for any of these purposes is ethically questionable and can lead to severe consequences, including job loss, legal repercussions, and damage to one's reputation. It is always advisable to pursue legitimate educational and career paths to attain personal and professional goals.

Who provides Backdated Degree ?

Backdated degrees are not considered valid and can result in a range of problems. It's important to acknowledge that this issue is partly driven by the demand for such degrees in the market and the following supply. Both the demand and supply of backdated degrees are ethically questionable and should be discouraged.

It's essential for individuals to be aware of the existence of fraudulent consultants in the market who use software like Photoshop to create fake backdated degree certificates for students.

These unauthorized consultants lack affiliation with any reputable university or educational institution and are not authorized to issue legitimate degrees. In light of these concerns, it is strongly advised to pursue a degree through legitimate and ethical means.

While certain universities may offer such degrees, it's important to understand that this is not a recommended practice. Some universities engage in the provision and verification of these degrees for financial gain. They maintain formal records and issue such degrees to students, which is an unethical and improper practice. These actions highlight the need to focus on the risks and disadvantages of backdated degrees, while also encouraging the pursuit of genuine education and qualifications through legitimate channels. A real degree can only be earned through proper education and hard work.

Why do few UGC universities provide Backdated Degree ?

Although certain universities may provide backdated degrees, it's important to realize that this practice is typically discouraged. While there are universities and individuals who engage in offering and verifying such degrees, it is the students themselves who may face adverse consequences in such situations. But, here are potential reasons why universities might consider providing backdated degrees:

Increased Enrollment: Offering backdated degrees could serve as a strategy to attract more students to enroll in the university. This approach might be driven by the desire to boost student numbers and enhance the university's reputation.
Revenue Generation: Providing backdated degrees can be a means of generating additional revenue for the university. By charging fees for such degrees, universities can bolster their financial resources.
Competition with Other Institutions: In a competitive academic landscape, universities may resort to offering backdated degrees to remain on par with other institutions that provide similar programs. This could be viewed as a marketing strategy to retain or attract students.
Assistance for Struggling Students: Universities may issue backdated degrees with the intention of assisting students who previously discontinued their studies and are now facing career challenges due to the absence of a genuine and verified degree. This is often seen as a compassionate gesture to help these individuals get back on track.
Meeting Student Demand: Some students may specifically request backdated degrees, and universities may oblige to meet this demand. This could be in response to market pressures and student preferences.
Supporting Employees: Universities might issue backdated degrees to support employees who require a specific degree to qualify for a job or progress in their careers. This is often done in consideration of the professional development needs of their workforce.

Are Backdated Degree Valid ?

Backdated degrees, which involve changing the date on a degree certificate or creating fake certificates for people who aren't qualified, are not real or valid. They're basically fake degrees obtained in dishonest ways.

If someone uses a backdated degree to get a job or educational opportunities, they can get in serious trouble, like losing their job and facing legal actions. Employers, educational institutions, and government authorities in India conduct thorough verification processes to ensure the authenticity of educational credentials to catch these fake degrees.

In India, it's really important to make sure educational qualifications are legitimate. People caught with backdated degrees or fake certificates might end up facing legal consequences.

The acquiring of these fake degrees, whether it involves a university providing a recorded and verified degree, or an individual offering unrecorded degrees, or students attempting to get them, these actions are clearly wrong and illegal.

BACK DATED V/S FAKE DEGREE

	Backdated Degree	Fake Degree
Issuing Source	Issued by the university or institution where the individual studied.	Not issued by any legitimate university or institution
Verification	Verified by the university or institution that issued it.	Thornton
Documentation	Includes proper documentation like sealed and stamped transcripts.	May lack proper documentation or have forged transcripts
Source of Issuance	Issued and dispatched from the university only.	May be issued by a fraudulent organization or individual.
Knowledge Skills	Students who obtain backdated degrees may have the required knowledge and skills, but may face issues related to verification	Students who obtain fake degrees may lack the knowledge and skills required for the job they are applying for.

Backdated Degree:

A backdated degree is issued by a university or institution where the individual completed their studies.
It is verified by the university or institution that issued it.
A backdated degree includes proper documentation, such as transcripts that are sealed and stamped by the university.
It is issued and dispatched exclusively by the university.

Fake Degree:

A fake degree is not issued by a legitimate university or institution.
It is not verified by any university or institution.
A fake degree may lack proper documentation, including forged transcripts.
It may be issued by a fraudulent organization or individual.

What is a Genuine Backdated Degree ?

The "genuine" in Genuine Backdated degree means that it is provided by the universities by confirming and maintaining records of the students which they do for their own financial gain. And there are some individuals also in the market that attempt to sell their service by asserting that the degree is genuine since it is provided by a university. They argue that as long as the university is not facing any issues, the degree obtained from them should not pose any problems. It's important to note that there is no specific term called a “backdated degree” or “genuine degree”. This narrative is presented as a way to only assure individuals seeking jobs or higher education that their degrees will stand up to validity checks and verification.

However, altering the date on a degree or creating fake degree credentials, known as backdating degrees, is against the law. Organizations can take severe measures, like blacklisting employees, if they find out backdated degrees were used in hiring. Degrees obtained through such practices are not valid for jobs or any genuine educational pursuits. It's wise for individuals to pursue education legitimately, ensuring the authenticity of their credentials to avoid legal consequences and harm to their professional reputation.

In conclusion, it's essential to acknowledge that the means of acquiring backdated degrees are often problematic. Be it properly recorded and verified degrees issued by universities, or unrecorded or fake degrees presented in a deceptive manner, it is ethically incorrect. And the parties involved, whether it's the one who issues such degrees or the one who acquires them, share responsibility taking part in these unethical practices.
As students and professionals, choosing a legitimate educational path and working hard to attain personal and professional goals is the most reliable and ethical way to advance in one's career.

Fake or backdated degrees may promise convenience, but the potential consequences far outweigh any short-term advantages. Therefore, it's advisable to prioritize genuine education and qualifications through the proper channels and avoid engaging in activities that could jeopardize one's career and reputation.

Disclaimer: EduVerified strongly advises against engaging in or being lured into practices related to backdated degrees or fake certificates. These actions can have severe legal and reputational consequences. We stand for ethical and legitimate educational practices. Pursuing genuine education through proper channels is the most trustworthy and honorable path to personal and professional success. Good luck to all those who choose to wait and earn their qualifications through proper education and hard work!