Promoting Flexibility in Higher Education Through ABC ID
Promoting Flexibility in Higher Education Through ABC ID Bank of Credits (ABC) ID, introduced under NEP 2020, is revolutionizing the Indian higher education landscape by promoting flexible and student-centric learning.
Traditionally, higher education in India followed rigid structures, with students confined to a single course at a single institution. This limited opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, skill development, and customized academic pathways. ABC ID changes this by allowing students to accumulate, store, and transfer academic credits across participating universities, enabling flexible course selection, seamless credit transfers, and a holistic learning experience. In this article, we explore how ABC ID promotes flexibility in higher education, its benefits for students, and why it is a critical step toward modernizing India’s education system.
Steps to Create an ABC ID via DigiLocker
ABC ID Enhances Transparency in Student Academic Records allows students to earn academic credits from multiple institutions. Whether a student completes courses at their home university or participates in workshops, online courses, or skill programs at other universities, all credits are stored digitally in their ABC ID profile. This creates a centralized academic record that facilitates mobility and flexible learning paths.
Seamless Credit Transfer
Credits earned from one institution can be transferred to another participating university without losing value. The transfer process is digital, verified, and streamlined, eliminating the need for physical documentation and repeated verification. This ensures students can pursue interdisciplinary programs or transfer universities mid-course without facing administrative hurdles.
Support for Interdisciplinary Learning
A science student can take courses in management, arts, or technology
A humanities student can pursue skill-based programs or certifications in emerging fields
Integration With DigiLocker
ABC ID integrates with DigiLocker, India’s official digital document platform. This allows students to store, access, and share verified academic records digitally, supporting mobility and flexibility. Students no longer need to carry physical transcripts, making it easier to transfer credits and apply for higher studies or employment.
Students can accumulate credits not only from formal degree programs but also from short-term courses, workshops, and skill certifications. This encourages continuous learning, making students adaptable to industry requirements and evolving knowledge areas.
This flexibility empowers students to take control of their education while maintaining a verified record of all achievements.
With ABC ID, students can design their academic journey based Career goals Interests and aptitudes Skill requirements for employment
Benefits of Flexibility Through ABC ID
Student-Centric Learning: Students can tailor courses and programs to their goals.
Mobility Across Institutions: Seamlessly transfer credits between universities.
Interdisciplinary Exposure: Explore multiple fields without losing academic progress.
Reduced Administrative Burden: Digital credit management eliminates manual documentation.
Enhanced Employability: Accumulated and verified credits create a robust academic profile.
Guide to Using ABC ID for Flexible Learning
Register for ABC ID: Sign up through your higher education institution or the official portal.
Accumulate Credits: Complete courses, workshops, or skill programs at your home or partner institutions.
Verify Records: Ensure that all credits are validated through the APAAR framework.
Transfer Credits (if required): Request transfer to another institution through the ABC ID portal.
Update Profile: Maintain an up-to-date record of courses, certificates, and skill achievements.
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Final Thoughts
ABC ID is a transformative initiative that brings flexibility, mobility, and student empowerment to higher education in India. By enabling credit accumulation, seamless transfers, interdisciplinary learning, and digital record-keeping, it aligns with NEP 2020’s vision of a modern, holistic, and student-centric education system. Students can now pursue courses across institutions, customize their academic journey, and enhance both skill and career readiness without being constrained by traditional rigid structures.
As the ABC ID system continues to expand nationwide, it will reshape higher education in India, making learning more adaptive, accessible, and aligned with the needs of the modern workforce. By leveraging ABC ID, students gain the freedom to design their education, accumulate verified credits, and pursue lifelong learning, building a robust academic profile recognized across institutions and industries alike.
