India’s APAAR system to streamline student tracking and digital records

The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), a central feature of India's ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ initiative, is set to revolutionize academic tracking and documentation across the country. As part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this system aims to create a streamlined, secure method for storing and managing students' educational records. APAAR offers a permanent digital identification for every student, making it easier to track their academic progress from early education through higher studies.

Under the APAAR system, each student will receive a unique ID linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), which will store academic credits, certificates, and course completions. This digital repository will allow students to access and manage their educational information efficiently. APAAR also integrates with Digilocker, a government platform, enabling students to securely store and access documents such as exam results and certificates without relying on physical records.

The system is designed to address several persistent challenges in India’s education system, including the issue of fraudulent or duplicate certificates. By creating a trustworthy and standardized digital platform for academic records, APAAR ensures that only recognized educational institutions can upload and update students’ academic data. This mechanism guarantees the authenticity of the information, making it easier for institutions, employers, and other entities to verify qualifications.

A key feature of APAAR is its ability to facilitate seamless academic credit transfers between institutions. When students move to different schools or colleges, their academic records can be transferred digitally without the need for physical transfer certificates, ensuring a smoother transition. Additionally, students can choose to link their data with Aadhaar for verification purposes. For minors, parental consent is required to link Aadhaar to the system, but this step is optional.

Despite the potential advantages, there have been concerns raised about the use of Aadhaar and data privacy. Some parents worry about the security of their children’s personal information, fearing misuse. The government has responded by assuring that all data will be securely stored and used exclusively for educational purposes. Additionally, students and parents can withdraw consent at any time, halting further processing of data. The government has also clarified that any sharing of data with third parties will only occur with explicit consent.