The Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) is a pioneering reform introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at reshaping the way higher education is structured, accessed, and recognized in India. It empowers students with the flexibility to design their own educational journey, aligning with their pace, interest, and career goals.
What is the Academic Bank of Credit?
The ABC is a digital credit-based repository system established by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It enables students to:
- Open a digital academic account
- Accumulate credits earned from registered Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Transfer or redeem those credits toward earning a degree, diploma, or certificate
Think of it as a “bank account” where academic credits are the currency.
Objectives of ABC
ABC aims to:
- Enable student-centric learning with flexibility and choice
- Provide multiple entry and exit options across academic programs
- Facilitate interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning
- Encourage lifelong learning
- Promote credit recognition, transfer, and redemption across institutions
How It Works
- Students enroll in credit-based courses at registered institutions.
- The institution awards credits for completed coursework.
- These credits are deposited in the student’s ABC account.
- Students can combine credits from multiple institutions.
- Once they meet the program requirements, they can redeem credits for a qualification.
Courses completed through recognized online platforms like SWAYAM, NPTEL, and others are also eligible for credit deposit.
Who Can Register with ABC?
As per the UGC regulations:
- All universities and autonomous colleges that satisfy the UGC’s basic institutional requirements
- Institutions of National Importance declared by the Government of India and empowered to award degrees
Key Benefits of ABC
- Flexible Learning Paths: Students can mix and match courses across disciplines and institutions.
- Multiple Entry/Exit Options: Earn a diploma, pause, and return later to complete a degree.
- Mobility Across Institutions: Credits can move with the student.
- Lifelong Learning Support: Ideal for working professionals or career-switchers.
- Digital Credit Security: Records stored securely and valid for up to 7 years.
Why It Matters
ABC transforms Indian higher education by making it more:
- Modular: Learn in parts and assemble them into degrees.
- Accessible: Open to more institutions and learners.
- Personalized: Learn at your pace, on your terms.
This system empowers students to take ownership of their education and aligns India’s academic system with global best practices in credit recognition and mobility.
Conclusion
The Academic Bank of Credit is not just a technological innovation—it’s a philosophical shift. By making education more fluid, inclusive, and student-driven, ABC lays the foundation for a future-ready, knowledge-based society.
References:
- University Grants Commission (Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits in Higher Education) Regulations, 2021. View Document
- University Grants Commission (First Amendment) to the above regulations, dated 28th December 2021. View Amendment
