Academic Bank of Credits (India)

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a digital academic credit repository established by the Government of India to facilitate the accumulation, transfer, and redemption of academic credits earned by students from recognised higher education institutions.[1] It was introduced as part of the reforms proposed under the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) to promote flexibility and multidisciplinary learning in higher education.[2]

The ABC system enables students to open an academic account in which credits awarded by institutions are digitally stored. These credits can be transferred across institutions and counted toward the completion of degree, diploma, or certificate programmes, subject to the regulations of the awarding institution. The framework supports multiple entry and exit options in undergraduate programmes, as outlined in NEP 2020. [3]

The platform is implemented under the supervision of the University Grants Commission (UGC), which has issued regulations governing credit recognition, transfer mechanisms, and institutional participation.[4]

APAAR ID

In recent policy developments, the Academic Bank of Credits has been integrated with the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), a student identification system introduced under the Government of India as part of the implementation framework of the National Education Policy 2020.[5] The APAAR ID functions as a unique student identifier, enabling the linkage of individual academic records with the Academic Bank of Credits platform to facilitate credit storage, transfer, and verification across recognised institutions.[6]

Implementation and integration

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is implemented through a centralised digital platform developed under the supervision of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Higher education institutions recognised by statutory bodies are required to register on the platform and upload students’ earned academic credits in a prescribed digital format.[7] Students create individual academic accounts, through which credits awarded by participating institutions are deposited, stored, and made accessible for future redemption toward eligible qualifications.[8][9]

References

  1. ^ "UMANG - One App, Many Government Services". UMANG. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  2. ^ "Academic Bank of Credits | National Government Services Portal". services.india.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2025-02-16. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  3. ^ "ABC ID Card - Full Form, How to Create and Download". cleartax. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  4. ^ "Welcome to UGC, New Delhi, India". www.ugc.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2025-02-14. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  5. ^ "APAAR". apaar.education.gov.in. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  6. ^ Today, India. "CBSE mandates APAAR ID for board registration from 2026-27 session". bestcolleges.indiatoday.in. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
  7. ^ "UGC says over 3 crore students have registered so far for Academic Bank of Credits". The Times of India. 2024-01-03. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
  8. ^ "HEIs struggle as UGC directs students to upload academic records on ABC portal by December 31 - EducationTimes.com". www.educationtimes.com. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
  9. ^ "Centre brings all higher education institutions on ABC platform". Hindustan Times. 2022-01-15. Retrieved 2026-03-04.