Archive · 21 Jul 2026
SC Orders CBSE to Add APAAR ID Opt-Out
The Supreme Court of India has told the CBSE to change the forms for APAAR IDs.
These IDs are like special numbers for students' school records.
The Court said parents should be able to say no to this scheme if they want to.
Some parents were worried because the scheme was linked to Aadhaar, a national ID, and they thought it was not really optional.
The Court agreed that parents should have a clear choice.
The APAAR scheme is supposed to help keep track of students' school information, but the Court wants to make sure it respects privacy rights.
Supreme Court directs CBSE to implement an opt-out option for APAAR ID consent forms nationwide.
Parents challenged the APAAR scheme, arguing it effectively mandates Aadhaar IDs and raises privacy concerns.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising argued that linking education to Aadhaar violates constitutional rights.
The Court noted that CBSE circulars must comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
The directive follows a December 2025 Orissa High Court judgment requiring opt-out options in consent forms.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Parents of four students
- What
- Supreme Court directs CBSE to add opt-out option for APAAR ID consent forms
- When
- July 20, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address concerns over mandatory Aadhaar linkage and student data privacy
Parents and Privacy Advocates
Government and CBSE
Voluntary Nature of APAAR
Parents and Privacy Advocates
The APAAR scheme is effectively mandatory due to its linkage with Aadhaar, making it a precondition for education, which violates constitutional rights.
Government and CBSE
The APAAR scheme is voluntary, and the government maintains that it is designed to streamline academic records.
Privacy Concerns
Parents and Privacy Advocates
The scheme creates a centralized digital architecture capable of long-term tracking and profiling of students, infringing on privacy rights.
Government and CBSE
The scheme complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and ensures the protection of students' personal data.
- Date
- July 20, 2026
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Petitioners
- Parents of four students
- Scheme
- APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry)
- Key Lawyer
- Indira Jaising
- Relevant Law
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
- Precedent
- Orissa High Court judgment (December 2025)
Sources
Consent Required For CBSE APAAR ID: Supreme Court Directs Opt-Out Option In Forms
Supreme Court To Direct CBSE To Add Opt-Out Option In APAAR Consent Form; Raises Focus On Student Data Privacy
SC to direct CBSE to make APAAR ID opt-out option explicit, examine data protection concerns
SC to Direct CBSE to Add Opt-Out Option in APAAR Consent Form
SC to direct CBSE to implement Orissa HC verdict on APAAR consent forms across country
