More than six crore APAAR IDs have been generated across India, covering students from over 2,600 educational institutions, according to the Union Ministry of Education. The data was shared in Parliament, highlighting the steady progress of the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry under the Academic Bank of Credits framework. The APAAR ID is designed as a lifelong digital academic identity that stores a student’s academic records in one secure place, from school to higher education.
I am writing about this development because APAAR IDs are no longer just a policy announcement; they are fast becoming part of everyday academic life. From school boards to universities, institutions are being encouraged to adopt this system, and students are already seeing its impact during admissions, credit transfers and document verification. For parents, students and educators, it is important to understand what this large number actually means and how it may change the way academic records are handled in the coming years. With digital education systems expanding, this initiative could quietly redefine how learning journeys are tracked in India.
What is APAAR and why it matters
APAAR, or Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a unique digital ID linked to a student’s academic journey. It works under the Academic Bank of Credits system, which allows students to store, retrieve and transfer academic credits earned from recognised institutions.
Once generated, the APAAR ID stays with the student for life. Academic records such as marksheets, degrees, certificates and credits can be digitally stored and accessed when needed, reducing paperwork and delays.
Scale of adoption across institutions
According to the Education Ministry, over 2,600 institutions are already onboard with the APAAR system. These include schools, colleges and universities across states and central boards. The figure of more than six crore IDs indicates strong participation, especially from school-level institutions where initial registration often begins.
This wide adoption also shows that institutions are slowly aligning their systems with national digital education reforms.
How students benefit from APAAR IDs
For students, the biggest advantage is convenience. Academic records are available digitally and can be shared securely for admissions, scholarships or job applications.
Other key benefits include
- Easier credit transfer between institutions
- Reduced risk of lost or damaged certificates
- Faster verification during admissions or competitive exams
- Long-term storage of academic achievements in one place
For students who move between states or institutions, this system can save time and effort.
Role of DigiLocker, UGC and NCRF
The APAAR system is closely linked with DigiLocker, making it easier to access verified documents online. The University Grants Commission and the National Credit Framework support this initiative by allowing flexible learning pathways and credit mobility.
Together, these systems aim to create a more student-friendly and transparent academic structure.
What to keep in mind as APAAR expands
While the numbers are encouraging, students and parents should ensure that details entered during APAAR registration are accurate. Institutions have also been advised to avoid creating incorrect or dummy IDs, as accuracy is crucial for long-term use.
