Is the APAAR ID for Students Mandatory? Pg10

What Is the APAAR ID?

• APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is a student ID under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Described as "One Nation, One Student ID," it records academic achievements & institutional transitions.
• Linked to Aadhaar, data is stored in the DigiLocker.
• The Education Ministry & CBSE are pushing for 100% student registration.

Is APAAR Mandatory?

• Officially, it is voluntary, but schools & states are pressuring students to enroll.
• CBSE & states like Uttar Pradesh mandate it for affiliated schools.
• Concerns raised that APAAR may eventually become compulsory.

Concerns Over Data Privacy

• Government claims APAAR will enhance data-driven policymaking but critics fear:
  • Permanent tracking of students’ academic records.
  • Possible misuse of data beyond education (job applications, skilling, admission).
  • Large-scale collection of minors’ data without a clear legal mandate under Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
  • Risk of third-party access due to open APIs & weak safeguards.

How Is the APAAR ID Generated?

• Schools verify student details (name, DoB).
• Parents submit consent forms.
• Schools authenticate & issue APAAR ID.
• Issues flagged:
  • Mismatch in school records & identity documents.
  • Parents must correct errors & resubmit applications.

Is There a Way to Opt Out?

• Parents can write to schools & request exclusion.
• The Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) provided a template for opt-out requests.
• However, states & schools discourage opting out, creating confusion.

Mains Mock Question:

"Critically analyze the implications of Aadhaar-linked student IDs like APAAR on education governance, data privacy, and individual rights. Suggest measures to balance technological advancement with data protection."