The firm claims that the decision was taken due to increased instances of forged documents being submitted. Source Hindustantimes

World Education Services (WES), a non-profit organization focused on the certification and verification of educational credentials for international students and immigrants, has stopped evaluating applications from Inder Kumar Gujral-Punjab Technical University (IKG-PTU). Students are now facing uncertainty about their credential evaluation process.

Why WES Stopped Evaluating PTU Credentials

WES cited an increase in forged documents being submitted from some Indian institutions, including PTU, as the primary reason behind the decision. According to Ashley Craddock, WES's director of strategic communication, "In recent months, our credential evaluations department has seen a surge in submissions of forged documents. In response, WES stopped evaluating documents from affected institutions, including PTU, on September 21, 2018."

The organization primarily verifies documents submitted by students who are planning to study or work in the United States and Canada.

Impact on PTU Students and Their Credentials

PTU students are now in a dilemma as they approach the university for help. They have paid fees ranging from $100 to $150 (approximately ₹8,000) for WES services, only to be told their credentials will not be evaluated.

With over 250 affiliated colleges and 1.5 lakh students, PTU sees around 60 students a day using WES services, as claimed by the varsity’s public relations officer, Rajnish Sharma.

The Road to Restarting the Verification Process

To resume the verification process, WES has outlined a condition: PTU must upgrade its system and create a secure online portal for direct, secure transmission of documents. In an email to PTU officials, WES asked for the establishment of this portal to facilitate smoother document verification.

PRO Sharma confirmed that PTU has received this email and is working to create the secure portal. "Given the high number of applications from our university, this secure portal will help with the verification process. We hope to restart the process within 10-15 days," Sharma stated.

Addressing the Forged Document Issue

Regarding WES's claim of receiving forged documents from PTU, Sharma responded, "WES has not yet brought the issue of forged documents to our notice. We will look into it if they formally bring this issue to our attention."

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajay Kumar Sharma was unavailable for comment on this matter.