APAAR ID linking to be compulsory for Classes 9 to 12

At a recent board meeting on June 25, CBSE proposed mandatory linking of APAAR ID with the students' records during registration in Classes 9 and 11 and in List of Candidates (LoC) of Classes 10 and 12. It has requested all its affiliated schools to collect APAAR IDs from the students to keep themselves ready prior to the registration and LoC submission process.

APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is a unique 12-digit identity developed by the Education Ministry under the 'One Nation, One Student ID' program. The ID will provide a life-long digital academic identity to all students, housing their achievements and records in one secure platform through DigiLocker and Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). 

Revised exam and registration fee for academic year 2025–26

CBSE has approved a marginal raise in examination and registration fees due to rising operational expenses. The fees were last increased in 2020.

For Indian students of Class 10 and 12, the exam fee has been raised by Rs 20 per subject for each candidate (a rise of 6.66%). The exam fee per subject has been raised by 10% in Nepal and other nations overseas.

The fee for the practical examination has also increased—Rs 10 per subject for every student in India and Rs 25 in Nepal and other foreign countries.

The revised fee structure includes:

• Examination fee from Class 10 and 12 for Single theory subject: Rs 320 (India), Rs 1100 (Nepal), Rs 2200 (Other countries) while for Five theory subjects: Rs 1600 (India), Rs 5500 (Nepal), Rs 11000 (Other countries)
• Practical subjects for Class 12 only in Rs 160 (India), Rs 175 (Nepal), Rs 375 (Other countries)
• Registration fee for Class 9: Rs 320 (India), Rs 550 (Nepal and other countries) and Class 11: Rs 320 (India), Rs 660 (Nepal and elsewhere)

Digital experience centre to be set up in New Delhi

CBSE has also opted for establishing an AI-based digital experience center at its Integrated Office Complex in Sector 23, Dwarka, New Delhi. This has been done in the same governing body meeting.

The center shall be planned to provide a dynamic, technology-enabled environment where students can engage with learning material. It should encourage innovation and deepen understanding of learning principles through interactive experiences.

APAAR ID for effective student data management

According to CBSE, linking APAAR IDs will improve accuracy, eliminate record duplication, and reinforce the verification process. Currently, no student information is linked to a standardised identity system, and so discrepancies.

The APAAR ID system is linked with DigiLocker and ABC, ensuring smooth academic credit transfer and lifelong access to information. It also enables admission tests like JEE, NEET, and CUET by serving as a primary identifier.

All partner schools will have the facility to generate APAAR IDs for students using the UDISE+ portal. The implementation process includes parent-teacher meetings, approval by parents, data verification, and distribution of the IDs. CBSE will oversee implementation through the APAAR ID Monitoring (AIM) portal.

The APAAR commission aims to increase academic transparency, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and enable student mobility across institutions having been aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Government of India's Digital India mission.

Institutions are mandated to assign highest priority to APAAR ID generation and complete 100% coverage of students. Institutional support in terms of resources, implementation toolkits, and a helpline (1800-889-3511) is offered during implementation.