Official student ID cards to be available on DigiLocker from the new academic session; integration with APAAR ID
Strengthening the Yogi Government’s vision of ‘Digital Uttar Pradesh’ and NEP-2020; Lucknow University becomes an Issuing Authority
Lucknow, August 2026 : In line with the Yogi Adityanath government's push for a 'Digital Uttar Pradesh,' e-governance, and a technology-driven transparent system, Lucknow University has taken a significant and historic initiative. Starting from the upcoming academic session 2026-27, the university is going to make the official ID cards of students studying at its main campus, second campus, and all faculties available on the Government of India's DigiLocker platform.
Under this arrangement, Lucknow University itself will function as an Issuing Authority. The university stated that it has become the first state university in the country to issue official student identity cards on DigiLocker. The new system is being implemented in line with the student-centric and technology-driven vision of the Digital India Mission and the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).
The state government has been continuously promoting paperless functioning, digital services, transparent administration, and technology-based good governance in government and educational institutions. Under the guidance of Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, this initiative of Lucknow University is being regarded as an important step in that direction. It will provide students with identity card-related services through digital means and reduce dependence on paper-based and physical processes. According to the university administration, the initiative will help make student services more streamlined, secure, swift and student-friendly.
For the facility of making digital identity cards available on DigiLocker, students must possess a registered APAAR ID recognised by the Government of India. APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is also being viewed as an important step towards digitally integrating a student’s academic identity. According to the university, after completion of the admission process and fee submission, the authorised digital identity card will be made available in the student’s DigiLocker account.
Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini said, “The university is continuously setting new benchmarks in technology-based, transparent and student-friendly good governance. The university issuing student identity cards on DigiLocker as an Issuing Authority strengthens the resolve of Digital Uttar Pradesh and Digital India. This system, integrated with APAAR ID, will provide students with accessible and secure digital identity round the clock.”
He added, “The university’s objective is to make administrative processes paperless, swift and technology-driven, thereby providing students with a world-class and hassle-free academic environment.”
After the implementation of the new system, students will no longer need to carry their identity cards with them at all times. Their authorised digital ID will be available on their smartphones through the DigiLocker app. This will provide relief from issues such as loss, damage, tearing, or theft of cards. At the same time, students will also receive considerable relief from the process of obtaining duplicate cards in the event of loss of their identity cards.
The authenticity of the digital identity card can be verified digitally through the QR code available on it. This will enable the concerned institution or authorised agency to verify the validity of the identity card whenever required. The university stated that the digital verification facility available for documents issued through DigiLocker will prove useful for students in various academic and administrative activities.
Under the new system, the ID card will be linked to the student’s period of study at the university. After completion of studies, the validity of the concerned digital identity card will expire and become inactive. This will help reduce the possibility of unauthorised use of old identity cards.
An important benefit of the digital ID card system is environmental conservation. Reduced use of physical PVC cards and lamination will decrease plastic consumption. This initiative will also strengthen the university’s efforts towards a green campus and environmentally friendly functioning. The university’s IT team has completed the necessary technical integration for the system. Detailed guidelines for students will be issued soon.
