APAAR Launches to Empower Students in Rural India

The Education Ministry has unveiled a transformative initiative, the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), aimed at bringing educational opportunities to remote villages across India. Conceptualized under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, APAAR is set to revolutionize the academic journey of college and university students.

In a bid to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural areas, the Education Ministry has strategically launched APAAR in remote regions through Common Service Centres (CSCs). This move aligns with the NEP 2020, which mandates all college and university-going students to register on the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).

**Understanding Academic Bank of Credits (ABC):**

The ABC serves as a digital repository where students can leverage its benefits. Functioning as a digital credit bank, it stores all the marks and credits earned by students, alongside their personal information. This innovative system not only simplifies record-keeping but also streamlines the admission process for graduation and post-graduation.

The unique ABC ID assigned to each student becomes a valuable asset, providing easy access to comprehensive information about the student's academic achievements. Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar, emphasizes the growing landscape of digital services in the country, asserting that students can maximize these services in school education through CSCs.

**APAAR and National Academic Depository (NAD):**

K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, draws parallels between APAAR and the National Academic Depository (NAD). While APAAR facilitates student registration and credit transfer, the intricate processes of credit redemption, certificate issuance, and award record compilation remain under the jurisdiction of academic institutions.

Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education, underscores the lifelong significance of the APAAR ID. With this unique identifier, students can seamlessly acquire credits in the future by successfully passing various exams. Sahasrabudhe highlights that the APAAR ID eliminates the need for presenting certificates, as the ID itself becomes a comprehensive proof of academic accomplishments.

The launch of APAAR in rural India signifies a significant stride towards inclusive education. By integrating technology with academia, the Education Ministry aims to empower students in remote areas, providing them with a robust platform to navigate their educational journey effortlessly.