STQC Certification in India – Process, Cost, Documents & Benefits

STQC Certification is a government-backed quality and security certification system designed to ensure that electronic products, software applications, and IT systems meet predefined standards of performance, reliability, and security. Issued under the authority of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), STQC Certification plays a crucial role in enabling organizations to participate in government projects and public sector tenders. This certification confirms that the product or system has been tested and validated by authorized STQC laboratories as per national and international standards.

What is STQC Certification?

STQC stands for Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification. It is a government certification framework established to provide testing, inspection, and certification services for electronics, software, and IT-enabled systems. STQC Certification assures that the certified product or software complies with defined functional, security, and quality benchmarks. It is widely required for e-Governance applications, biometric devices, secure IT systems, and electronic products used in government infrastructure.

Objectives of STQC

The primary objective of STQC is to strengthen trust, security, and standardisation in electronic and IT-based systems used across India. STQC aims to ensure that products deployed in critical environments such as government portals, public utilities, and digital infrastructure are safe, reliable, and compliant with approved standards.

• To ensure quality and reliability of electronic and IT systems
• To promote standardisation across government technology projects
• To enhance cybersecurity and data protection
• To support Digital India and e-Governance initiatives

Advantages of STQC Certification

Obtaining STQC Certification provides multiple benefits for manufacturers, software developers, and service providers. It increases credibility, improves acceptance in government projects, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Mandatory eligibility for many government tenders
• Improves trust and credibility among stakeholders
• Ensures high standards of quality and security
• Reduces risk of system failure and vulnerabilities
• Enhances market acceptance of products and software

STQC Certification Process

The STQC Certification process involves systematic evaluation and testing of the product or software by authorized STQC laboratories. The procedure may vary slightly depending on the type of certification scheme, but the general process remains consistent.

• Submission of application and technical documentation
• Pre-evaluation and scope finalization
• Product or software testing as per applicable standards
• Security and performance assessment
• Issuance of STQC Certificate upon successful compliance

Types of STQC Certification Schemes

STQC operates multiple certification schemes depending on the nature of the product or system being evaluated. These schemes are designed to address different technical and security requirements.

• Software Quality Certification
• Electronic Product Certification
• Information Security & Cyber Security Certification
• Biometric Device Certification
• Smart Card & Embedded System Certification

What Comes Under STQC Certification?

STQC Certification covers a wide range of products and systems used in digital and electronic environments. It is particularly relevant for applications deployed in government and public sector projects.

• Government software applications and portals
• Mobile applications used in public services
• Biometric authentication devices
• Electronic voting and security systems
• IT infrastructure and secure hardware products

Documents Required for STQC Certification

Applicants must submit detailed technical and organizational documentation to support the evaluation process. Proper documentation ensures faster review and smooth certification.

• Company incorporation or registration documents
• Product or software technical specifications
• Architecture and design documents
• Security and compliance reports
• Previous test reports (if available)

STQC Certification Cost & Timeline

The cost and timeline of STQC Certification depend on the type of product, scope of testing, and complexity of the system. Software and security certifications generally require more extensive evaluation compared to standard electronic products.

• Estimated Timeline: 4 to 12 weeks
• Estimated Cost: Depends on testing scope and certification scheme

STQC vs ISO vs BIS – Comparison

While STQC, ISO, and BIS certifications all focus on quality and compliance, their objectives and applicability differ significantly. Choosing the right certification depends on the nature of the product and regulatory requirements.

STQC Certification is especially critical for organizations aiming to work with government departments or deploy secure digital solutions. It demonstrates compliance with national standards and supports long-term business growth in regulated sectors.

STQC Certification Consultant in Delhi

STQC Certification is an essential compliance requirement for software applications, electronic products, and IT systems used in government and public sector projects. As a trusted STQC Certification Consultant in Delhi, we provide professional guidance to help organizations obtain STQC approval in a smooth and timely manner. Our consultancy support ensures that your product or system meets all technical, quality, and security standards defined by the Government of India.