During school admissions, it is common to ask Aadhaar Card as an ID proof by the School Administration but is an Aadhaar Mandatory for School Admissions?
The answer is a NO, Aadhaar is not mandatory for school admissions. This stance has been clearly outlined by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the governing body responsible for Aadhaar. The non-mandatory status extends beyond just school admissions to encompass a wide range of educational activities and institutions.
Specifically, Aadhaar is not required for admissions to schools, appearing in examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE), participating in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions, or for any processes related to the University Grants Commission (UGC).
This policy is designed to ensure that no student is denied access to education due to the lack of an Aadhaar number. It’s important to understand that while Aadhaar can be a convenient form of identification, it is not the only acceptable form for educational purposes.
Schools and educational institutions are instructed to accept alternative forms of identification to ensure inclusive access to education for all students, regardless of their Aadhaar status.
Legal Protection:
- If any educational institution insists on Aadhaar as the only acceptable ID, you can:
- Show them the UIDAI press release (available at: https://uidai.gov.in/images/news/press-release-06092018.pdf)
- File a complaint with the concerned authorities of the institution or board
UIDAI’s Directive to Schools:
- Schools are responsible for:
- Providing Aadhaar enrollment and update facilities to their students
- Ensuring no child is denied admission or benefits due to lack of Aadhaar
Key Points from UIDAI Circular:
- No Denial of Admission: Schools cannot deny admission to children who don’t have Aadhaar.
- School Responsibility: Schools must arrange Aadhaar enrollment and biometric updates for students who need it.
- Special Camps: Schools should organize Aadhaar enrollment camps on their premises, coordinating with local banks, post offices, and government departments.
- Alternate Identification: Until a student gets an Aadhaar or updates their biometrics, schools must accept alternate forms of identification.
- Regular Enrollment Opportunities: States should ensure Aadhaar enrollment camps are held in schools at least twice a year.
Biometric Updates:
- Mandatory updates are required when children turn 5 and 15 years old to ensure the validity of their Aadhaar.
Why Aadhaar is Often Requested:
- While not mandatory, Aadhaar is often asked for:
- School admissions
- Scholarships
- Board examinations
- Competitive exams
UIDAI CEO’s Statement:
- Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey emphasized that schools must provide all facilities through alternate means of identification if Aadhaar is not available.
State Government’s Role:
- State governments are obligated to arrange Aadhaar enrollment camps in schools through their education departments and district administrations.
Alternative Enrollment Options:
- If school camps are not available, states should coordinate with banks and post offices for nearby enrollment opportunities.
While Aadhaar is not mandatory for school admissions, it’s increasingly being used in the educational system. The government and UIDAI have put measures in place to ensure that lack of Aadhaar doesn’t hinder a child’s education. Schools and educational institutions are expected to facilitate Aadhaar enrollment and updates while also accepting alternative forms of identification when necessary.
Related Articles:
