India’s APAAR ID: A Step Forward in Education or a Privacy Concern?

New Delhi: India is making major changes in education with the introduction of the APAAR ID, a central part of the “One Nation, One Student ID” program. This new digital ID aims to make it easier for students to manage their academic records, apply for scholarships, and switch between schools or colleges. However, concerns over privacy, security, and data usage—especially for minors—have raised debates about its implementation.

What is APAAR ID?

APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It is a 12-digit unique digital ID given to every student in India, similar to a PAN card for taxpayers. Inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, APAAR aims to simplify academic record-keeping and promote flexible learning.

Key Features of APAAR ID

Linked to DigiLocker: Securely stores academic documents and connects with the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).
Aadhaar-Linked Access: Uses Aadhaar for verification, allowing students to access their records online.
All-in-One Student Profile: Maintains academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular achievements in a single digital space.
Supports Admissions & Scholarships: Helps with applications for schools, colleges, skill programs, and jobs.

How APAAR ID Can Benefit Students

Faster Verification: Institutions and employers can instantly check academic records, reducing fraud.
No More Paperwork: Students don’t need to carry physical certificates, as all documents are stored digitally.
Easier Access to Scholarships: Ensures financial aid reaches the right students quickly and transparently.
Global Recognition: Helps Indian students with international academic mobility.
Flexible Learning: Allows students to collect and transfer credits across different institutions.
Better Policies: The government can track dropout rates and improve education programs.

Concerns & Challenges

Despite its advantages, APAAR has sparked major concerns among educators, parents, and privacy experts.

No Clear Legal Framework

Unlike Aadhaar, which has the Aadhaar Act (2016), APAAR has no official law protecting student data.
Without legal backing, private companies and third parties could potentially misuse student information.

Cybersecurity Risks

APAAR is linked to DigiLocker, ABC, and the National Academic Depository (NAD), making it a potential target for hackers.
There is no transparency on how data will be protected from cyberattacks or unauthorized access.

Lack of Transparency in Consent

Many students and parents are not properly informed before registration.
There is no clear way to delete data or opt out of the system once enrolled.

Technology & Implementation Challenges

Many rural schools lack the infrastructure to effectively use APAAR.
Teachers report increased workload due to errors in student data entry.

Privacy Issues for Children

APAAR is linked to Aadhaar, but India’s Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar should not be mandatory for school enrollment.
The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023 requires parental consent for children’s data, but many schools are registering students without properly informing parents.

Concerns Over Student Surveillance

Some parents fear APAAR could be used for academic profiling, potentially affecting educational and job opportunities.

How to Ensure Safe & Fair Use of APAAR

Experts suggest the following steps to address concerns and improve implementation:

Legal Protection: The government should introduce a special APAAR law to define privacy rules and ensure voluntary participation.
Parental & Student Control: Parents and students should be able to see, edit, or delete their data.
Better Awareness: Information should be provided in regional languages, and schools must clearly inform parents before registration.
Stronger Security Measures: Data should be encrypted, and access should be strictly controlled.
Independent Oversight: A Data Protection Board should be set up to monitor APAAR’s operations and prevent misuse.

Conclusion

APAAR ID has the potential to revolutionize education in India by creating a centralized digital system for student records. It supports flexible learning, fast verification, and better policy-making. However, without strong legal safeguards, it could lead to privacy risks, misuse, and data security concerns. A balanced approach—with transparency, security, and public trust—is essential to ensure that APAAR benefits students while protecting their rights and privacy