The introduction of the APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has raised a new concern among Indian expatriate families in the UAE. Notably, some schools are requesting an Aadhaar card from students to complete the registration for the board exam.
What is APAAR ID?
It was introduced under India’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In addition, it is a lifelong student identification number that tracks academic progress from pre-primary to higher education. However, this initiative is a part of the Digital Public Infrastructure of India for education, with a goal to prevent fake certificates and ensure smoother academic record management.
The CBSE has made the APAAR ID mandatory only for appearing in Grade 10 and 12 board exams from the next year onwards. Therefore, schools have begun advanced preparation for it. However, the Aadhar Card is something that is creating tension for the UAE expats because Indian expats in the UAE do not possess it. Still, it is said to be mandatory for this ID.
Why is Aadhaar an Issue for UAE Students?
It is a 12-digit identity number based on biometrics and demographic details. Notably, the Indian government only issues this card to Indian citizens. On the other hand, non-resident Indians (NRIs) are not mandatory to have it. Similarly, foreign students who are studying in the CBSE schools in the UAE cannot apply for it.
Now, some UAE schools are abruptly requesting the Aadhar details from APAAR ID creation, which makes parents frustrated. One Dubai-based parent said that they should have asked for it before the summer break, when they were in India and could have completed the process easily.
Schools’ Mixed Responses
Some schools, like International Indian School, Abu Dhabi, had proactively prepared the students and parents with circulars and sessions to ensure that most students complete the process regarding the Aadhaar card during vacation. On the other hand, schools like Gulf Asian English School, Sharjah, are still waiting for the CBSE’s guidance because many of their students belong to other nationalities.
Dr. Nasreen Banu, principal of Gulf Asian English School, said, “All our students can’t get the Aadhaar ID. We hope the CBSE allows a passport number or an Emirate ID as an alternative.
CBSE Clarifies Position
The Director of CBSE Regional Office, Dubai, Dr. Ram Shankar, addressed the issues to the Gulf News. So, he confirmed that foreign CBSE schools should not immediately implement the APAAR ID required. Moreover, he assured that the official instruction or advisory will be out soon to avoid confusion among the UAE students.
Read more:
