Mandatory UGC Notice: ABC ID Required for Higher Education
As of August 27, 2026, the Ministry of Education has mandated that all students enrolled in UGC-affiliated higher education institutions must possess a valid Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) ID. This 12-digit unique identifier is mandatory for credit storage, semester registration, and university examination forms. Students who have not yet generated their ID must complete the process immediately on DigiLocker or the official ABC portal to avoid registration delays or degree holding.
What is an Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) ID?
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a digital repository established under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It allows students to store, transfer, and redeem academic credits earned across recognized higher education institutions in India.
The ABC ID is integrated with the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) framework, creating a single lifelong digital academic record for every student.
How to Generate ABC ID via DigiLocker
Follow these steps to create your 12-digit ABC ID. Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to an active mobile number for OTP verification.
- Access DigiLocker: Visit digilocker.gov.in or open the DigiLocker app on your mobile device.
- Sign In or Register: Log in using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. New users must complete e-KYC using their Aadhaar number and OTP verification.
- Search for ABC ID: Go to the 'Search Documents' section, type 'ABC', and select 'Academic Bank of Credits' from the list of issuers.
- Enter Details: Choose your institution type (University or College), select your institution name, and enter your date of birth and gender.
- Download ABC ID: Click 'Get Document'. Your ABC ID will be generated and saved under 'Issued Documents' for PDF download.
How to Fix Name Mismatches and Verification Errors
If your ABC ID generation fails due to verification discrepancies, follow the solutions listed below:
| Issue Type | Resolution Action |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Name Mismatch | Update Aadhaar details via the UIDAI portal to match your Class 10th marksheet. |
| Institution Not Found | Contact your college registrar to confirm institution registration on the ABC portal. |
| OTP Not Received | Verify that your mobile number is active and linked to Aadhaar on the UIDAI portal. |
Key Compliance Rules for University Verification
Students must link their generated ABC ID to their university enrollment record. Failure to link the ID can result in withheld semester results or blocked registration for upcoming academic sessions.
Always maintain a downloaded PDF copy of your ABC card in your DigiLocker account for instant document verification.
Mistakes to Avoid During ABC ID Creation
- Creating Multiple Accounts: Maintain only one DigiLocker account linked to your primary Aadhaar number.
- Incorrect Institution Selection: Select the exact official university or college name from the dropdown menu.
- Ignoring Profile Errors: Update mismatched personal details on your Aadhaar card before generating the ABC ID.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the ABC ID mandatory for all college students?
Yes. The ABC ID is mandatory for all students enrolled in UGC-recognized institutions to track credits under the NEP 2020 framework.
2. Can I change my ABC ID if I switch universities?
No. The ABC ID is a permanent, lifelong number. You only need to update your current institution details inside your existing profile.
3. What should I do if my college is not listed in the ABC portal?
Contact your institution's Nodal Officer or Examination Department, as they must onboard the university on the ABC portal.
4. Is there any fee for creating an ABC ID?
No. Creating an ABC ID on DigiLocker or the official portal is free of cost.
5. How do I link my ABC ID to my university portal?
Enter your 12-digit ABC ID into the specified field on your university’s examination or admission portal dashboard.