With the Indian education system moving rapidly toward digitalization under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the APAAR ID—Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry—is becoming a key identity for every learner. Also known as the One Nation One Student ID, APAAR is designed to unify and secure academic records across institutions, states, and learning platforms.

More than just a number, the APAAR ID is a student’s digital academic passport. It enables verified recordkeeping, smoother transitions, and centralized access to credentials—making it essential for every student in today’s education landscape.

What Is APAAR ID and How It Works

APAAR is a 12-digit unique academic identifier assigned to every student in India. It links to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and is integrated with DigiLocker, where academic credentials like mark sheets, degrees, and skill certifications are digitally stored.

Once created, the APAAR ID becomes a lifelong academic identity, continuously updated as the student progresses through formal education, vocational training, and digital learning programs.

Why APAAR ID Is Essential for Every Student in India

Let’s explore the top reasons why students should obtain their APAAR ID and how it benefits them in the short and long term.

1. Provides a Unified Academic Identity for Life

Students no longer need to rely on multiple roll numbers or registration IDs across schools, colleges, and programs. APAAR gives them one permanent identity from pre-school to higher education and beyond.

2. Secures Digital Academic Records Through DigiLocker

With an APAAR ID, all academic documents are stored safely in the student’s DigiLocker account. This removes the risk of losing mark sheets, degrees, or certificates and ensures 24/7 access.

3. Simplifies Transfers and Re-Admissions Across Institutions

Students switching schools or joining a new university can use their APAAR ID to share verified records instantly. This speeds up admissions and eliminates paperwork during migration.

4. Supports Modular and Flexible Learning Through Credit Storage

APAAR is linked with the Academic Bank of Credits, allowing students to collect credits from various institutions and transfer them as needed. This supports personalized learning and academic mobility.

5. Links to Skill Certifications and Co-Curricular Achievements

Whether it's a coding bootcamp, a sports medal, or a government-recognized skill course, APAAR stores all such achievements in one profile—helping students build a well-rounded academic identity.

6. Enables Access to Government Schemes and Scholarships

APAAR IDs are used to simplify the application and eligibility process for scholarships, financial aid, and government education schemes by providing verified, pre-filled academic data.

7. Prevents Document Fraud With Tamper-Proof Certificates

All APAAR-linked documents are digitally signed and verified by the issuing institution, reducing the risk of fake degrees or document manipulation during admissions and recruitment.

8. Helps in Job Applications and Higher Studies

With APAAR, students can share verified academic credentials directly with employers or foreign universities through secure links—boosting their credibility and speeding up background checks.

Who Can Get an APAAR ID?

APAAR is available to all students in India across:

• CBSE and State Board Schools

• UGC and AICTE-recognized Colleges and Universities

• Skill Development Programs under NSDC or Skill India

• Online Learning Platforms offering certified programs

Enrollment typically begins at the institution level. Schools and colleges collect Aadhaar-linked consent from students or guardians to initiate the APAAR creation process.

How APAAR ID Supports NEP 2020 and Future Learning

The APAAR ID is part of the National Education Policy’s mission to make learning more flexible, transparent, and student-centered. It supports:

• Academic mobility through transferable credits

• Recognition of multiple learning formats including online and vocational

• Technology-first infrastructure to store and verify student data

• Lifelong learning support, including post-education skills and credentials

By bridging multiple education levels and formats, APAAR enables a 360-degree academic identity that evolves with the student.

APAAR in Action: Real-Life Student Scenarios

Here’s how students benefit from using APAAR in real-life situations:

• A student moving from Tamil Nadu to Gujarat can transfer school records instantly via APAAR, without collecting physical documents.

• A diploma holder joins a B.Tech course and uses APAAR to transfer credits, saving one full semester.

• A graduate applying for jobs shares APAAR-linked documents with recruiters, speeding up the HR verification process.

• A student enrolled in a skill program gets their certification added to their APAAR profile automatically for future recognition.

TruScholar + APAAR: Expanding the Digital Academic Ecosystem

TruScholar supports educational institutions in issuing APAAR-linked, blockchain-secured academic credentials. These are compatible with DigiLocker and NAD, enhancing trust and transparency in student records.

How TruScholar Adds Value to APAAR Ecosystem:

• Automates academic credential issuance and links each document to the student’s APAAR ID.

• Ensures tamper-proof, globally verifiable digital certificates using blockchain technology.

• Enables instant access and sharing of academic achievements through secure, student-controlled links.

• Supports micro-credentials, skill badges, and modular course records for a complete academic profile.

How Students Can Get Their APAAR ID

To get started, students should:

• Provide Aadhaar-linked consent to their institution.

• Activate their DigiLocker account to receive and store APAAR-linked documents.

• Keep their APAAR ID safe and use it for admissions, applications, and document sharing.

• Encourage their school, college, or training center to register under NAD/ABC if not already done.

APAAR: A Smarter, Safer Academic Future for Every Student

The APAAR ID is more than a policy requirement—it’s a future-ready identity that empowers students with ownership of their education data. It ensures that every academic effort, skill earned, and certificate achieved is captured, protected, and easily accessible when needed.

As the system scales, APAAR will become the standard for academic identification in India. Students who enroll early will gain the full benefits of a lifelong, verified, and portable academic identity—ready for any opportunity that comes their way.