In a pivotal decision impacting millions of students and their families in India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has relaxed its previously enforced requirement for students to submit their APAAR ID to be included in the List of Candidates (LOC) for the 2025-26 board examinations. This adjustment follows mounting concerns about the constitutionality and legality of the original directive issued on August 27, 2025, which mandated the APAAR ID.
On September 6, 2025, a legal grievance (No. DOSEL/E/2025/0007999) was filed by Advocate Sahil Goyal challenging the CBSE’s directive regarding the APAAR ID. Central to this challenge were arguments asserting violations of fundamental rights and data privacy issues. The Ministry of Education, along with responses from the Right to Information (RTI) requests, confirmed that enrollment in the APAAR ID system is voluntary and requires parental consent. This directly contradicted the CBSE’s earlier mandate and raised concerns about the potential exclusion of students from essential examinations.
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The Revised CBSE Circular
In light of the legal challenges and public sentiment, the CBSE released a circular on September 9, 2025, detailing the revised stance regarding the APAAR ID requirement:
- Inclusion Assurance: No student will be excluded from the board examinations due to a lack of an APAAR ID. This significant clause aims to protect the rights of all students, ensuring equitable access to education.
- Parental Consent Management: Schools are required to categorize students based on their parental consent for the APAAR ID. For those whose parents refuse consent, schools will indicate this status as “REFUSED” in the LOC. This measure introduces a systematic approach to documenting consent refusals, improving transparency and accountability.
- Technical Issues Handling: In instances where administrative or technical reasons prevent the generation of an APAAR ID, schools will designate the status as “NOGEN.” This classification will help in managing cases where students cannot obtain an APAAR ID due to system-related issues.
- Transparency Requirements: Schools must maintain detailed records of parental refusals and the associated administrative statuses (REFUSED, NOGEN). This documentation is essential for compliance with regulatory standards and for maintaining an audit trail related to student rights and data privacy.
The recent relaxation of the requirement for students to have an APAAR ID is a significant development in India’s educational landscape, aimed at preventing exclusion based on the absence of this identification.
- Protection of Rights: The adjustment is designed to uphold parental rights and consent, ensuring that students are not penalized or excluded due to bureaucratic requirements.
This policy shift is a direct result of collective advocacy from:
- Parents
- Guardians
- Students
- Concerned citizens
The change is celebrated as a victory for the collective voice advocating for:
- Fundamental educational rights
- Digital privacy protections
- Heightened awareness regarding student welfare
Key Contributors:
- Parents and Guardians: Played a crucial role in defending rights and generating support for the cause.
- Media and Journalists: Helped raise awareness and urgency around the issue, thereby amplifying the community’s concerns.
- Education Officials: CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and the Ministry of Education responded positively to the advocacy efforts, facilitating this significant policy change.
The combined efforts of public vigilance and legal advocacy have demonstrably influenced governmental policy, ensuring that educational environments prioritize student rights and privacy.
There is a strong urging for ongoing engagement from all stakeholders, reinforcing that safeguarding student rights must remain a priority in any future educational policies.
Sahil Goyal, advocate and digital rights activist, is reachable at 9467960600 for further discussions and insights.
Also Read:
APAAR ID Mandate Removed in Mumbai
The Maharashtra State Board has removed the mandatory APAAR ID for 11th and 12th-grade admissions from its website. The online admission form no longer requests APAAR! This change is a result of AIM Mumbai’s efforts, including legal notices and a writ petition challenging the requirement. A significant victory for students’ freedom and privacy!
Awaken India Movement Mumbai’s Legal Notice and Writ Petition Against Mumbai University Against Illegal APAAR ID Mandate – 22/05/2025 : https://awakenindiamovement.com/aim-mumbais-legal-notice-and-writ-petition-against-mumbai-university-against-illegal-apaar-id-mandate/