Privacy Policy

Personal Information You Provide Directly

When you create an account, complete your profile, or useApplyo’s services (such as filling out the Common Application Form or participating in quizzes or referrals), we may collect the following categories of information:

• Basic Contact Information: Full name, phone number, email address, and postal address.
• Identity Verification Information: Aadhar number or other government-issued ID details (if provided voluntarily or required by specific colleges).
• Academic & Professional Information:
  • Class X, XII, and graduation marksheets.
  • Details of academic institutions attended.
  • Course preferences and academic interests.
  • Work experience (company name, job role, duration, etc.).
• Entrance Exam Details: Scores, scorecards, and exam-specific IDs for CAT, XAT, NMAT, SNAP, or other relevant tests.
• Document Uploads: Photograph, scanned signature, ID proofs, certificates, or other files necessary for form submission.
• Demographic Information: Gender, date of birth, location, and category (e.g., General, SC/ST, OBC, EWS), where relevant.

You are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Applyo will rely on this information for generating and submitting applications on your behalf.

Automatically Collected Information

To improve system performance, detect misuse, and analyse engagement, we may automatically collect certain technical data:

• Device and Browser Information: Device type, operating system, browser type/version.
• Session Data and Activity Logs: Usage patterns, time spent, navigation behavior, clicks, and feature usage.
• IP Address: Although we may not store or log IP addresses as of now, Applyo reserves the right to begin collecting IP addresses in the future for session security, fraud detection, and user analytics. This policy covers that future scope as well.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies, pixel tags, session tokens, and other tracking mechanisms for:

• Saving login sessions.
• Personalizing your dashboard.
• Analytics and performance optimisation.
• Detecting fraudulent activity or misuse.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. However, certain features of the Platform may not function optimally if cookies are disabled.

Information from Third Parties

Applyo may receive additional information from third-party partners such as educational service providers, test preparation agencies, referral sources, or social platforms (e.g., Google, Facebook) when you choose to log in via OAuth or referral links. This may include:

• Name, profile picture, and email ID from your Google/Facebook login.
• Referred user details (for verification and rewards).
• Application preferences or behavior analytics from integration partners (e.g., WhatsApp business API or CRM tools).

With Partner Colleges and Institutions

• We share your personal and academic information with colleges, universities, or educational institutions to whom you apply through Applyo.
• We may also share data with institutions that are likely to match your profile and interests, for outreach and recruitment purposes, even if you have not explicitly applied to them.
• Representatives of these institutions, including authorized admission agents, counsellors, or marketing partners, may contact you using the details provided.

With Service Providers

• Third-party vendors assisting Applyo in operations (such as payment gateways, SMS/email platforms, data analytics partners, cloud hosting, verification tools) may be given access to limited user data necessary for them to perform their tasks.
• All such vendors are contractually bound to maintain confidentiality and use data only for the specified purpose.

With Government or Legal Authorities

• We may disclose your data to law enforcement agencies, regulators, or judicial bodies if legally required, or in good faith belief that such access is necessary to:
• Comply with applicable law, regulation, or legal process.
• Respond to valid governmental requests.
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Applyo, its users, or the public.

In Business Transfers

In case Applyo undergoes a merger, acquisition, restructuring, or asset sale, your data may be transferred to the new entity or organization, provided they adhere to a privacy policy no less protective than this one.

With Your Explicit Consent

Applyo may share your information with third parties for purposes not covered above (e.g., scholarship platforms, test preparation partners) only with your affirmative, explicit consent.

Communication Preferences

• Transactional Messages: You will receive essential alerts regarding your account, application status, and college deadlines. These cannot be opted out of as they are critical to the platform’s service.
• Promotional Messages: You may receive updates about colleges, features, events, or offers from Applyo or its partners. You can opt out anytime via unsubscribe links, SMS opt-out, or by contacting support at support@applyo.in.

Opting Out of Data Sharing

You may request to restrict Applyo from sharing your profile with colleges or other third parties not directly involved in the application process.

However, opting out may impact your ability to receive college alerts, deadlines, or personalized outreach—core benefits of the platform.

Access and Correction

You can access and update your profile and application information by logging into your Applyo account.

If you are unable to update specific information or require help, contact support@applyo.in.

Deletion and Account Closure

You may request deletion of your account and personal data at any time by contacting our support team. Upon receiving such a request, we will:

• Remove or anonymize all personally identifiable information unless required by law to retain it.
• Retain limited transaction logs and aggregated data for auditing, fraud prevention, or legal compliance.

Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw consent to data usage by deactivating your account or by notifying us. However, this will terminate access to most Applyo services.

Withdrawal will not affect processing already done under valid consent.

Limitation and Objection

You may request that we limit processing of certain data or object to processing for specific purposes (such as marketing).

Retention Periods

• User Profiles and Application Data: Retained for up to 3 academic cycles (3 years) from the date of last activity or submission, to accommodate future applications, reapplication cycles, or college documentation audits.
• Inactive or Abandoned Accounts: If no activity is detected for 18 consecutive months and no applications have been submitted, your account may be marked inactive and data may be deleted or anonymized after additional notice.
• Communication and Referral Logs: Retained for up to 5 years for fraud detection, customer support, and legal compliance.
• Financial Transactions: Payment-related information is retained for 7 years to comply with tax and regulatory requirements.
• Anonymized Data: Aggregated or anonymized datasets used for analytics or reporting may be retained indefinitely, as they are no longer personally identifiable.

Account Deletion Requests

Upon receiving a valid deletion request, Applyo will:

• Remove all personally identifiable information from active systems.
• De-identify any residual information retained for statistical analysis or compliance.
• Confirm completion of data deletion within a reasonable timeframe (usually 15 working days).

Exceptions to Deletion

We may retain your data in the following circumstances:

• To comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
• To respond to or defend against legal claims or disputes.
• To resolve outstanding account issues such as pending payments, abuse complaints, or fraudulent activity.

Sharing with Colleges and Institutions

• Direct Submission: When you apply to a college via Applyo, your profile and application data are shared with that institution for the purpose of evaluating and processing your application.
• Pre-Application Sharing: In certain cases, colleges may receive access to your basic profile information (such as academic interests, entrance exam scores, location, and preferences) even before an application is submitted, for the purpose of outreach and lead qualification.
• Communication Outreach: Colleges, educational institutes, or their appointed communication agents may contact you via phone, email, WhatsApp, or SMS using the information you provided on Applyo.

Sharing with Verified Partners

• Admission Counsellors or Career Advisors: In cases where Applyo offers or facilitates optional career guidance, your data may be shared with third-party advisors, provided you opt into such services.
• Lead Management Tools: Used by colleges to manage outreach and track application progress.
• Analytics and CRM Platforms: We may share data with platforms like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or similar services for performance tracking and experience personalization.
• Technical or Cloud Providers: Our infrastructure is hosted on secure third-party cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Vercel, MongoDB Atlas) with whom necessary data may be stored or processed.
• Verification Services: For example, to validate entrance scores or identity documents via third-party verification providers.

Commercial Disclosures

• Aggregated or Anonymized Data: Applyo may sell or license aggregated, anonymized, or pseudonymized datasets to institutions for market research or analysis.
• Personally Identifiable Data: May also be sold or licensed to partner colleges for legitimate admission-related outreach, provided the user has submitted their Common Application Form or opted in to such contact.

Legal and Compliance Disclosures

We may disclose personal information when required to do so by law, subpoena, or if we believe such action is necessary to:

• Comply with a legal obligation or government inquiry;
• Investigate fraud, abuse, or illegal activity;
• Protect and defend our legal rights or property;
• Act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users, college officials, or the public.

Business Transfers

If Applyo undergoes a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or asset sale, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction. You will be notified of any change in ownership or control affecting your personal data.

Security Measures in Place

• Data Encryption: We use HTTPS and SSL/TLS protocols to encrypt data in transit.
• Access Controls: Internal access to data is restricted based on job roles and granted only on a need-to-know basis.
• Storage Safeguards: Personal data is stored securely in cloud environments protected by firewalls, access restrictions, and intrusion detection systems.
• Internal Monitoring: Regular audits, security scans, and access logs are maintained to detect and prevent unauthorized behaviour.
• Third-Party Vetting: Any third-party service providers handling user data are contractually bound to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to applicable data protection laws.

No Absolute Guarantee

• Applyo cannot guarantee absolute protection against all threats including unauthorized access, cyberattacks, breaches, or data leakage.
• You understand and agree that any data transmission is at your own risk.

Your Role in Protecting Data

• Do not share your Applyo login credentials with anyone.
• Ensure your device is secure, up-to-date, and free of malware.
• Log out after each session, especially on shared devices.
• Immediately notify Applyo of any suspicious activity or suspected breach.

Breach Notification

• Applyo will notify you via email or in-platform communication within a reasonable time if a confirmed breach involving your personal information occurs.
• We will also notify relevant regulatory authorities, as required by law.

Retention Duration

• For the duration of your active account and up to a limited period after deactivation for legal, compliance, and operational purposes.
• Until completion of all application cycles you are part of, including communication with colleges.
• For internal analytics, reporting, and fraud prevention, data may be retained in a de-identified or anonymized form even after your account is deleted.

Specific Examples

• Contact and profile data: May be retained for follow-up communication or user history tracking.
• Application data: May be stored for institutional audit requirements or reapplication by users.
• Referral data: May be retained to process rewards, prevent misuse, and detect fraudulent behaviour.

Criteria for Deletion

• When you explicitly request account deletion.
• When we reasonably determine that there is no further use or legal basis to retain the data.
• When required by a court order or regulatory instruction.

Retention of Backups and Logs

• Backups and log files containing user data may be retained for a longer duration solely for disaster recovery, fraud detection, and legal compliance purposes.
• These files are stored securely and are not accessible for regular business use.

• Access: You may request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Correction: You can update your data through your dashboard or request changes.
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your account and associated data.
• Consent Withdrawal: You may opt out of marketing communications anytime.
• Objection: You may object to non-essential data usage (e.g., scoring, analytics).

To exercise any of these rights, write to us at privacy@applyo.in. We will process requests in accordance with applicable laws and may require proof of identity.

• Your grievance will be acknowledged within 36 hours of receipt.
• We will strive to resolve your concern within 30 calendar days from the date of acknowledgment.

However, resolution timelines may be extended in cases where the issue involves third-party systems or services beyond Applyo’s direct control, including but not limited to:

• Delays or non-responsiveness from colleges or institutions;
• Outages or failure of external APIs (such as payment gateways, verification services, or communication tools);
• Regulatory or compliance-based delays from partner institutions;
• Dependency on third-party vendors for data rectification or clarification.

In such scenarios, Applyo will:

• Notify you of the delay and its reason;
• Provide regular updates;
• Make reasonable efforts to follow up with the involved external parties;
• Document all actions taken and preserve your rights throughout the process.

If you have any concerns, questions, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal data, you may contact us at: