A PROJECT REPORT

ON

RFID-BASED ATTENDANCE SYSTEM

Annamacharya Institute Of Technology and Sciences, Rajampet
(Autonomous)
TINKERING LAB

Batch 2023-2027
Department of Electronics And Communication Engineering
Section:C
Submitted To:
L. Siva Yamini
K. Chandra Hasa Reddy
BATCH-12
Submitted By:
1) 23701A04J0
2) 23701A04F5
3) 23701A04E6
4) 23701A04H9
Abstract:
Student attendance plays a vital role in evaluating academic performance, yet conventional
methods such as roll call or manual signatures are time-consuming, inefficient, and prone to
errors. To overcome these limitations, this project implements an RFID-Based Attendance
System using Arduino UNO. Each student is issued a unique RFID tag, which, when swiped at
the RFID reader, records attendance automatically. The system leverages passive RFID tags and
the EM-18 RFID reader module, interfaced with Arduino UNO, to identify and verify students in
real time. Attendance data is displayed on an LCD and can be stored for further processing. This
automated approach enhances accuracy, saves time, and reduces the chances of proxy or misuse
compared to traditional methods. The system has potential applications in educational
institutions, workplaces, and organizations requiring reliable attendance monitoring.

Introduction:
Attendance management is a crucial aspect of academic institutions and organizations, as it
directly influences performance evaluation, discipline, and productivity. Traditional methods of
marking attendance, such as manual roll calls or signature sheets, are time-consuming, error-
prone, and vulnerable to manipulation. With advancements in automation and wireless
communication technologies, more efficient solutions are being explored to streamline this
process.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology offers a reliable and automated method for
identifying and tracking individuals or objects using radio waves. An RFID system typically
consists of a tag, reader, and antenna. Tags are embedded with unique identification numbers,
which can be read by the RFID reader without the need for physical contact or line of sight. This
makes RFID especially suitable for applications such as inventory management, access control,
and attendance monitoring.

Objectives:
The main objective of this project is to design and implement an automatic attendance recording
system using RFID technology and Arduino UNO. The system aims to allow students or
employees to mark their attendance quickly and easily by simply swiping their RFID card on the
reader, while the Real Time Clock (RTC) module accurately records both entry and exit times.
This eliminates the drawbacks of traditional manual attendance methods, such as time
consumption, inaccuracy, and the possibility of proxy attendance. Furthermore, the project seeks
to provide a secure, reliable, and low-cost solution that can be effectively used in educational
institutions, offices, and various organizations where accurate monitoring of attendance is
essential.
Components Required:
• Arduino UNO
• 4 Push buttons
• Buzzer
• RTC Module (DS1307)
• LIR 2302 battery
• 16 x 2 LCD Display
• 330Ω Resistor
• 10KΩ POT
• EM-18 RFID Reader Module
• RFID Tags or Cards
• Connecting Wires

Block Diagram:

Flow Chart:
Circuit Diagram:

Working:
The RFID-Based Attendance System begins operation when the Arduino UNO is powered on,
displaying a message on the LCD prompting students to swipe their RFID cards. Each student is
assigned a unique RFID tag, which contains a distinct identification number. When the card is
placed near the EM-18 RFID reader, the reader detects the tag and transmits the ID number to
the Arduino through a serial interface.

The Arduino then compares the received ID with the pre-stored database of student IDs. If the ID
matches, the system displays the corresponding student’s name on the LCD screen and records
their attendance. The attendance entry is stored along with date and time information using the
Real-Time Clock (RTC) module, ensuring accurate record keeping. A buzzer provides audio
feedback for successful or invalid scans, making the process more user-friendly.
Source Code:
#include <SPI.h>

#include <MFRC522.h>

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

#define SS_PIN 10

#define RST_PIN 9

MFRC522 rfid(SS_PIN, RST_PIN);

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16, 2);

String authorizedIDs[] = {"12 34 AB CD", "56 78 9A BC"};

int totalIDs = 2;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

SPI.begin();

rfid.PCD_Init();

lcd.init();

lcd.backlight();

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print("RFID Attendance");

delay(2000);

lcd.clear();

void loop() {

if (!rfid.PICC_IsNewCardPresent() || !rfid.PICC_ReadCardSerial()) {

return;

}
 String content = "";

for (byte i = 0; i<rfid.uid.size; i++) {

content.concat(String(rfid.uid.uidByte[i] < 0x10 ? " 0" : " "));

content.concat(String(rfid.uid.uidByte[i], HEX));

content.toUpperCase();

Serial.print("Scanned UID: ");

Serial.println(content);

if (isAuthorized(content)) {

lcd.clear();

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print("Access Granted");

lcd.setCursor(0, 1);

lcd.print(content);

Serial.println("Attendance Marked ✅");

} else {

lcd.clear();

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print("Access Denied");

Serial.println("Unauthorized ❌");

delay(2000);

lcd.clear();

rfid.PICC_HaltA();

rfid.PCD_StopCrypto1();
}

bool isAuthorized(String uid) {

for (int i = 0; i<totalIDs; i++) {

if (uid.substring(1) == authorizedIDs[i]) {

return true;

return false;

Advantages:
1. Time-Saving – Attendance is recorded instantly with just a swipe, reducing the time wasted
in manual roll calls.
2. Accuracy – Minimizes human errors and ensures reliable recording of attendance.
3. Low Cost – The system uses affordable components such as Arduino UNO, EM-18 RFID
reader, and LCD, making it cost-effective.
4. Easy to Monitor – Attendance data can be easily tracked and managed, ensuring
transparency.
5. Secure System – Reduces chances of proxy attendance since only authorized RFID cards are
recognized.
6. Versatile Applications – Can be used not only in educational institutions but also in offices,
industries, libraries, and secure areas.
7. Automation – Provides a modern, automated solution that eliminates paperwork and manual
effort.

Applications of RFID Based Attendance System:

1. Educational Institutions – The system can be widely used in schools, colleges, and
universities to automate student attendance, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.
2. Corporate Offices and Industries – It can be applied to monitor employee attendance and
working hours, improving transparency and efficiency in workforce management.
3. Libraries – RFID tags can be used to track student entry into libraries and maintain usage
records.
4. Access Control Systems – The system can be implemented in secured areas where only
authorized personnel are allowed, such as laboratories, data centers, and research facilities.
5. Event Management – It can be used for verifying and recording the presence of participants
in seminars, conferences, and workshops.
6. Healthcare Institutions – Hospitals and clinics can adopt the system to monitor staff and
visitor movement within restricted zones.

Conclusion:
The RFID-Based Attendance System using Arduino UNO offers a reliable and efficient
alternative to traditional attendance methods that are often time-consuming and prone to errors.
By using RFID tags assigned to each student, the system records attendance quickly and
accurately with just a swipe, while the Arduino validates the data and stores it with date and time
information. This reduces the chances of proxy attendance, saves classroom time, and ensures
transparency in maintaining attendance records.

The project highlights the potential of RFID technology in providing secure and automated
solutions for authentication and monitoring. While primarily designed for educational
institutions, it can also be extended to industries, offices, and secure access areas. With further
enhancements such as centralized databases, wireless integration, and mobile connectivity, the
system can evolve into a more robust and scalable attendance management solution.

THANK YOU.....