How to Get STQC GIGW 3.0 Certification | Complete Audit & Compliance Process Explained

GIGW 3.0 Compliance Roadmap – Lumiverse Solutions
For government departments, PSUs, and vendors developing or maintaining government websites, achieving STQC GIGW 3.0 compliance is a critical milestone in building secure, accessible, and citizen-centric digital platforms.

But the process often raises questions:
  1. What happens during a GIGW audit?
  2. How long does it take?
  3. Who issues the final certification?
At Lumiverse Solutions, we simplify the entire journey from initial assessments to coordination with the Government of India (MeitY) for final certification.

Step 1: Pre-Audit Readiness – CERT-In VAPT (Mandatory Prerequisite)

Before the GIGW audit begins, your website must undergo a CERT-In VAPT audit by a CERT-In empaneled agency.
This step verifies that your website is secure and resilient. The VAPT report is mandatory for submission to STQC during final certification.

Outcome: A verified CERT-In VAPT report confirming your website’s baseline security posture.

Step 2: Website Discovery & Initial Assessment (20 Days)

With VAPT complete, our team conducts an Initial GIGW Assessment a thorough discovery of your website’s:
  • Structure and navigation
  • Accessibility for all users (including persons with disabilities) per WCAG 2.1 guidelines
  • Hosting and CMS setup
  • Content compliance and bilingual readiness
  • Security integration and data protection layers
Timeline: Approximately 20 days for assessment and delivery of the Initial Readiness Report.

Step 3: Comprehensive Gap Analysis & Action Plan

We deliver a GIGW Gap Analysis Report detailing:
  • Each non-compliance point
  • Relevant GIGW 3.0 clause references
  • Priority levels (High / Medium / Low)
  • Specific, actionable implementation recommendations
This report becomes your structured action roadmap for internal teams or vendors.

Step 4: Implementation Support (Optional)

Implementation is typically managed by your team or web vendor, but Lumiverse Solutions offers optional hands-on support to accelerate compliance.
  • Resolve accessibility and design issues
  • Enhance performance and usability
  • Strengthen backend configurations
  • Align content with bilingual and GIGW presentation standards
Note: Many organizations choose Lumiverse Solutions support for precision and faster revalidation.

Step 5: Reassessment & Final Audit (2 Rounds)

After changes are implemented, we perform two rounds of validation:
  1. Internal Reassessment – Lumiverse Solutions verifies all updates for full compliance readiness.
  2. Final GIGW Audit – A formal pre-submission review before forwarding to STQC / GOI.
Typical Timeline: 2–2.5 months total, depending on your implementation pace.

Step 6: Submission to GOI and Certification

Lumiverse Solutions assists with: Upon successful verification, a CQW (Certificate of Quality Website) is issued.

Outcome: Your website is officially GIGW 3.0 certified recognized for security, accessibility, and alignment with national standards.
Your GIGW 3.0 Compliance Roadmap – 2025
Phase What to Do Deliverables
Assessment Conduct a gap analysis of the existing website/app against the GIGW 3.0 matrix. Include accessibility audit, UX review, and security scan. Audit report and gap matrix
Planning & Prioritization Define timelines, allocate resources, and prioritize high-risk or non-compliant areas (e.g., accessibility, data security). Project plan with milestones
Remediation & Implementation Update UI/UX, CMS workflows, implement accessibility standards, tighten security controls, and ensure mobile-first design. Updated site/app and test reports
Certification & Validation Engage the STQC Directorate or its empaneled labs for evaluation and apply for Website Quality Certification. Certification application and compliance certificate
Monitoring & Continuous Improvement Set up dashboards, user-feedback loops, periodic audits, security surveillance, and accessibility reviews. Monitoring dashboard and periodic audit logs

Why Partner with Lumiverse Solutions?

At Lumiverse Solutions, we don't just audit, we partner with you through the full certification lifecycle.
  • Proven GIGW 3.0 Expertise: Hands-on support for government and PSU websites from assessment to certification.
  • Security-First Approach: Seamless integration of CERT-In VAPT services.
  • Collaborative Model: Work directly with your team or vendors for faster results.
  • Transparent Reporting: Clear documentation and timelines at every stage.
We view GIGW compliance as more than a checklist it’s about building digital platforms every citizen can trust and access with ease.

Also explore: Understanding Dark Pattern Audits in Indian E-commerce

FAQ

Yes. The VAPT report from a CERT-In empaneled agency is a mandatory prerequisite for GIGW audit submission.

 On average, 5 to 6 months, depending on the website’s size and the client’s implementation speed GOI Testing Period.

The Government of India (STQC under MeitY) issues the final CQW certificate after testing and validation.

It’s recommended to perform a GIGW review annually or whenever major website updates occur.

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