Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): Know How It Works for University Students

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a digital system that enables the accumulation, storage and transfer of academic credits gained from recognised Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by students. The policy is being implemented as part of the University Grants Commission's (UGC) work to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to the updated data available on the official ABC dashboard, 34.83 crore APAAR IDs have been issued and 26.79 crore APAAR IDs have been verified. Currently, there are 3,193 awarding institutions registered on the platform, of which 2,323 institutions have already uploaded their credit data for 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The dashboard also shows that 3.11 crore unique students have credit awards seeded with their APAAR IDs, while 10.76 crore academic records containing credit data have been mapped with APAAR IDs.

Under the UGC's Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits in Higher Education Regulations, 2021, an Academic Bank Account is an individual account operated by a student. Academic credits earned through courses of study can be deposited, recognised, maintained, accumulated and transferred through the system.

The ABC is designed to enhance the academic mobility of students by providing them with more flexibility in earning academic credit and furthering their education at recognised higher education institutions, subject to the relevant rules of the academic field and the requirements of the institution.

The ABC is intended to support academic mobility by giving students greater flexibility in accumulating credits and pursuing education across recognised higher education institutions, subject to applicable academic rules and institutional requirements.

Higher education institutions can lodge students' academic credits in the ABC system. The 2021 UGC regulations provide for the digital storage of credits earned from recognised HEIs, enabling institutions to take those credits into account while awarding qualifications, subject to applicable academic requirements.

The system is also designed to facilitate digital credit transfer and recognition while maintaining the integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of students' academic credit records.

How are ABC and APAAR Connected?

APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) is associated with the Academic Bank of Credits. APAAR is an academic identity for students that is stored digitally for life, with a view to linking academic records and credit-related information.

The ABC dashboard's latest figures reflect this integration, with 10.76 crore academic records containing credit data mapped with APAAR IDs and 3.11 crore unique students having credit awards seeded with their APAAR IDs.

Students are advised to follow their respective university or institution's instructions regarding ABC and APAAR registration. They should also check whether their academic records and credits have been correctly reflected in the system.