What Is an ABC ID? The Complete Guide to Your Academic Bank of Credits Identity

If you're asking what is an ABC ID, you're diving into one of the most powerful tools in India's reimagined education system under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. An ABC ID, or Academic Bank of Credits ID, is a unique student identifier linked to the Academic Bank of Credits platform. It enables students to store, manage, transfer, and redeem academic credits digitally across multiple institutions throughout their learning journey.

This system marks a significant shift in Indian higher education—from rigid course structures to a more flexible, modular, and student-centric framework.

What Is an ABC ID and Why It Matters

An ABC ID is a 12-digit unique identifier assigned to every student registered under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system. Managed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and integrated with DigiLocker, this ID acts as a lifelong academic account for students in India.

It links to all credit-earning activities such as degree programs, online certifications, and skill-based learning from accredited institutions. This allows students to accumulate credits over time, switch institutions, or pause and resume their education without losing progress.

How ABC ID Works in the Education Ecosystem

Once students register and obtain their ABC ID, the platform starts tracking all their academic credits across approved programs. Here's how it works in real-world scenarios:

1. Enrollment in an ABC-Integrated Institution
   When students enroll in a UGC-approved, ABC-registered institution, their course credits get deposited into their ABC account.
   
   

2. Tracking of Academic Progress
   As students complete courses, their credits are logged against their ABC ID, providing a verified, centralized academic history.
   
   

3. Credit Transfer Across Institutions
   If students transfer or migrate to another ABC-compliant institution, their credits go with them—just like carrying over a mobile balance.
   
   

4. Flexible Degree Completion
   Students can exit with a certificate, re-enter after a break, and complete the degree using previously earned credits linked to their ABC ID.

Key Benefits of ABC ID for Students

1. Permanent Academic Record Storage
   Your ABC ID securely stores all your credit-based academic history for life—accessible anytime via DigiLocker.
   
   

2. Flexible Learning Paths
   You can complete your education at your pace, take breaks, switch colleges, or combine credits from different institutions.
   
   

3. Lifelong Learning Support
   Your learning doesn't stop with one degree. ABC ID lets you build and bank new credits over time to pursue further education.
   
   

4. Fast and Verified Credit Transfers
   With ABC ID, there's no need to reapply for credit evaluations—your credits are already recognized and transferable within the ABC network.
   
   

5. Secure and Aadhaar-Linked
   Your ABC ID is generated using Aadhaar verification, ensuring each student's academic account is legitimate and tamper-proof.
   
   

How to Get Your ABC ID Through DigiLocker

Getting your ABC ID is a simple process integrated with DigiLocker. Here’s how students can register:

1. Create a DigiLocker Account

Visit the DigiLocker website or mobile app and sign up using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. This ensures secure e-KYC authentication.

2. Access the ABC Portal

Once logged in, go to the “Education” section and select “Academic Bank of Credits.” You’ll be redirected to the ABC portal.

3. Generate Your ABC ID

Fill in your academic and identity details. Your 12-digit ABC ID will be created and linked with your DigiLocker account.

4. Use ABC ID Across Institutions

Use this ID during admissions or credit transfers at ABC-partnered institutions to sync your academic credits automatically.

Institutions and Systems Integrated With ABC ID

Your ABC ID is recognized across a growing number of institutions and platforms, including:

• Central and State Universities
  
  

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and NITs
  
  

• UGC-approved Private Universities
  
  

• Open Learning Platforms
  
  

• Skill Development Authorities under NSDC
  
  

• DigiLocker and NAD
  

Institutions must be UGC-approved and ABC-registered to interact with the ABC platform for credit transfer and verification.

TruScholar and Blockchain-Based Academic Identity

TruScholar strengthens the ABC system by issuing blockchain-based digital credentials that are verifiable, secure, and compatible with ABC and NAD standards.

How TruScholar Enhances ABC ID Functionality:

1. Immutable Credit Records
   TruScholar credentials are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring they cannot be modified or tampered with once issued.
   
   

2. NAD and ABC Compliance
   Institutions can issue ABC-compatible certificates while also ensuring global-grade verification through blockchain.
   
   

3. Micro-Credential and Skill Certification Support
   TruScholar helps institutions issue skill badges and short course credits, which can also be logged in ABC IDs.
   
   

4. Global Verification Made Simple
   Credentials issued through TruScholar can be instantly shared and validated by international institutions and employers.
   
   

FAQs: What Is ABC ID

Q1: Is ABC ID mandatory for students?
While not mandatory yet, UGC and the Ministry of Education strongly encourage every student to generate an ABC ID as part of NEP 2020 implementation.

Q2: Can I use my ABC ID outside India?
Yes, although primarily Indian, many international universities are beginning to recognize ABC-linked documents—especially those with DigiLocker or TruScholar verification.

Q3: Can I add non-traditional learning (like online courses) to ABC ID?
Yes, provided the course is UGC-approved or delivered by an ABC-registered institution.

Q4: What if I forget or lose my ABC ID?
You can retrieve it anytime by logging into your DigiLocker account or revisiting the ABC portal.

Understanding what is ABC ID is essential for every student navigating India’s modern, credit-based education system. It gives you more control, flexibility, and ownership of your academic journey—from graduation to lifelong learning.