All you need to know about Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): Your Piggy Bank for Educational Credits

Imagine a world where your educational achievements are not just certificates on a shelf, but assets in a digital vault, ready to be utilized whenever you choose. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), is exactly what it does for the students.

What is Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)?

The ABC is an initiative launched by the Government of India, closely aligned with the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It acts as a digital record of all your academic credits, embodying the vision of a flexible and student-centric education system by NEP 2020. Like a central bank for your learning journey, facilitating credit recognition, transfer, and seamless transitions between institutions, in line with the UGC’s efforts to streamline credit mobility in higher education.

How does ABC benefit the students

Flexibility

The ABC offers unmatched flexibility. Similar to a savings account, you can collect credits gradually and use them as needed. Whether you’re changing programs, switching institutions, or exploring new educational paths, your earned credits ensure smooth progress without setbacks. It puts your education choices in your hands.

Simplified Verification, Enhanced Accessibility

Gone are the days of dealing with bulky transcripts and endless paperwork. Thanks to the seamless integration of ABC with DigiLocker, a reputable online document storage platform, verifying your academic achievements is effortless. Employers, universities, and other stakeholders can swiftly access your digital records, simplifying the verification process and saving precious time.

How ABC Works

In the ABC system, every course completed, degree earned, diploma achieved, and even extracurricular activity participated in – earns you credits. These credits are similar to currency, deposited into your virtual ABC account, securely stored for your future use.

Here is how it works:

• The credits get deposited from Institution A to the ABC platform, acting as an intermediary.
• These credits can then be redeemed by Institution B upon the student’s consent.
• This credit transfer mechanism is the key to successful study mobility, allowing students to seamlessly transition between institutions and programs.

Opening Your ABC Account

To access the benefits of the ABC, students must open an account and receive a unique APAAR/ABC ID, a 12-digit code serving as their digital identity in the education sector. This ID links your academic achievements with the digital infrastructure of the ABC, facilitating the storage, transfer, and redemption of credits. Linked with DigiLocker, the ABC platform ensures seamless management of credit records, enhancing accessibility and convenience for students.

The Role of APAAR

The core of the Academic Bank of Credits is the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR). APAAR enables students to gather and preserve their academic achievements, making it easier to move between institutions for further education. The APAAR ID simplifies the process of recognizing and transferring credits, starting from school and aiding in smooth academic progress and recognition of prior learning.

Also read: 5 Ways How Degree Apprenticeships are Fulfilling NEP 2020’s Vision

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the ABC stands as a beacon of innovation, promising a transformative experience for students across India. With its emphasis on flexibility, accessibility, and efficiency, the ABC is not just a tool for academic record-keeping but a catalyst for lifelong learning and personal growth.