The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a path-breaking initiative introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to transform the traditional higher education system in India into a more flexible and student-centric model. Let’s dive deep into what ABC is, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s crucial for the future of education in India.
What is the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)?
The Academic Bank of Credits is a digital repository that stores academic credits earned by students from recognized higher education institutions (HEIs). It works like a bank account, but instead of storing money, it stores academic credits that a student can accumulate and transfer across institutions to complete a degree or diploma.
Key Highlights:
- Launched under NEP 2020.
- Managed by UGC.
- Credits are stored digitally on the ABC portal.
- Allows credit transfer, accumulation, and redemption.
- Promotes flexible learning pathways.
How Does ABC Work?
- Student Registration:
- Students must create an account on the ABC Portal: abc.gov.in.
- The account links with their Academic ID (ABC ID) and DigiLocker account.
- Credit Accumulation:
- When students complete a course at an ABC-registered institution, the credits are automatically deposited into their ABC account.
- Credit Transfer:
- Students can transfer their accumulated credits to another recognized institution if they wish to change colleges or universities.
- Credit Redemption:
- When students fulfill the total credit requirement for a degree or diploma, they can redeem these credits to earn the qualification from the institution where they finish.
Credit Structure in ABC
- Credits are based on the National Credit Framework (NCrF).
- Typically, 1 credit = 30 hours of student learning (including lectures, self-study, assignments).
- Students need to accumulate a set number of credits for:
- Certificate: ~40 credits
- Diploma: ~80 credits
- Bachelor’s Degree: ~120-160 credits
- Master’s Degree: ~60-80 credits
Benefits of Academic Bank of Credits
1. Student Flexibility
- Switch between universities without losing academic progress.
- Take breaks and resume education at any time.
2. Multi-disciplinary Learning
- Students can earn credits from different streams or institutions and combine them for a degree.
3. Encourages Lifelong Learning
- Professionals can return to academics later using previously earned credits.
4. Supports Dropouts
- Even if a student discontinues midway, earned credits remain valid and can be used later.
5. Boosts Employability
- Flexibility to take industry-relevant or skill-based courses from top institutions.
Institutions under ABC
- Over 1,000+ Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are registered with the ABC portal.
- These include central, state, private, and deemed universities, along with IITs, IIMs, and other autonomous institutions.
How to Register on ABC Portal (For Students)
Step-by-step Process:
- Visit abc.gov.in.
- Click on “My Account” > “Student Login”.
- Sign in with your DigiLocker credentials.
- Verify your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Generate your ABC ID.
- View and manage your academic credits online.
Challenges and Considerations
While ABC is a transformative initiative, some challenges include:
- Lack of awareness among students and faculty.
- Digital divide in rural areas.
- Need for seamless credit recognition across institutions.
- Ensuring quality and standardization of credits.
Conclusion
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a visionary step toward building a flexible, modular, and inclusive higher education system in India. By embracing this digital credit system, students gain greater control over their academic journey, institutions can collaborate more effectively, and the entire ecosystem becomes more dynamic and learner-focused.
As the adoption of ABC grows, it promises to break down traditional educational barriers and enable a truly integrated and global learning experience for Indian students.
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