The Indian higher education system is undergoing a landmark transformation with the introduction of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). By September 2025, the government will officially roll out this digital credit bank, allowing students to store, transfer, and redeem academic credits across universities and institutions.
The initiative, part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2025, is expected to bring flexibility and portability to learning, enabling students to design their own academic journey like never before.
What Is the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)?
The Academic Bank of Credits is an online digital repository where students can deposit credits earned from approved courses. Much like a bank account, these credits can be withdrawn later when the student wants to complete a degree, diploma, or certification.
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Operated By: UGC and AICTE.
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Platform: A government-managed ABC portal integrated with the DigiLocker system.
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Purpose: To make learning flexible, modular, and multidisciplinary.
How ABC Works in September 2025
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Course Completion: Students complete courses in any UGC-approved institution.
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Credit Deposit: Credits get deposited in the ABC digital wallet.
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Transfer Option: Students can transfer credits if they change universities.
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Redemption: Accumulated credits can be redeemed to complete degrees.
For example, a student who studies one year at Delhi University and another at Manipal University can still complete their degree by merging credits.
Benefits of ABC for Students
The academic bank of credits India 2025 brings revolutionary changes for students:
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Flexibility: Students can pause studies and continue later without losing progress.
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Portability: Switch between universities without restarting from scratch.
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Multidisciplinary Options: Combine courses from science, commerce, and humanities.
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Global Recognition: Credits may soon align with international credit systems.
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Transparency: Digital record eliminates fraud and fake degrees.
Universities Adopting ABC in September 2025
As of September 2025, several institutions are onboarded:
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Central Universities: Delhi University, JNU, Banaras Hindu University.
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State Universities: Maharashtra and Karnataka state universities among first movers.
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Private Universities: Amity, SRM, and Manipal have signed up.
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Technical Institutes: NITs and IIITs are also integrating ABC.
By the end of 2025, over 800 universities are expected to be part of the ABC framework.
Challenges in Implementation
While the concept is futuristic, ABC faces hurdles:
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Technical Infrastructure: Rural institutions lack digital systems.
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Awareness: Many students and parents are still unaware of the benefits.
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Standardization: Different universities use varying credit systems.
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Faculty Training: Teachers must adapt to the credit-transfer approach.
The government has launched awareness campaigns in September 2025 to train faculty and guide students.
Impact on Indian Education
The ABC is a game-changer for higher education because:
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It democratizes education, making it student-centric.
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It breaks down rigid course structures, allowing customized learning.
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It boosts the adoption of online and blended learning platforms.
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It encourages lifelong learning, where professionals can upskill anytime.
For international collaborations, ABC is expected to align with credit transfer agreements in the US, UK, and EU.
How Students Can Use ABC in 2025
Students can already start preparing to take advantage of the scheme:
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Register on the ABC portal with Aadhaar and DigiLocker.
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Enroll only in UGC-approved institutions to ensure credits are valid.
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Track credits regularly on the digital dashboard.
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Plan multidisciplinary learning, like pairing computer science with business management.
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Use credits for multiple qualifications, such as a diploma plus a degree.
Future of Academic Credits in India
By 2030, the ABC system may allow students to earn degrees entirely through modular learning, blending online and offline education across multiple institutions. This flexibility will also help working professionals and international students returning to India.
FAQs
What is the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) in India 2025?
It is a digital repository launched in September 2025 where students can store and transfer academic credits across institutions.
Is ABC valid for all universities?
Yes, all UGC-approved institutions must adopt ABC, but implementation may take time in smaller colleges.
Can I transfer credits between private and government universities?
Yes, as long as both institutions are part of the ABC system.
How do I register for ABC in 2025?
Students can sign up through the official ABC portal, linked with DigiLocker.
Will ABC credits be valid abroad?
The government is working on international collaborations, and recognition is expected in the near future.