CBSE Makes APAAR ID Mandatory for 2026 Board Exams; Here’s how to generate and link
This mandatory linkage marks a major shift toward digital transformation in education.
New Delhi, September 5: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the use of an APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) for students from Classes IX to XII ahead of the 2026 board examinations. This mandatory linkage marks a major shift toward digital transformation in education.
What Is the APAAR ID?
The APAAR ID is a unique 12-digit digital identifier conceived under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s One Nation, One Student ID initiative. It serves as a lifelong academic record repository, seamlessly integrating achievements, certificates, and mark sheets into platforms like DigiLocker and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).
Why Has CBSE Made It Mandatory?
In June 2025, during a CBSE Governing Body meeting, a resolution was passed to make APAAR ID compulsory for board exam registration. Students must now provide their APAAR ID:
- During registration for Classes IX and XI
- In the List of Candidates (LOC) for Classes X and XII
Without an APAAR ID, students will not be included in the exam roster—“no APAAR, no board exam”.
Benefits of the APAAR System
- Enhanced data accuracy and elimination of duplicate records
- Streamlined tracking of student mobility when families change schools or cities
- Secure access to documents (mark sheets, migration certificates) at any time via DigiLocker
Implementation Process for Schools and Parents
Here’s how the APAAR ID is generated and linked:
| Step | Action Required | Who Handles It |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Provide Aadhaar and personal details | Parents / Students |
| 2 | Upload data on UDISE+ portal | School Administrators |
| 3 | Sign parental consent | Parents |
| 4 | Use of education department services to generate the ID | Education Department |
| 5 | Automatic linkage to DigiLocker | Digital system |
Accurate personal details (name, date of birth, Aadhaar) are vital—any discrepancy may delay APAAR generation and block exam registration.
On-the-Ground Rollout
Reports have surfaced that schools across India, including in Ranchi, are now actively generating APAAR IDs. These institutions are setting up help desks, holding registration drives, verifying documents, and conducting orientation sessions to smoothen the process.
Wider Structural Reforms in Exam Management
Alongside APAAR ID integration, CBSE has introduced additional procedural updates for the 2025–26 exam cycle:
- Data Verification Slip (October 13–27): Schools can now issue candidate-wise slips during LOC submission to allow corrections to name, birthdate, or subject codes.
- Strengthened Protocols for Children With Special Needs (CWSN): Data for CWSN candidates must be uploaded before the deadline; late submissions won’t be considered.
- Dual Exam Format (Starting 2026): Class X students will appear for board exams twice annually. The first LOC submission is mandatory (February), and the second is optional (May).
What Students & Parents Should Do Now
- Ensure APAAR ID is generated well ahead of exam registration—school authorities must collect all required documents promptly.
- Verify all personal details, including matching Aadhaar and school records, to avoid delays.
- Take note of upcoming deadlines, especially the October verification window and CWSN submission cut-offs.
- Keep an eye out for exam schedule logistics, especially with the introduction of the dual-exam format for Class X.
