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APAAR ID: Why Every NEET 2026 Aspirant Must Have It

The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID has become a non-negotiable requirement for NEET 2026. Here's everything you need to know — from registration to common pitfalls — so your application goes through without a hitch.

FK

Dr. Faisal Khan

Medical Education Expert

February 11, 2026

7 min read


Important Timeline

NEET 2026 registration opened on 8 February 2026 and closes on 8 March 2026. You must create your APAAR ID before filling the application form, because the field becomes non-editable after fee payment.

What Exactly Is APAAR ID?

APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It is a 12-digit unique digital identity issued to every student in India. Think of it as a single, tamper-proof academic passport that consolidates your educational records in one secure location.

The ID is linked to DigiLocker and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), enabling authorities to verify student details instantly and without manual errors. For NEET aspirants, it serves as the trusted bridge between your academic history and your entrance-exam application.

One Permanent ID
A single academic identity that stays with you across all exams and institutions.
Tamper-Proof Records
Digitally stores school and exam records, eliminating fake or duplicate data.
Instant Verification
Linked with DigiLocker & ABC, letting NTA verify your details in seconds.

Why APAAR ID Matters for NEET 2026

NEET is among the largest competitive examinations in the country — lakhs of students apply every year. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has adopted APAAR ID to build a cleaner, more transparent exam ecosystem. With this system, each candidate's identity is cryptographically verified before the application is even processed, drastically reducing scope for impersonation or data mismatches.

Why NTA Requires It
  • Authenticates every candidate with a government-backed digital ID
  • Links academic records directly to the NEET application for auto-verification
  • Eliminates chances of impersonation, duplicate forms, and data tampering

Is APAAR ID Mandatory for NEET 2026?

Yes. The NTA's NEET 2026 information bulletin, published on 8 February 2026, explicitly states that candidates must provide their APAAR ID while filling the application form. Once you submit the APAAR ID and pay the exam fee, the field locks permanently — no further edits are allowed. This makes it critical to create and double-check your APAAR ID well in advance.

ParameterDetails
APAAR ID requirementMandatory for NEET 2026
Issuing authorityGovernment of India (via DigiLocker)
Exam authorityNational Testing Agency (NTA)
PurposeStudent identity verification & fraud prevention
Linked platformsDigiLocker & Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
Editable after payment?No — field becomes non-editable

How APAAR ID Simplifies NEET UG 2026 Registration

During the NEET UG 2026 application process, your APAAR ID is used to auto-populate many personal and academic fields — name, date of birth, school details, and more. This not only saves time but also significantly reduces the chance of typographical errors that can delay or even invalidate your application.

Faster Applications
Auto-filled fields mean you spend less time typing and more time reviewing.
Fewer Rejections
Accurate, verified data drastically lowers the risk of form rejection.
Instant NTA Verification
NTA can confirm your identity in real time, streamlining the entire pipeline.

How to Create Your APAAR ID (Step-by-Step)

The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Before you begin, make sure you have access to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card — you'll need it for OTP verification.

1
Visit DigiLocker or your school portal

Open digilocker.gov.in or the ABC portal provided by your school.

2
Log in with Aadhaar credentials

Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile.

3
Consent to APAAR creation

Review the terms and give consent for your APAAR ID to be generated.

4
APAAR ID is generated

A unique 12-digit APAAR ID will be displayed on screen.

5
Save it securely

Screenshot or note down the ID. You will need it during NEET registration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During APAAR Registration

  • Using incorrect Aadhaar details

    Even a minor mismatch in name or date of birth will prevent APAAR creation. Verify your Aadhaar data first.

  • Not saving the APAAR ID after generation

    If you lose the ID, you will need to go through the retrieval process, which can cost precious time near the deadline.

  • Skipping school-level verification

    Some schools must approve the APAAR request. Coordinate with your school administration early to avoid delays.

How APAAR ID Benefits Students and NTA Alike

For Students
  • Hassle-free registration with auto-filled fields
  • Fewer data-entry errors that could delay processing
  • Secure, government-backed digital identity
For NTA
  • Clean, verified applicant data from a single source
  • Significant reduction in impersonation and fraud cases
  • Better tracking and audit trail across exam cycles

Looking Ahead: APAAR ID and India's Digital Education Future

APAAR ID is part of the Government of India's larger push toward a unified digital education infrastructure. As more institutions and examination bodies adopt it, having your APAAR ID ready will not just be a NEET requirement — it will be a prerequisite for virtually every competitive exam, university admission, and scholarship application in the country.

Students who set up their APAAR ID early gain a clear advantage: a stress-free NEET 2026 registration and future-proof credentials that travel with them across exams and institutions.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Create your APAAR ID today and complete your NEET 2026 application with confidence. While you're at it, start sharpening your preparation with free mock tests on NeetGuru.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is APAAR ID and why is it needed for NEET 2026?

APAAR ID is a 12-digit unique academic identity issued by the Government of India. NTA has made it mandatory for NEET 2026 to verify candidate identities, prevent impersonation, and ensure data accuracy during registration.

Is APAAR ID mandatory for NEET 2026?

Yes. The NTA's information bulletin dated 8 February 2026 confirms that all candidates must provide their APAAR ID. The field becomes non-editable once the application fee is paid.

How do I create an APAAR ID for NEET 2026?

Visit DigiLocker or your school portal, log in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number, consent to APAAR creation, and your 12-digit ID will be generated. Save it securely before starting the NEET application.

Will APAAR ID be required during NEET UG 2026 registration?

Yes. Your APAAR ID is entered during the NEET UG 2026 application form and is used to auto-fill personal and academic fields, making the process faster and less error-prone.

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