Privacy Policy – GCAS Portal

Welcome to the GCAS Portal operated by the Higher Education Department, Government of Gujarat. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, stored, and protected when users access and use the Gujarat Common Admission Services (GCAS) portal.

1. Introduction

Gujarat Common Admission Services (GCAS) is an online admission platform developed for facilitating admissions to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and research programs offered by participating universities and affiliated colleges across Gujarat.

By accessing or using the GCAS portal, users agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

a. Personal Information

During registration and admission processes, users may be required to provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Aadhaar or other identification details (where applicable)
• Academic and examination records
• Address details
• Category/caste details
• Uploaded documents and certificates
• Payment-related transaction references

b. Technical Information

When users access the portal, certain technical information may be collected automatically, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Operating system
• Date and time of access
• Pages visited and actions performed
• Cookies and session data

3. Purpose of Information Collection

The information collected through the GCAS portal is used for:

• Student registration and authentication
• Admission processing and merit preparation
• Verification of eligibility and documents
• Communication regarding admissions, counseling, schedules, and updates
• Generating reports and statistics
• Improving portal performance and user experience
• Security monitoring and fraud prevention
• Compliance with applicable government rules and regulations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

GCAS does not sell or commercially distribute personal information.

User information may be shared only with:

• Participating universities and affiliated colleges
• Government departments and authorized agencies
• Examination boards or verification authorities
• Payment gateway providers for transaction processing
• Law enforcement or regulatory authorities when required under applicable law

5. Data Security

Reasonable administrative, technical, and security measures are implemented to protect user information against unauthorized access, data alteration, disclosure, loss, or misuse.

Users are advised to maintain confidentiality of their login credentials and OTPs.

6. Cookies and Session Management

The GCAS portal may use cookies and session technologies for:

• User authentication
• Session management
• Security purposes
• Improving website functionality and performance

Users may disable cookies through browser settings; however, some portal functionalities may not work properly.

7. Third-Party Services

The portal may integrate with third-party services such as:

• Payment gateways
• SMS and email service providers
• Government verification systems

GCAS is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party services linked or integrated with the portal.

8. Data Retention

User information may be retained for as long as necessary for admission processes, academic and administrative purposes, audit requirements, and legal and regulatory compliance.

9. User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and updated information
• Maintaining confidentiality of credentials
• Avoiding sharing login details with others
• Promptly reporting unauthorized access or suspicious activity

Providing false or misleading information may result in cancellation of candidature or legal action as applicable.

10. External Links

The GCAS portal may contain links to university or external websites. GCAS is not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of external websites.

11. Changes to Privacy Policy

The Government of Gujarat or GCAS administration reserves the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice.

Users are encouraged to review this page periodically for updates.

12. Contact Information

13. Consent

By using the GCAS portal, users consent to the collection, storage, and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.