NWAC (Northwest Accreditation Commission) refers to a foreign/international educational accreditation body originally based in the United States that offers a high school diploma (Grade10 & 12) accreditation recognized in various countries, including India.

What is NWAC?

• NWAC stands for Northwest Accreditation Commission, a U.S.–based accreditation organization that accredits schools (including distance education and K–12 institutions) and issues educational qualifications like an American High School Diploma.
• It operates now as part of Cognia (global education accreditation network) and has activities in the USA and also in India through partners like SERI India which help deliver NWAC programs locally.

Recognition and Validity

In India:

• An NWAC High School Diploma can be considered equivalent to Class 12 (Senior Secondary) certificate from Indian boards like CBSE or State Boards – if you obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), which is the authority that recognizes foreign academic qualifications in India.
• With AIU equivalence, the certificate is typically acceptable for college/university admissions in India and for applications to government jobs (subject to individual institution policies).

Globally:

• NWAC diplomas are also recognized in many countries worldwide (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) and are accepted by universities abroad – this makes them a pathway for international higher education.

Admission Process

NWAC exams are not applied for directly like CBSE or State Boards.
You must enroll through an NWAC-accredited school or authorized Indian partner.

 In India, this is usually done via:

• International schools
• Open schooling / distance education centers
• Foreign education facilitators linked with NWAC (often offering American High School Diploma)

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria for grade 9

• Age of the student should not be below 12 years and above 18 years as on 1st April of the year of application.
• Copy of Mark Sheet of Grade 8 issued by recognized school/board.

Eligibility criteria for grade 10

• Age of the student should not be below 13 years and above 19 years as on 1st April of the year of application.
• Copy of Mark Sheet of Grade 9 issued by recognized school/board.

Eligibility criteria for grade 11

• Age of the student should not be below 14 years and above 20 years as on 1st April of the year of application.
• Copy of Mark Sheet of Grade 10 of boards (including open boards) from valid board of education in India till the date of application (For valid Indian education boards please see list of COBSE recognized boards as per COBSE Website www.cobse.in).
• Copy of Grade 10 Passing Certificate issued by recognized education board.
• If a student passed his/her Grade 10 from foreign boards, he/she is required to submit Equivalency Certificate from AIU, New Delhi. If marks are given in grades, proof of their equivalent percentage of marks.

Eligibility criteria for grade 12

• Age of the student should not be below 15 years and above 21 years as on 1st April of the year of application.
• Copy of Mark Sheet of Grade 10 of boards (including open boards) from valid board of education in India till the date of application.
• Copy of Grade 10 Passing Certificate issued by recognized education board.
• Copy of Mark Sheet of Grade 11 issued by recognized school.
• If a student passed his/her Grade 10 from foreign boards, he/she is required to submit Equivalency Certificate from AIU, New Delhi. If marks are given in grades, proof of their equivalent percentage of marks.

Admission  Steps

Choose Program & Check Eligibility

Select the appropriate grade / program and ensure that the student meets the eligibility and age criteria.

• Review available programs (Primary, Middle, High School & AHSP).
• Check class-wise eligibility and required previous schooling.
• Clarify any doubts with the SERI counselling / student support team.

Submit Application Form & Documents

Fill the admission form carefully and upload / submit required supporting documents.

• Complete the online / school-supported admission form with accurate details.
• Provide previous school report cards / mark sheets as applicable.
• Attach supporting documents – ID proof, photographs and other board-specific requirements.

Fee Payment & Application Review

Make the applicable fee payment and allow the SERI / NWAC admission team to review the application.

• Pay the prescribed registration / admission fee via approved modes.
• Admission team verifies eligibility, documents and fee status.
• If clarification is required, the school / SERI team will contact the parent/student.

Confirmation & Student Enrolment

Receive official confirmation of admission and student credentials for further processes.

• Admission approval / confirmation is shared with the school / parent.
• Student details are updated in the SERI-NWAC records.
• Further timelines for classes, examinations and support are communicated.

IMPORTANT ADMISSION NOTES

• Admission is subject to verification of documents and fulfilment of eligibility rules applicable for the selected grade / program.
• Schools and parents must ensure that all details (name, date of birth, previous class, etc.) match the documents submitted.
• Any discrepancy found later may require correction as per board norms and may involve additional documentation.
• For special cases (change of board, gap year, foreign students, etc.), please connect with the SERI admission support team for specific guidance.

Coursework + Assessments

NWAC generally follows a continuous assessment model, not one final public exam.

Assessment methods include:

• Assignments
• Projects
• Online tests
• Practical work
• Final subject exams (online / supervised)

📌 Exams may be:

• Online (proctored)
• Center-based (through partner institutions)

Examination Registration

The school registers you for NWAC exams.
You usually do not apply separately.

You’ll receive:

• Exam schedule
• Login credentials (if online)
• Exam guidelines

Appear for Exams

• Attend exams as per schedule
• Follow proctoring / center rules strictly
• Submit all coursework on time

Results & Certificate

After successful completion:

• NWAC High School Diploma (Grade 12) is issued
• Transcripts are provided
• Certificate is issued by the accredited school under NWAC

AIU Equivalence (VERY IMPORTANT – India)

If you plan to:

• Join Indian colleges/universities
• Apply for government jobs

You must apply for AIU (Association of Indian Universities) Equivalence Certificate.

Documents needed:

• NWAC Diploma
• Transcripts
• Passport / Aadhaar
• School accreditation proof