TFP Bureau, New Delhi, October 19, 2025: The Ministry of Education has announced that students holding an APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID card will soon be eligible for discounts on air travel. After offering concessions on railways, buses, libraries, and government schemes, the Ministry is now in discussions with major airline companies to extend these benefits to air passengers as well.
The initiative is part of the central government’s efforts to make the APAAR ID more widely adopted under the “One Nation, One Student ID” scheme. With over 31.56 crore APAAR IDs already issued across the country, the Ministry aims to enhance its utility and encourage participation from more institutions and students.
In a recent announcement, the Ministry stated, “The benefits of your APAAR ID have increased further!” Students will now be able to enjoy special discounts and offers from Air India by presenting their APAAR card during booking. The move is designed to make student travel more affordable and accessible, especially for those pursuing academic activities in other states.
A senior Education Ministry official said the objective of expanding APAAR benefits is to provide maximum convenience to students and support their academic mobility. “We are in the final stages of talks with airline companies. Once finalized, students will be able to use their APAAR ID for discounted airfare,” the official added.
What is an APAAR ID?
The APAAR ID is a unique 12-digit number issued under the central government’s “One Nation, One Student ID” scheme, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It serves as a lifelong digital academic record, maintaining comprehensive details of a student’s educational journey—from school to higher education.
Each APAAR card contains a student’s personal and academic details, including name, date of birth, school information, marksheets, certificates, participation records, awards, and extracurricular achievements. The ID is also linked with DigiLocker and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), ensuring safe digital storage of all academic documents.
APAAR vs Aadhaar: The Key Difference
While the Aadhaar card serves as a proof of identity and address, the APAAR ID focuses solely on a student’s academic lifecycle. Aadhaar contains biometric and demographic data, whereas APAAR digitally records academic achievements, credit scores, and qualifications. The APAAR ID will not replace Aadhaar; rather, it complements it by serving as an academic identity.
Why APAAR Matters
The APAAR initiative is expected to significantly reduce cases of fake educational certificates and forged mark sheets. Employers and educational institutions will be able to verify student records instantly through the centralized system, ensuring transparency and authenticity in recruitment and admissions.
The card will also make it easier for students to transfer between institutions, access scholarships, apply for internships, and participate in government programs. Moreover, it will help authorities track dropout rates and bring students back into mainstream education.
How to Get an APAAR ID
Students can obtain their APAAR ID through their respective schools by visiting the official website — apaar.education.gov.in. Schools must collect parental consent before registering students, and parents can withdraw their consent at any time.
With the new airfare concession plan, the APAAR ID is set to become a one-stop academic identity card — empowering students with financial benefits, digital security, and seamless access to educational and travel services across India.
