Is it possible to use a single apple id and password to setup multiple iPads? We need to setup atleast 12 iPads and download multiple applications.

You can associate up to 10 devices and computers (combined) for one Apple ID (4 computers max):

Manage your associated devices in iTunes - Apple Support

You might want to look into iPad in Business:

https://www.apple.com/ipad/business/it/

Cheers,

GB

You may have enough ipads to configure that it would be worth it to invest in an mdm. Meraki is free.

"This document offers guidance on some important considerations for getting the most out of your iOS deployment." Covers: Prepare your infrastructure. Set up devices. Configure and manage devices. Deploy apps and content. Plan for support.

https://www.apple.com/ipad/business/docs/iOS_Enterprise_Deployment_Overview_EN_F eb14.pdf

Quick overview of zero-touch MDM enrollment, DEP

http://www.apple.com/education/it/dep/

Consider DEP, Device Enrollment Program. Use VPP, Volume Purchase Program. Select an MDM, Mobile Device Management. Read the Google doc below and nsdjoey write up.

IT Resources -- ios & OS X -- This is a fantastic web page. I like the education site over the business site.

View documentation, video tutorials, and web pages to help IT professionals develop and deploy education solutions.

Education

http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/resources/

scroll down after all the pretty picture. Click on the words "For It".

business site is:

http://www.apple.com/lae/ipad/business/#browse-it-resources

If necessary, scroll down until you see the Browse IT Resources button. Click on button.

MDM -- Mobile Device Management

For a comparison see this page:

http://www.enterpriseios.com/wiki/Comparison_MDM_Providers

VPP -- Volume Purchase Program

http://www.apple.com/education/it/vpp/

Joe Rowe's Excellent guides

IT managers who are new to configurator and managing a cart of ios devices:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SMBgyzONxcx6_FswgkW9XYLpA4oCt_2y1uw9ceMZ9F4/ edit?pli=1

[ original announcement -- https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4256735?tstart=0 ]