CBSE Board Exam 2026, APAAR ID Now Compulsory for CBSE Students
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes for the 2026 board exams. From this session, students of classes 9 to 12 must have an APAAR ID to register for exams.
APAAR ID, short for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a unique digital identifier that will store all academic records in one place. It will include mark sheets, certificates, and other documents. Once issued, this ID will remain valid for life, making it easier to verify and access records.
Education experts say this move will improve transparency and prevent cases of duplicate or forged certificates. Moreover, the system will integrate with the government’s Digital India initiative, creating a seamless academic record for each student.
Who Needs an APAAR ID?
According to CBSE, every student appearing in the 2026 board exams must have an APAAR ID. Schools are responsible for creating these IDs for students from classes 9 to 12.
If you are currently in class 9 or above, you must begin the process immediately to avoid delays during registration. Without an APAAR ID, students will not be able to complete exam formalities.
Officials believe that APAAR IDs will also help in career planning, higher education admissions, and job applications. With secure digital access, students will no longer need to worry about lost or damaged certificates.
CBSE Exam Fees Increased for 2025–26
Along with the APAAR ID, CBSE has also announced a revision in exam and registration fees. The board stated that costs had remained unchanged since 2020, but operational expenses have increased.
Here is the revised fee structure:
In India:
- One subject (Class 10 & 12): ₹320
- Five subjects: ₹1,600
- Class 12 practical fee: ₹160
- Registration fee (Class 9 & 11): ₹320
In Nepal:
- One subject: ₹1,100
- Five subjects: ₹5,500
- Practical fee: ₹175
- Registration fee: ₹550–660
In Other Countries:
- One subject: ₹2,200
- Five subjects: ₹11,000
- Practical fee: ₹375
- Registration fee: ₹550–660
The fee hike is around 6.66% compared to previous years. While the increase may add pressure on families, CBSE has emphasized that it is necessary to maintain exam quality, staffing, and infrastructure.
Benefits and Challenges for Students
The new system brings both opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, students will now have their complete academic record securely stored in one place. This will make college admissions, foreign applications, and job recruitment much smoother.
Additionally, the APAAR ID will be linked to an AI-based academic centre, which is expected to promote technical education and skill development. Students interested in artificial intelligence, coding, and emerging technologies could benefit greatly from this integration.
However, the rise in fees means families must budget more carefully for exam-related expenses. Critics have also raised concerns about the digital divide, as rural schools may face challenges in implementing the APAAR system smoothly.
Despite these concerns, CBSE officials maintain that the reforms are aimed at long-term benefits for students and the education system.
Conclusion
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 update marks a significant shift in how exams will be conducted and records maintained. With APAAR ID becoming mandatory and fees revised, students, parents, and schools must prepare for the transition.
While challenges exist, the move aligns with India’s push toward digital transformation in education. For students, adapting early to the APAAR system will ensure a smoother exam process and better opportunities in the future.