Students who will be appearing for the Maharashtra Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) board examinations next year will need to prepare for more than just their academic syllabus. The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has announced that an APAAR ID is now compulsory for Class X and Class XII students appearing in the February–March examination cycle. Without this unique academic identity number, students may face difficulties during exam registration and verification.
I am writing about this update because many students and parents are still unclear about what APAAR ID is and why it suddenly matters so much. Over the past year, education boards across the country have been moving towards digitising student records, and APAAR is a key part of that shift. From what I have observed, confusion often leads to last-minute panic, especially when deadlines are close. Making this requirement clear well in advance gives schools, parents, and students enough time to complete the process properly and avoid unnecessary stress during the board exam season.
What Is APAAR ID
APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It is a unique identification number assigned to students to maintain a lifelong digital record of their academic journey.
This ID links student details such as enrolment, marks, certifications, and exam records across different education boards and institutions.
Why APAAR ID Is Mandatory for SSC and HSC Exams
The Maharashtra Board has made APAAR ID mandatory to ensure accurate student identification and reduce errors in exam records. With a centralised academic ID, the board can streamline verification processes and improve transparency.
This move also aligns with national efforts to modernise education data management.
Who Needs to Create an APAAR ID
The requirement applies to:
- Class X (SSC) students
- Class XII (HSC) students
- Candidates appearing in the February–March board exams
Students who already have an APAAR ID should verify that their details are correct.
How Students Can Get Their APAAR ID
In most cases, schools are responsible for guiding students through the APAAR ID creation process. Students may need to submit basic details and supporting documents such as Aadhaar or school records.
Parents are advised to stay in touch with school authorities to ensure timely completion.
What Happens If APAAR ID Is Not Created
Students without a valid APAAR ID may face issues during exam form submission or result processing. While boards may provide temporary support in exceptional cases, relying on last-minute solutions is risky.
Completing the process early is the safest option.
Role of Schools and Junior Colleges
Schools and junior colleges are expected to assist students and parents in generating APAAR IDs correctly. Authorities have also warned institutions against creating incorrect or dummy IDs.
Accuracy and verification are essential to avoid future complications.
What Parents Should Know
Parents should ensure that:
- Student details entered for APAAR ID are accurate
- The ID is generated through official channels
- A copy of the APAAR ID is safely stored
Early action can prevent unnecessary pressure closer to exam dates.
