magine if your college education worked like a digital wallet. You earn "credits" for a semester of History, add a few more for a certification in Python, and store them all in one place. If you need to take a year off to start a business or handle a family emergency, your progress doesn't vanish—it’s safely "banked."
This is the reality of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and Stackable Degrees.
What is the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)?
The ABC is a digital repository that stores academic credits earned by students from recognized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Think of it as a "commercial bank" where the currency isn't rupees, but your hard-earned credits.
How it Works:
- The APAAR ID: Every student now gets a lifelong APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry).
- Earning: When you pass a course at a registered college or via platforms like SWAYAM, the credits are automatically pushed to your ABC account.
- Redeeming: When you have enough credits, you "redeem" them to claim a certificate, diploma, or full degree from your university.
The Power of "Multiple Entry and Exit" (MEES)
The biggest pain point for Indian students has always been the "Dropout" label. In 2026, that label is dead. The Multiple Entry and Exit System allows you to walk away with a qualification at every milestone:
- 1 Year Completed: Exit with an Undergraduate Certificate.
- 2 Years Completed: Exit with an Undergraduate Diploma.
- 3 Years Completed: Exit with a Bachelor’s Degree.
- 4 Years Completed: Exit with a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours/Research).
Pro Tip: You can exit after Year 2, work for two years, and then use your ABC credits to re-enter any university in India to finish your 3rd and 4th years.
Why This is a Game-Changer for You
- Interdisciplinary Freedom: You can be a Physics major but take "Digital Marketing" or "Yoga Science" as minors. Those credits stay in your bank.
- Mobility: Moving from Delhi to Bangalore? You no longer have to "start over." Just transfer your credits to a local university.
- Valid for 7 Years: Credits generally have a shelf-life of up to 7 years, giving you a massive window to complete your education at your own pace.
How to Get Started
- Register: Go to the official ABC Portal or use your DigiLocker account.
- Link your APAAR ID: Ensure your university has your unique ID linked to your admission profile.
- Track: Check your dashboard at the end of every semester to ensure your credits have been deposited.
Reference Links & Further Reading:
- Official Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) Portal
- UGC Guidelines for Multiple Entry and Exit in Academic Programmes
- National Credit Framework (NCrF) Explained
- Digital India Initiative: ABC Section
