Centralized Tracking System Set to Reduce Dropout Rates and Monitor Educational Outcomes

APAAR ID to Link Students with Academic Bank of Credits and DigiLocker

A Digital Step has been taken by Assam with the launch of the APAAR ID, a 12-digit lifelong digital identity for school-enrolled students with a valid Aadhar ID. This initiative, directed by the state education department under the New Education Policy 2020, aims to streamline academic records, monitor student progress, and enhance educational journeys.

APAAR ID stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry and is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program, aligning with the goals of the New Education Policy 2020. The initiative is led by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. The state education minister, Ranoj Pegu, has urged parents to attend Parent-Teacher Meetings to provide consent for their child’s APAAR ID. The Mission Director of Samagra Siksha, Assam, Om Prakash mentioned that the APAAR ID will serve as a permanent digital identity for students. It will be linked to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and DigiLocker, allowing for the digital storage of all academic records, including mark sheets and certificates. This system is designed to facilitate unified tracking of student progress, reduce dropout rates, and monitor out-of-school children.

The process of APAAR ID generation will occur only post the written consent of parents or guardians; the consent letter formats are available in Assamese, Bodo, and Bengali. To smoothen the process of ID generation the inspector of schools and the district elementary education officer will act as district nodal officers for secondary and elementary schools, respectively. They will be responsible for organizing schedules for parent-teacher meetings and training head teachers or nodal teachers on how to generate APAAR IDs for students.

This initiative represents a significant advancement in centralized and streamlined academic tracking and support for students. It aims to reduce dropout rates and ensure proper documentation of student progress throughout their educational journeys.

Editor's Note:

The National Education Policy 2020 addressed the shortcomings of an eight-decade-old education system and introduced several innovative initiatives, including the "One Student, One Nation ID." Assam has successfully implemented this initiative as part of its commitment to modernizing education and enhancing student tracking. The launch of the APAAR ID which is a 12-digit lifelong digital identity that will be linked by the Academic Bank of Credits and DigiLocker, will facilitate the digital storage of all academic records including marksheets and certificates. This initiative not only aims to enhance the educational experience for students but also ensures that parents are actively involved in the process. 

Skoobuzz appreciates the initiative of Assam for paving the way for a more efficient, unified, and accountable education system. This will surely reduce the drop-out rates and help to track the students' records.