What Is ABC ID Card? (Step by Step User Guide In 2025)

To maintain the top-notch quality of higher education in India, the University Grant Commission (UGC) usually proposes new ways for the Indian education system to develop education policies from time to time. To continue the development, the University Grant Commission (UGC) introduces a completely new digitalization method in student's academic journey to make it easier and more accessible.

This initiative by the University Grant Commission (UGC) was launched in 2021 as part of the National Education Policy (NEP), The initiative is known as the ABC ID. The initiative is specialized and designed for higher education institutions. 

In India, it is mandatory for students to have an ABC ID as it digitally collects the credits of students for them to use conveniently, they can easily transfer their credits in order to pursue higher education with all the required authentication and universities can access all student's data with just one click.

ABC ID gives students access to any exam without any difficulty as many exams must ask for the ABC ID while filling out the form. This ID also helps in the faster credit recognition in online mode which allows students and universities to fill or recognize any form for admission easier from their doorstep. 

What is ABC ID?

ABC ID stands for Academic Bank of Credits ID, it is a unique ID consisting of a 12-digit code that students need to create on their own. Through ABC ID, one can access academic credits in online mode. It is a virtual system that keeps earned credits by students in Higher Education Institutions and these credits are University Grants Commission (UGC) recognized. The unique code of each individual can be transferred between universities or institutions as the validity of the ID is of seven years. 

Students can pursue their studies anytime within these 7 years, the credits are accessible for universities and students with the required transparency. However, the ABC may specify different validity periods for different subject disciplines.

Credits are the rewards or awards given by universities to students in the form of degrees including their other academic achievements that eventually enhance their resume for better opportunities. In short ABC ID is a secure place specially designed for students where they can store their all academic credits and have a smooth academic journey. 

Benefits of ABC ID 

Below are some of the crucial benefits of ABC ID:

1) Academic record management

As the world is getting digitalized day by day, it is crucial to have all the academic records in online mode. In India, ABC ID is the only authentic and well-recognized method for credit collection. ABC ID is the records managing process specially designed for students pursuing higher education. It is a safe place where student's records are secure and easy to access. One can manage their whole academic record with just one click from their comfort place. 

2) Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the process that allows students to use earned credits and transfer those credits to institutions to avoid long lines and side hustle in the physical mode for any admission.

Some of the main reasons for these credits are as follows: 

• Continuous Education
• Experiencing High-quality Institutions 
• health Issues

3) Admission and job authentication

Getting an ABC ID will help students with quick verification and an easier admission process in higher education institutions as these IDs are UGC-approved and provide authentic degrees and certifications. 

4) Relief from Manual Paperwork

The process of creating an ABC ID is completely online and the services for the same are in online mode only. It gives a huge relief from manual paperwork and side hustle for the students and institutions. It made the process smooth and faster compared to manual paperwork

How does ABC ID work?

Here is the simplified process for how ABC ID works. 

Key Features of ABC ID 

As the process of creating an ABC ID is completely online it collects all the data of an individual digitally from different institutions or universities that are registered with the University Grant Commission (UGC), it also indicates the authenticity of an institution. Below are some key features of ABC ID which one should know; 

• Credit Accumulation: Credit Accumulation in ABC ID is one of the main features as it includes the process where students earn and store credits in their own ABC account. This is the simplest way where students can keep track of their academic progress. Credit accumulation makes the process for an individual easier for great higher education. 
• Study at Your Own Pace: Students get to study at their own pace as they can pursue the programs in multiple modes. it is also beneficial for the ones who are currently working as a professional and want to pursue higher education at the same time. In the distance and online mode, they get plenty of time to study at their own convenience. The mechanism of ABC ID allows students who are into self-learning and want to study freely. 
• Anytime, Anywhere Learning: In online mode, one can have the privilege of learning from anywhere, anytime they want. It gives students access and convenience at the same time. People who want to have multiple skills usually go for online or distance courses to manage their time in order to have other skills as well. In this way, students can have their own timetable for learning while adding an extra skill. 
• Transparency in Education: It is very clear that the initiative of ABC ID was given by the University Grant Commission (UGC). This way one can have the needed transparency while pursuing any program. 

Objectives of the Academic Bank of Credit 

The Academic Bank of Credits comes with a lot of features. now let's dig into the crucial objectives of the academic bank of credits; 

• Lifelong Learning : Creating an ABC ID allows students to have access to lifelong learning. It is the best way for working professionals to continue their higher studies. with quick access to their dream universities or institutions, students can have a digital account where they can store their academic achievements in one place and start their academic journey whenever they want. 
• Student Motility :With the help of the ABC account, students can transfer their credits with the institutions for further studies. This allows students to achieve their academic goals without any duplication of effort. Students can transfer these credits internationally too.
• Digital Infrastructure: Due to the fully online structure of the initiative securely transfer credits, and accumulate credits in each individual's account. The mechanism is designed in a way that allows students and institutions easy access to the credits and credit accumulation.

How to Create an ABC ID?

There are four ways in which one can create an ABC ID explained thoroughly below; 

DigiLocker (way 1)

• Step - 1 Go to the DigiLocker websiteor download the app, the portal will appear like this; 

(Fill out all the basic information)

• Step - 2 Sign up (if you're a new user) or sign in (if you already have an account).
• Step - 3 Register yourself by filling out the mentioned common details, for additional security, a six-digit login PIN will be required to fill.
• Step - 4 An OTP will be sent to you and you need to click on ‘Submit’. (Enter the OTP which is being sent to you via Sms)

• Step - 5 You also need to sign out from the portal and sign in again to check if you're the registered credentials are working or not. (Sign in through mobile no and pin)

• Step - 6 Once you’re logged in completely, on the home page click on the 'Join Now' option which will automatically take you to the Academic Bank of Credits Banner ABC (APAAR) ID window.

• Step - 7 Fill out the requisite details and click on the 'Get Document' option. You need to fill in your basic details including name, DOB, gender, admission year, identity type, identity value, and select your academic institution.

(Kindly select the 'Roll Number' 'Registration Number', 'Enrollment Number', or 'New Admission' under 'Identify Type')

 (You can search for your Institution Name and hit on 'Ok', you also need to check the consent statement and click on the 'Get Document' option. A confirmation text will be sent to you which state that "Your request has been submitted")

• Step - 8 After some loading, you'll be redirected to the "issued document" section and your ABC ID will be shown like this;

(Click on the download icon and you’ll get your pdf file of ABC ID)

ABC ID creation via QR code; (way 2)

• The given QR will directly link you to the straightforward approach, it is considered to be the simplest way for the ABC ID generation. 

• The link will directly connect you to the Digilocker app and after logging in, you'll get a form that already contains your Name, DOB, gender, admission year, identity type, identity value, and academic institution. Simply click on the "Get Document" option, and your ABC ID will be generated automatically. 

UMANG (way 3)

• Step - 1 Click here for the direct UMANG portal link and Register/Login yourself visible in the top right corner as shown in the image. 
• Step - 2 There are two ways to Login into the portal first is mentioned above and the other is from "Meri Pehchaan". 
• Step - 3 If you already have an account kindly fill in your mobile no and MPIN or you can also log in through your mobile number and OTP as well. 
• Step - 4 For those who are new users, click "Register Here" and you'll be transferred to the given below window. Your mobile and click on the "Get OTP" option, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile no. 
• Step - 5 After filling in the OTP, you need to set a security PIN for account privacy while filling in this information you'll get an option for "Account Recovery Options" consisting few questions, you can also click on the "ask me later" option as well. 
• Step - 6 Click on the login option and sign in or sign up for the same. While signing in page will ask you for consent as well, click on "Allow". 
• Step - 7 Click on the + Add button or search for "ABC" or "Academic", you'll get an option stating Academic Bank of credits select that option, and click on that. After that, you'll get the list of Academic Bank of credits, click on "ABC ID Card" (Enter your admission year, identity year, and identity type, including register number, and enrollment number. Select the academic institution from the drop-down window choose your preferred language too, and click on the "Get Document" option.)
• Step - 8 The page will automatically redirect you to the issued document section from where you can get your generated ABC ID by clicking on the "Download APAAR (ABC) ID" Here is your ABC ID card that has been generated successfully. 

ABC Portal (way 4)

• Step - 1 Click here for the direct link to the ABC portal, click on the student dropdown option and you'll get the sign-in window for further process. 
• Step - 2 You can log in via three modes; 

1. Mobile PIN OTP Login
2. Username Pin OTP Login 
3. Others 

• Step - 3 If you're a fresh user click on the "Sign Up" option and fill in your basic details for OTP generation. 
• Step - 3 Once OTP is generated, enter your basic details such as DOB, gender, full name, and SIX-digit PIN, and click on teh consent box by reading the T&Cs carefully. 
• Step - 4 Once you're done with the T&Cs, click on the "Verify" option. Then only you'll be able to enter your Adhaar followed by OTP verification. (If you have already registered with a mobile number, you can directly enter your mobile no and opt for PIN-less authentication by clicking on the "PIN-less authentication")(If you've forgotten your PIN, click on "Forger security pin" which is clickable)
• Step - 5 Fill in the asked information and press the option "Sign In" for the OTP which will be sent to you at your registered mobile number and email address. Enter OTP and you'll be redirected to the "Meri Pehchaan Dashboard" 
• Step - 6 For new Users there is an additional step where you'll be asked the basic information. 
• Step - 7 Press "Submit" and a new ABC student ID will be generated.(Click on the "Go to Dashboard" option for ABC ID, here is a sample)

For detailed information with more clarity, kindly visit here 

Conclusion

The ABC ID provides such a possibility. However, a technologically and academically driven transformation ushered in by the UGC to virtually and digitally change a student's academic journey in India. At the core of ABC ID is a 12-digit unique code with which students, with one swipe, would accumulate and earn the credits. The ABC ID, catering to the needs of students, acts as a repository of credits which shall help enhance learning flexibility and opportunities. Such a facility would provide ease of access, as well as management of credits, and promotion of transparency in academic records. Hence, it is efficient and hassle-free as far as admission, transfer of credits, and verification of a student's academic record are concerned. In the end, this entire endeavor will allow students to undergo lifelong learning, be mobile across the nation, and ensure quality academic sojourns.  V