The concept of creating a lifelong ID number for students, known as the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) or popularly known as ‘One Nation, One Student ID’, is a step towards modernising the Indian education system by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
The MoE recently directed schools to initiate the process of adopting APAAR. According to the Union government, APAAR holds the potential to revolutionise the academic journey of Indian students, enhance their access to opportunities, and simplify administrative processes for educational institutions.
As part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) was conceived as an autonomous body as a platform for the free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning and administration -- both for schools and higher education.
Professor Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, NETF, cited that the need for a registry arose to tackle problems like errors in databases, variation in formats used by different regulators to collect data, difficulties related to authentication, etc.
Moneycontrol explores the benefits that APAAR can bring to Indian students and academic institutions.
Seamless tracking of academic journey
Under APAAR, every student, from pre-primary to higher education, will get a unique identification number. This number would serve as a digital repository, chronicling their academic achievements, exam results, learning outcomes, and co-curricular accomplishments.
Upon enrolling in APAAR, each student's identity will be authenticated through their Aadhaar ID or other officially recognised documents, and a distinct identification number will be generated for them.
A parallel verification procedure will be implemented for instructors working in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Registration using PAN cards will also be made available to students and faculty members. Furthermore, international students will have the option to complete their registration on APAAR using their passports.
This central repository would allow students to maintain a comprehensive digital record of their academic journey throughout their lives, making it easy to access and share their credentials when needed.
Effortless storage of academic records
With regards to educational institutions, the government has said that the Registry ID shall be based on UDISE ID for school education, AISHE ID in case of higher education and PAN/TAN for education providers, skill providers, etc. (Expand all abbreviations). The registries will be used for storing credits earned by students in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) in Edu Locker.
APAAR would enable students to digitally store and manage their academic records securely. This system will significantly reduce the risk of losing important documents and provide a convenient platform to store and access transcripts, certificates, and other academic accomplishments.
As a result, students will have all their academic history in one place, making it easier for them to apply for jobs, scholarships, or further education.
The government has also said that the APAAR registry shall be minimal and shareable through consent with other government departments, regulators, state governments, etc., for education-related purposes.
Recognition of co-curricular achievements
Beyond traditional academic records, APAAR will also encompass co-curricular achievements, such as rankings in Olympiads, specialised skill training, and extra-curricular accomplishments. This comprehensive repository will help students showcase their holistic growth and diverse talents, which are increasingly valued by universities and employers.
Streamlined admission process
A significant benefit of APAAR is its potential to simplify the admission process for transfer from one school or educational institution to another. With APAAR, a student's entire academic history and achievements are readily available to the new institution, making the admission process smoother and more transparent. This is particularly advantageous for families that relocate frequently due to job transfers or other reasons.
Data-driven decision making
For educational institutions, APAAR will provide valuable insights into student performance, learning trajectories, and areas needing improvement. With the help of this data, academic institutions can tailor their teaching methods and support services to better meet the needs of individual students, fostering a more personalised and effective education system.
Enhanced accountability
APAAR could also serve as a tool for increased accountability and transparency in the education sector. It would make it easier for authorities, educational boards, and institutions to track student progress, monitor performance, and assess the effectiveness of education policies.
In a nutshell, APAAR not only streamlines academic processes but also empowers students to take control of their education and achievements.
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