The One Nation, One Student ID Card, also known as the APAAR card, is a special identification card introduced by the Ministry of Education and the Government of India. Its main aim is to give each student in India a unique identification number, making it easier to keep track of their academic journey.
This card functions similarly to a student’s digital record. It tracks their academic accomplishments, degrees, awards, and other credits. In layman’s words, it’s a single card that contains all of the vital information regarding a student’s educational experience in digital form.
Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Union Ministry has established a plan to provide unique ID numbers to pupils in schools across India. The government plans to implement a unique identity number for students in both private and public schools, known as the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID. This effort is in line with NEP 2020’s “One Nation, One Student ID” policy.
What is APAAR?
APAAR, or Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a unique identification system for all students in India, starting from early childhood. Each student gets a lifelong 12-digit ID that helps track their academic progress from the beginning of their education to higher levels. APAAR also serves as a gateway to Digilocker, a digital repository where students can securely store important documents like exam results and report cards.
How NETF Plays a Role in APAAR
NETF, an independent entity under the Ministry of Education, plays a crucial role in implementing APAAR. Established in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, NETF focuses on addressing educational gaps and advancing technology-based interventions in the education sector. APAAR, under NETF, assigns a unique ID to every student, complementing the existing Aadhaar ID.
What is the purpose of APAAR?
APAAR aims to make education hassle-free by reducing the need for students to carry physical documents. This initiative, launched as part of the National Education Policy 2020, envisions creating positive change and allowing state governments to track literacy rates, dropout rates, and make improvements. Additionally, APAAR seeks to combat fraud and duplicate educational certificates by providing a single, trusted reference for educational institutions.
How does the government envision APAAR ID to work?
Every individual will be assigned a unique APAAR ID that will be linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), a digital repository that stores information about the credits earned by students during their educational journey. Students may use the APAAR ID to keep all of their certifications and credits, whether they were earned through formal schooling or informal learning. When a student completes a course or achieves a goal, the results are digitally authenticated and securely saved in her account by authorized institutions.
If a student switches schools, whether within the state or to another state, all of her data in the ABC is transferred to her new school simply by supplying the APAAR ID. She will not have to present physical paperwork or transfer certificates.
Benefits of One Nation, One ID Card for students
- Streamlined Education: The implementation of APAAR intends to expedite educational processes by removing the need for students to carry physical documentation.
- NEP 2020 Initiative: The Ministry of Education announced the NEP 2020 Initiative as part of its National Education Policy 2020.
- Empowering State Governments: APAAR permits state governments to effectively track literacy, dropout rates, and educational advances.
- Combatting Fraud: The program aims to combat fraud and duplicate credentials by providing a dependable reference for educational institutions and ensuring authenticity through first-party verification.
- Lifelong Academic ID: The APAAR or EduLocker provides a lifelong identifying number for students, enabling them to track their academic progress and achievements.
- Digital Record Keeping: Students can keep digital records of exam results, learning outcomes, and co-curricular successes, such as Olympiad rankings or specialized skill training.
- Smooth Transfers: Students can easily transfer between schools across the country. It will lessen the inconveniences connected with administrative procedures.
How Students Can Get Their APAAR ID ?
To sign up for APAAR, students need to provide basic information such as name, age, date of birth, gender, and a photograph. This information is verified using their Aadhar number, which is only used for verification purposes. Students or their parents, in the case of minors, can choose to accept or decline to share the Aadhar number and demographic information. Registration for creating an APAAR ID is voluntary, not mandatory.
Positive Takeaway
The introduction of the APAAR card in India signifies a significant step toward simplifying education processes, reducing paperwork, and empowering both students and educational institutions. This initiative aligns with the digital era, ensuring that students’ academic records are easily accessible and secure, contributing to a more efficient and transparent education system.
