APAAR ID

27 Oct 2023 APAAR ID

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “APAAR ID”. This topic has relevance in the “Social Issues” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is APAAR ID? 

For Mains:

GS2:  Social Issues? 

Why in the news?

The government has introduced a new student identification card called the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID as part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID‘ program, which aligns with the recently implemented National Education Policy of 2020.

Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry ID

• APAAR, the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, introduces an exclusive identification system for all Indian students from childhood. 
• Each student is allocated a lifelong APAAR ID, simplifying the monitoring of their educational journey from pre-primary education to higher studies.
• APAAR is a portal to Digilocker, a digital platform where students can securely preserve vital documents and achievements, including exam results and report cards. 
• This digital repository facilitates easy access and utilisation of documents for future educational pursuits or employment.

Purpose of APAAR

• Efficiency and Accessibility: APAAR’s core purpose is to enhance education by streamlining processes and eliminating the need for physical document handling, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
• Monitoring Educational Data: APAAR facilitates positive change by enabling state governments to monitor educational metrics, equipping them with the resources needed to enhance their performance.
• Anti-Fraud Measures: APAAR safeguards against fraudulent and duplicate educational certificates, providing a singular, reliable reference point for educational institutions. Only authorised sources can deposit credits, ensuring record authenticity and integrity.

Working of APAAR ID 

• Unique ID: Each person possesses a distinct APAAR ID linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), a digital repository storing educational credits.

• Comprehensive Storage: Students can securely preserve formal and informal certificates and achievements. Authorised institutions provide digital certification and storage.

• Seamless Transfers: When a student changes schools, sharing the APAAR ID instantly migrates all ABC data to the new institution, eliminating physical document and certificate transfers.

APAAR ID Registration Process

• Data Input: Students provide essential details like name, age, date of birth, gender, and a photograph.
• Aadhar Verification: Data is verified using the Aadhar number solely for matching name and date of birth; it isn’t shared during registration.
• Consent Option: Students share their Aadhar number and demographic data with the Ministry of Education by signing a consent form.
• Minors’ Consent: Parental consent is needed for minors, enabling the use of their Aadhar number for UIDAI authentication.
• Voluntary Registration: Registering for an APAAR ID is voluntary, not mandatory.

Concerns Regarding APAAR

• Privacy Apprehensions: Parents and students express concerns about sharing their Aadhar details, fearing potential data leaks to external entities.
• Data Control: Students can discontinue sharing their data with the mentioned entities at any time, with data processing ceasing upon withdrawal of consent. However, previously processed personal data remains unaffected even if consent is revoked.
  • The government assures that information shared by students will remain confidential and won’t be disclosed to third parties except for authorised educational entities and recruitment agencies.

Sources: One nation, One Student ID’ initiative (indianexpress.com) 

Q1. With reference to the APAAR ID , consider the following statements: 

1. APAAR stands for Automated Performance Academic Account Registry. 
2. Under APAAR, each student is allocated a lifelong ID monitoring their educational journey from pre-primary education to higher studies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Answer: (b) 

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Q2. Consider the following statements: 

1. APAAR ID aligns with the recently implemented National Education Policy of 2020.
2. APAAR enables governments to monitor educational metrics to undertake policy interventions. 
3. APAAR ID will be linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC)
4. Registering for the ID is mandatory for new students.

How many of the abovementioned statements are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All Four 

Answer: (c)

Q3. Discuss the significance of the APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID system in the context of the education sector. 

Gaurav N