Introduction
In India, anything that involves a fee is often seen with suspicion — especially when it comes to education or awards. People are quick to ask: “If it’s real, why is there a charge?” This question becomes even more common when someone is offered a digital honorary doctorate with a one-time processing fee.
But it’s important to look deeper. The presence of a transparent, reasonable fee is not a sign of fraud — it’s often a sign of structure, accountability, and fairness. When done correctly, this fee supports the very system that allows deserving individuals from all walks of life to receive recognition with dignity.
The real question we must ask is: Can a system of honour truly be inclusive if it has no sustainable support behind it?
What the Fee Actually Covers
Unlike donations or hidden charges, transparent processing fees charged by digital universities typically cover:
- Application review and background checks
- Verification of real-life contributions
- Documentation and issuance of certificates
- Citation writing and honorary committee evaluation
- Planning and conducting digital convocation ceremonies
- Long-term record-keeping and certificate verification portals
These are not optional extras. They are part of what makes the recognition authentic, verifiable, and professional. Without this structure, any title risks becoming casual — and that helps no one.
Removing Hidden Bias by Formalising the Process
In traditional systems, honorary degrees are often given through informal channels — political recommendations, celebrity connections, or institutional bias. Many deserving people never get noticed simply because they don’t belong to the “right circles.”
But digital universities are attempting to change that. With a clear fee and formal process, the door is open to:
- Rural contributors
- Grassroots innovators
- Trainers, teachers, and coaches
- Spiritual mentors and social workers
- Self-made entrepreneurs
In this system, everyone is welcome to apply. Not just the famous. And the fee ensures that the system can function without political or financial interference.
The Misconception: Fee Equals Fraud
It’s easy to find videos or posts that warn people: “Don’t pay for honorary degrees — it’s fake!” But this message ignores a very important distinction.
There is a difference between:
- Paying to fake a degree, and
- Paying for the structured processing of an honorary award
The first is illegal. The second is legitimate — if the honorary degree is properly disclosed, granted by a registered university, and processed through documentation, verification, and transparent communication.
Many digital universities, like Cambridge Digital University and Euro Asian University, clearly state that:
- The degree is honorary
- It is an award, not an academic qualification
- It should be used ethically — such as in CVs, introductions, public speaking, and social profiles
- It cannot be used to claim academic jobs or admissions
This clarity and transparency is what makes the process respectful, not deceptive.
Sustaining the Platform for Everyone
Running a fair recognition system costs money. From staff to software, from evaluation panels to video convocations — none of it happens magically. A transparent fee allows the system to operate without demanding donations, government aid, or favour-based selections.
This makes it scalable. It ensures that if a rural teacher in Jharkhand applies, their application is treated with the same seriousness as a businessman from Mumbai. Everyone goes through the same review. Everyone gets the same dignity.
In this way, the fee supports equity, not elitism.
Dignity Comes from Process, Not Price
Some believe that an honorary title loses its value if a fee is involved. But this thinking ignores the emotional and professional dignity that comes from:
- Being evaluated formally
- Receiving a digital citation
- Participating in a convocation
- Having one’s name and work listed publicly
These elements create a sense of honour and structure — and they are made possible by the processing fee. Without it, such services would either collapse or rely on selective, biased systems.
So the fee is not buying the title. It is supporting the journey that makes the title meaningful.
Helping Ordinary People Become Visible
One of the greatest gifts of structured digital recognition is that it brings honour to ordinary people who have done extraordinary work:
- An auto driver who runs a free tuition centre
- A village nurse who trained thousands in hygiene
- A folk musician preserving tribal songs
- A trainer who inspired youth to stay away from drugs
These people don’t need sympathy. They need visibility. And a formal honorary doctorate — processed with transparency, given with dignity — does exactly that.
Would it be fair to deny them that opportunity simply because the platform needs a fee to function?
Trust Grows When Things Are Clear
In India, people often trust things that are free — or things that are vague. But in reality, trust grows from clarity, not confusion.
Digital universities that are honest about:
- Their registration status
- The honorary nature of the award
- The purpose of the title
- The intended ethical use
- The fee breakdown and support system
— build more trust than those who hide everything behind closed doors.
A one-time, reasonable fee — clearly explained and fairly applied — creates transparency and credibility for both the recipient and the institution.
Conclusion
An honorary degree, when awarded with integrity, is not a favour. It’s a symbol of respect. And for that symbol to carry meaning across communities, professions, and cultures, there must be a system behind it — not just emotion.
The transparent processing fee charged by many digital universities is not a weakness. It is the strength that makes recognition fair, structured, and scalable.
In a country where so many contributors go unseen, such platforms offer a chance to be recognised with dignity. And that dignity must be supported — not dismissed because it has a price tag.
After all, honour should never depend on connections or fame. It should depend on contribution — and a clear path to acknowledge it.