Understanding the features of APAAR ID is essential as India moves toward a unified, digitally enabled academic system. APAAR, short for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a flagship initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Also known as the One Nation One Student ID, this lifelong academic identity is designed to track and manage every student’s learning history securely from school to higher education and beyond.

APAAR is not just a digital ID—it’s a single source of truth for academic progress, skills earned, credit transfers, and national-level verifications, all accessible via DigiLocker.

What Is APAAR ID and Why It Was Introduced

APAAR is a 12-digit unique student identifier issued under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework. It was introduced by the Ministry of Education to help create a centralized academic identity for every learner in India.

The aim is to simplify academic recordkeeping, support multi-disciplinary education, and ensure smooth mobility across institutions, courses, and even states—whether a student is switching schools or rejoining college after a break.

Key Features of APAAR ID That Support Students and Institutions

The core features of APAAR ID are designed to offer flexibility, transparency, and lifetime accessibility for academic achievements, all within a secure digital ecosystem.

1. Unique and Permanent Student Identification

Each APAAR ID is unique and stays with the student for life. It helps identify learners across different schools, universities, skill centers, and digital platforms without duplication or confusion.

2. Linked With DigiLocker for Secure Digital Access

APAAR integrates directly with DigiLocker, India’s government-backed digital document platform. All academic records—mark sheets, degrees, credits, awards—are automatically pushed to the student’s DigiLocker account.

3. Tracks Academic Credits Under ABC Framework

The APAAR ID works as the central hub for storing credits earned under the Academic Bank of Credits. This makes it easier for students to transfer credits between institutions or resume courses after a break.

4. Supports Multi-Institution and Multi-Modal Learning

One of the strongest features of APAAR ID is its ability to collect data from various learning sources—regular, open, vocational, and online education—into a single academic identity.

5. Auto-Updates Education Records Throughout Life

As students complete new academic milestones, their APAAR-linked profile is automatically updated with new qualifications, certifications, and assessments in real-time, removing the need for manual entries or submissions.

6. Simplifies Admission, Transfer, and Certification

Students using APAAR can skip redundant paperwork during college admissions or transfers. Institutions can access academic history instantly and verify prior records without delay.

7. Aadhaar-Based Secure Authentication

APAAR is Aadhaar-enabled, ensuring that each student’s identity is verified and protected. This adds a layer of trust and security, especially during document sharing and access.

8. Government Scheme Eligibility and Centralized Benefits

APAAR IDs will be used to link students with educational schemes, scholarships, and digital credentials. This simplifies benefit distribution and eligibility tracking for state and central government initiatives.

Who Can Use APAAR ID and Where Is It Applicable?

APAAR is designed for all Indian students, regardless of age, level of education, or mode of learning. It applies across:

• Schools (K–12): Managed by local and central boards (CBSE, State Boards)

• Colleges and Universities: UGC, AICTE, or NAAC-approved institutions

• Open and Distance Learning: IGNOU, state open universities

• Vocational Training Centers: NSDC or Skill India-recognized bodies

• Online Platforms: Approved EdTech or digital certification providers

How APAAR Benefits Key Stakeholders in Education

The features of APAAR ID don’t just help students—they support institutions, employers, and policy makers with better data and streamlined processes.

• Students: Access to verified, lifelong academic records; faster admissions; eligibility for national schemes.

• Institutions: Easy student onboarding, real-time academic verification, automated certificate issuance.

• Employers: Reliable access to verifiable qualifications and digital records without manual verification.

• Government: Unified tracking of educational progress, better scheme targeting, and fraud prevention in admissions or benefits.

TruScholar + APAAR: Strengthening the Future of Digital Credentials

TruScholar works with institutions to make the APAAR ecosystem more robust through blockchain-secured academic credentials that align with the APAAR and DigiLocker frameworks.

How TruScholar Adds Value to APAAR Integration:

• Issues blockchain-based, tamper-proof academic records linked to a student’s APAAR ID.

• Automates certificate generation and updates for modular courses, skills, and micro-credentials.

• Ensures global verifiability and secure access through student-controlled sharing links.

• Reduces institutional overhead in managing, issuing, and verifying student records.

How to Get an APAAR ID and Start Using It

APAAR registration is initiated by the student’s educational institution. Students (or their parents) must give consent using their Aadhaar-linked number. Once approved, a unique 12-digit APAAR ID is issued and linked with the student’s DigiLocker account.

Institutions submit the academic data to the ABC platform, and it’s stored under the student’s profile. This ID remains valid across all education levels and is updated continuously.

Closing Note: APAAR’s Role in the Future of Education

The features of APAAR ID are built to support the digital transformation of India’s education system. As more institutions and learners come on board, APAAR will become the single academic identity used for everything—from kindergarten to PhD, and beyond.

Whether you're a student aiming for academic flexibility or an institution striving for efficiency, embracing APAAR ensures you're part of India’s future-ready, tech-enabled education ecosystem.