The proliferating RFID technology adoption in India has now found its way to the Indian universities, schools, and college campuses. Whether it is the need for a robust attendance system where RFID PVC cards, NFC cards/HF RFID cards are used for student IDs, or the use of RFID-based automation in library management, RFID-based automation is making its presence felt. Some prominent universities, like the IIT Delhi, Madras, BHU, and Allahabad University, are using an RFID library management system where RFID drop boxes and RFID labelled books for book issuance and deposits are quite popular.
Now, the Punjab University is using RFID technology for managing access control for all its staff. It aims to streamline access on the campus, allowing staff members to access the premises based on ID clearance. PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig intends to extend RFID-based smart cards to Punjab University students, beginning with pilot projects in university hostels. These RFID cards feature encrypted personal data and photographs encoded into an official QR code and RFID chip using intelligent applications.
Let’s explore the same in detail and see how RFID technology can be leveraged to automate more such campuses.
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Understanding RFID Cards
RFID cards are smart identification cards embedded with a microchip and antenna that communicate wirelessly with RFID readers using radio waves. Unlike magnetic stripe or barcode cards, RFID cards do not require line-of-sight scanning, making them faster, more durable, and highly secure.
Common RFID Card Types Used in Universities
1. LF RFID Cards (125 kHz): Typically used for basic access control
2. HF RFID / NFC Cards (13.56 MHz): Ideal for attendance, library systems, and cashless payments
3. UHF RFID Cards (865-867 MHz): Used for long-range identification and vehicle access
These cards are widely used as staff ID cards, student ID cards, library cards, and access badges, forming the backbone of campus automation systems.
Use of RFID Cards at Punjab University & Key Benefits
According to recent developments, Punjab University has implemented RFID-based access control for its staff to regulate and streamline campus entry.
Key Objectives of the RFID Deployment
1.Controlled access to university premises
2. Role-based entry permissions for staff, including teaching and non-teaching staff, security, daily wagers, and retirees
3. Enhanced campus security
4. Reduction in manual verification and gate congestion
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Benefits of RFID-Based Staff Access Control
1.Improved Security: Only authorized personnel can access restricted areas
2. Operational Efficiency: Automated entry/exit logging eliminates manual registers
3. Real-Time Monitoring: Centralized data for attendance and access analytics
4. Scalability: Easy to extend RFID access to departments, hostels, labs, and parking
This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on smart campus solutions and digitally enabled university infrastructure.
How to Implement an RFID Card Solution in Universities?
Implementing an RFID system requires careful planning and alignment with institutional goals. Below is a structured approach:
1.Requirement Assessment
Identify use cases such as attendance tracking, access control, library automation, or multi-purpose ID cards.
2. Hardware Selection
Choose RFID readers, antennas, and RFID PVC/NFC cards based on frequency and range requirements.
3. Software Integration
Deploy RFID middleware integrated with HRMS, ERP, or campus management systems.
4. Card Issuance & Encoding
Issue personalized RFID cards mapped to staff or student profiles.
5. Testing & Deployment
Conduct pilot testing, followed by phased campus-wide implementation.
6. Training & Support
Train administrative staff and IT teams for smooth operation and maintenance.
What other ways can RFID Technology Can Be Used at an Educational Institution?
RFID technology has become a widely adopted technology at educational institutions, mainly because of the various advantages it offers in terms of ease of use, automation, and security. An RFID reader like FX9600 by Zebra can scan around 1200 tags per second. An RFID tag can be scanned from a distance of 12m or by simply tapping the RFID card on a reader, depending on the need. Not to mention that there are various ways RFID solutions work:
1.RFID-based asset tracking solution
2. RFID-based library management system
3. RFID-based attendance management system
4. RFID-based visitor management system
5. RFID-based access control and security
6. RFID-based canteen automation, access, and payment automation
How EnCstore Can Help?
We, at EnCstore, specialize in RFID hardware, smart cards, and end-to-end RFID solutions tailored for educational institutions. From RFID cards and readers to access control systems and library automation, EnCstore supports universities at every stage of deployment.
EnCstore can help you with:
a. High-quality RFID PVC and NFC cards
b. Compatible RFID readers and access controllers
c .Consultation for scalable campus automation
d. Reliable post-deployment support
By partnering with EnCstore, institutions can future-proof their campuses with secure, efficient, and scalable RFID technology.
Finally, the adoption of RFID technology in Indian universities marks a significant shift toward smart, secure, and automated campuses. Various prominent institutions like IIT Delhi, Allahabad University, IIT Madras, etc., are already using RFID technology for library management. With institutions like Punjab University adopting RFID-based staff access control, we can see more Indian educational institutions adopting RFID technology soon.
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