ABC ID

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a revolutionary digital initiative by the Government of India, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Think of it as a "digital locker" for your education—instead of keeping physical certificates in a file, your academic credits are stored in a digital account that stays with you throughout your life.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, registering, and using your ABC ID.

What is an ABC ID?

The ABC ID is a unique 12-digit identification number assigned to students. It is linked to the Academic Bank of Credits, a virtual storehouse that records the "credits" you earn for every course you complete at a recognized university or college.

Why do you need it?

In the past, if you left a degree midway, your hard work was often "lost" because credits weren't easily transferable. With an ABC ID:

• Flexibility: You can exit a course after one year (with a certificate) or two years (with a diploma) and return later to finish your degree.
• Mobility: You can transfer from one university to another without losing the progress you've already made.
• Centralization: All your marks and credits from different institutions are visible in one single dashboard.

Key Features of ABC ID

• Digital Repository: A secure, online platform to store academic credits.
• 7-Year Validity: Credits earned are generally valid for up to 7 years, giving you the freedom to take a "gap year" without academic loss.
• Credit Redemption: Credits can be "cashed in" to obtain a degree or diploma from a registered institution.
• Integration with DigiLocker: It uses the DigiLocker framework for high security and easy access.
• APAAR Integration: Often linked with the APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry), which serves as a lifelong ID for students from pre-primary to higher education.

ABC ID Registration Process

Creating your ABC ID is a straightforward process, but it involves two main digital paths. Since the ABC system is integrated with DigiLocker, the steps differ slightly depending on whether you start from the official ABC portal or the DigiLocker app itself.

Here are the detailed, step-by-step instructions for both methods.

Method 1: Registration via the ABC Official Portal

This is the preferred method if you want to see your academic dashboard immediately.

• Visit the Website: Go to the official portal at [suspicious link removed].
• Select Account Type: Click on the 'My Account' button in the top right corner and select 'Student'.
• Login via MeriPehchaan: You will be redirected to the MeriPehchaan login page.
  • If you have DigiLocker: Enter your mobile number/Aadhaar and your 6-digit PIN.
  • If you are new: Click 'Sign Up'. Enter your mobile number, verify it with an OTP, and set up your profile using your Aadhaar details.
• Grant Consent: Once logged in, a consent screen will appear asking to share your DigiLocker details with the ABC portal. Click 'Allow'.
• Submit Academic Details: A registration window will pop up. You must select:
  • Admission Year: (e.g., 2024 or 2025).
  • Identity Type: (Roll Number, Registration Number, or Enrollment Number).
  • Identity Value: Enter the actual number based on your choice above.
  • Institution Name: Search and select your University (always look for the University, even if you study at a college).
• Generate ID: Click 'Submit'. Your 12-digit ABC ID will be displayed on your dashboard instantly.

Method 2: Registration via DigiLocker App

This is the "mobile-first" approach and is often the quickest way to get a digital copy of your ID card.

• Open DigiLocker: Launch the DigiLocker app on your phone and log in.
• Search for Document: Go to the 'Search' tab (magnifying glass icon) and type "ABC ID" in the search bar.
• Select the Service: Click on the result that says "ABC ID Card - Academic Bank of Credits".
• Verify Personal Info: Your name, gender, and date of birth will be pre-filled from your Aadhaar record.
• Enter Institution Info:
  • Select your Institution Type (usually "University").
  • Select your Institution Name from the dropdown list.
  • Select your Admission Year and Identity Type (e.g., Roll No).
• Get Document: Tap the 'Get Document' button.
• Download: Go to the 'Issued Documents' section. You will see your "Academic Bank of Credits ID Card." You can download the PDF to your phone from here.

The Login Process (For Returning Students)

Once your ID is created, logging in is simple:

• Step 1: Go to [suspicious link removed] and click My Account > Student.
• Step 2: Log in using your registered mobile number and the 6-digit PIN you created.
• Step 3: Authenticate with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
• Step 4: You will land on your Student Dashboard, where you can see the total credits "deposited" by your university and your 12-digit ID.

ABC ID vs. Traditional System

Feature	Traditional System	ABC ID System (NEP 2020)
Storage	Physical Marksheets/Degrees	Digital Credit Bank
Course Exit	Often leads to "dropout" status	Multiple Exit options (Cert./Diploma)
Credit Transfer	Manual and difficult	Automatic and seamless
Student Control	Institution-centric	Student-centric (You own your credits)
Accessibility	Requires physical visits	Accessible online 24/7

FAQ

1. Is ABC ID mandatory for all students?

Yes, most universities under the UGC (University Grants Commission) now require an ABC ID for admission, examination forms, and the issuance of final degrees.

2. Can I create more than one ABC ID?

No. Like an Aadhaar card, one student should have only one unique ABC ID to ensure their academic record remains consistent.

3. What happens to my credits if I take a break from studies?

Your credits remain safe in your "bank" for a period of 7 years (or as specified by the discipline). You can resume your studies at any registered institution within this window.

4. Can I upload my own credits to the ABC ID?

No. Only registered Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can "deposit" credits into your account after you pass your exams. You can only "view" and "initiate transfer" of these credits.

5. What should I do if my university is not listed?

If your college/university isn't on the list, it might not have registered on the NAD/ABC portal yet. You should contact your college administration's Nodal Officer for ABC.