Why Universities Must Issue Credits in ABC Account

The ability to issue verified academic credits in the ABC account allows universities to align with NEP 2020 and support student mobility across institutions, programs, and learning formats.

Under India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, higher education is shifting toward flexibility, modular learning, and multidisciplinary progression. The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is central to this system—empowering students to earn and store academic credits across institutions. For this to work, universities must know how to issue credits in ABC account accurately and consistently.

What Is the ABC Account and Why It’s Important for Universities

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a digital platform developed by the Government of India to track and manage credits earned by students in recognized academic programs.

Each student has a unique ABC ID that links to their academic record through their APAAR ID and DigiLocker account. When a student completes a course or semester, the university must upload the corresponding credits to the ABC system, ensuring the student’s progress is officially recorded and transferable.

How Universities Can Issue Credits in ABC Account: Full Process

This section explains how universities can issue academic credits in a student’s ABC account, from institutional registration to digital record submission.

1. Register Your University on the ABC Platform

To begin, the university must register as a credit-issuing institution on the ABC portal (www.abc.gov.in). Only UGC, AICTE, or NAAC-recognized institutions are eligible to participate.

2. Get Verified as an Issuer on DigiLocker

The university must apply as a verified issuer on DigiLocker’s education partner portal. Once approved, the institution will be authorized to issue digital certificates and academic records under the ABC and APAAR frameworks.

3. Onboard Your Internal Admin Team

Set up an internal admin team to handle credit uploads, record verification, and student data mapping. Ensure the team is trained in DigiLocker APIs and ABC integration protocols.

4. Collect Student APAAR and ABC IDs

Ask enrolled students to share their APAAR ID or ABC ID (linked to Aadhaar and DigiLocker) to enable accurate credit mapping. Only students with verified IDs can receive credits.

5. Upload Academic Credit Data in Standard Format

Prepare credit data in the prescribed format, including course code, credit value, duration, institution ID, student name, ABC ID, and digital signature. Upload this to the ABC portal through DigiLocker-integrated APIs or the admin panel.

6. Verify and Submit for Approval

Review uploaded records for accuracy and integrity. Once verified internally, submit the records for approval. The data will be processed and reflected in the student’s ABC dashboard upon validation.

What Data Is Required to Issue Credits in ABC

To upload credits in ABC account, institutions must collect and structure academic records using specific data points to ensure seamless digital mapping.

The essential fields include the student’s full name, ABC ID or APAAR ID, Aadhaar-linked mobile number, course or module name, credit value (as per UGC norms), institution code, academic year, semester, and the issuing authority’s digital signature. Any mismatch or incomplete field can lead to rejection or delay in credit recognition.

Guidelines and Conditions for Issuing Credits in ABC

Issuing credits is a standardized process, and universities must follow the UGC and AICTE-prescribed frameworks for accuracy and compliance.

Credits must be awarded only for approved academic programs and recognized courses. Each credit corresponds to a specific number of study hours and assessment components. Core subjects, electives, skill courses, and online modules (like SWAYAM) can all be credited if authorized. Universities should maintain academic records for audits and update the ABC ledger within a specified academic timeline.

Benefits of Issuing Credits in ABC Account for Universities

Institutions that issue credits in ABC accounts gain operational advantages and strengthen their role in India’s evolving education framework.

1. Enhance Institutional Credibility and Compliance
Being part of the ABC ecosystem improves transparency and aligns the university with NEP 2020, boosting credibility among students and regulators.

2. Improve Student Retention and Flexibility
When students know their credits are portable and transferable, they are more likely to continue education, return after breaks, or switch programs confidently.

3. Simplify Admission and Credit Transfer Processes
Universities can access students' verified ABC credit records during admissions or course mapping, reducing paperwork and enabling smoother onboarding.

4. Reduce Administrative Burden Over Time
Issuing verified digital records reduces manual errors, paperwork, and long-term documentation efforts, especially during academic verifications and government audits.

5. Enable Micro-Credentials and Skill-Based Learning Recognition
Universities can issue smaller credit blocks or certifications through ABC, helping students pursue micro-credentials or modular learning without waiting for full degree completion.

TruScholar: Helping Universities Issue Verified Credits Securely

TruScholar enables universities to issue blockchain-backed academic credentials directly linked with ABC and DigiLocker. This makes credit uploads tamper-proof, efficient, and compliant with national guidelines.

TruScholar provides institutions with tools to automate credit issuance, validate records, and push verified credentials to ABC accounts. It reduces technical barriers, ensures data accuracy, and helps universities manage academic records with security, transparency, and speed.

What Universities Should Do to Implement ABC Credit Issuance

• Complete institutional registration on both ABC and DigiLocker to become an official credit issuer within the government’s academic framework.
  
  

• Collect verified student data, including APAAR ID and DigiLocker-linked information, before preparing credit records for upload.
  
  

• Train your admin and IT team to use ABC APIs or TruScholar-integrated tools to streamline the credit uploading process.
  
  

• Use standardized course-credit mapping as per UGC and AICTE regulations to maintain consistency across subjects, semesters, and departments.
  
  

• Monitor credit issuance progress regularly through ABC dashboards to resolve discrepancies, upload missed data, and support student inquiries efficiently.

Issuing Credits in ABC: A Key Role for Future-Ready Universities

Understanding how can university issue credits in ABC account is no longer optional—it’s essential for institutions aiming to deliver flexible, modular, and student-centered education. By becoming part of the ABC ecosystem, universities help students preserve learning outcomes, gain academic mobility, and build lifelong learning pathways.

In the future of Indian education, credit-based learning isn’t just a trend—it’s the foundation. The sooner universities implement ABC credit issuance, the sooner they empower students with ownership of their academic journey.