The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced an important update for students preparing for the Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) exams in 2026 . All students appearing for these board examinations must now have an APAAR ID . If a student does not get this unique identification number, they might face problems in getting their exam results and accessing their digital academic records later on.
The Class 12 (HSC) exams are scheduled to take place from February 10 to March 11, 2026 . The Class 10 (SSC) exams will be held from February 20 to March 18, 2026 . This new rule for the APAAR ID will apply to all students taking these specific board exams during the February–March 2026 cycle.
What is APAAR ID?
APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry . It is a special 12-digit unique identification number created for students. You can think of it as a digital identity card for your entire academic journey, similar to how Aadhaar is a unique ID for citizens. This system was introduced as a key part of India's new National Education Policy (NEP) .
The main purpose of the APAAR ID is to connect all your academic records onto a single digital platform. This includes everything from your school admission details, attendance, exam marksheets, to course certificates. It creates a permanent record of your educational achievements that stays with you from pre-primary education all the way to higher studies.
This digital platform aims to keep all your academic information organised and easily accessible. It helps in creating a comprehensive and lifelong record of a student's learning progress.
Why is APAAR ID Important for Students?
Having an APAAR ID brings several benefits and simplifies many official processes related to your education.
- Easy Access to Results: Your SSC and HSC exam results will be directly linked to the DigiLocker platform through your APAAR ID. This means you can quickly and easily download your marksheets and certificates online, anytime and anywhere.
- Less Paperwork: The system is designed to reduce the need for physical documents. Instead of carrying many paper certificates, you can use your digital records stored with your APAAR ID.
- Simple College Admissions: During college admissions or when applying for further studies, colleges can verify your academic documents online using your APAAR ID. This makes the verification process faster and smoother for both students and institutions.
- Secure Records: All your academic records are stored securely on a digital platform, reducing the risk of losing important documents and preventing fraud.
Officials from the Maharashtra State Board have clearly stated that students without an APAAR ID could face serious issues. They might struggle to get their results declared or access their important academic documents, which are crucial for their next steps in education.
Important Dates for Maharashtra Board Exams 2026
Here are the confirmed dates for the upcoming Maharashtra Board examinations:
| Exam Type | Start Date | End Date |
| Class 12 (HSC) Exams | February 10, 2026 | March 11, 2026 |
| Class 10 (SSC) Exams | February 20, 2026 | March 18, 2026 |
What Schools and Colleges Must Do
The Maharashtra State Board has given strict instructions to all schools and junior colleges in the state. They must ensure that all students who are eligible for the 2026 board exams complete their APAAR ID registration. This process needs to be finished well before the examination cycle begins.
The board believes that early registration will prevent any last-minute problems. This includes avoiding issues during the declaration of results and ensuring students can easily access their certificates. Schools are expected to guide students through the registration process and make sure every eligible student has their APAAR ID ready.
APAAR ID: A National Education Initiative
The APAAR framework is not unique to Maharashtra. It is a nationwide initiative being implemented across the country under the National Education Policy. The vision is to create a unified system for student identities, often called 'One Nation, One Student ID'.
Already, millions of students across different states in India have registered for their APAAR IDs. This widespread adoption shows the central government's commitment to digitalising education records and streamlining academic processes for all students in the country.
Students and parents should take this new requirement seriously. It is important to contact your school or junior college immediately if you have not yet registered for your APAAR ID or have any questions about the process. Timely registration will ensure a smooth experience during the 2026 board exams and for all future academic needs.
