The ABCs of Academic Bank of Credits
To enable student mobility across higher education, the Government of India, through its National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, conceptualized and introduced a credit scheme known as The Academic Bank of Credits.
The Academic Bank of Credits was built on the foundations of the National Academic Depository (NAD) and is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It functions as a virtual or digital repository where comprehensive records of the credits accumulated by individual students throughout their educational journey are stored.
The system enables students to open their accounts and offers them multiple options for entering and leaving institutions. The ABC system facilitates the seamless and secure transfer of credits during a student’s higher education journey, allowing for multiple entry and exit points.
ABC is entrusted with the responsibilities of opening, closing, and verifying individual academic accounts of students. The credit facility thereby awards learners more freedom and autonomy in both their academic and career choices.
Objectives of ABC: Student-Centric Education
ABC was developed to empower the learner and make them skilled professionals who are capable of embracing a multi-disciplinary approach to education.
The rationale behind such a transformative educational setup includes:
1. To advocate for student-centric education.
2. To enhance the efficiency of faculty and promote learner-friendly teaching approaches.
3. To incorporate an interdisciplinary learning approach.
4. To allow students to pursue the courses of their choice and interest.
5. To provide students with the flexibility to learn at their preferred pace.
Features of ABC: End-to-end credit Management
ABC is deemed a benchmark in credit management and a transparent and authentic medium to evaluate the credit record of any student at any given point in time.
Its features are designed to ensure credibility to the highest degree:
1. Maintains the integrity of student credits.
2. Safeguards the authenticity and confidentiality of student credits.
3. Enables a seamless digital credit transfer.
4. Allows for faster credit recognition.
Functions of ABC: Centralised and Cutting-Edge System
ABC is responsible for credit accumulation and redemption on a national level, thereby promoting flexibility in curriculum frameworks and interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary mobility of students.
ABC takes on the role of a secure and unified database:
1. Administers the opening, closing, and validation of student academic accounts.
2. Performs various functions, including the accumulation, verification, transfer, and redemption of credits.
3. Covers a wide variety of courses (graduation, diploma, Ph.D.) offered by HEIs and recognized by the UGC.
4. Accepts courses delivered through any medium: on-campus, online, open and distance learning, or hybrid.
5. Provides a unique id to each account holder after they have opened an academic bank account in digital form.
6. Offers a credit validity period of up to 7 years, unless a course specifies otherwise, with students being able to redeem credits.
7. Supports courses offered by SWAYAM, NPTEL, V-Lab, and other similar national schemes.
The ABC Process: Simplified and Streamlined
- ABC Account Opened
- Credits Received as Per Course
- Credits Evaluated & Verified
- Offline and Online Courses Included
- Credits Valid for 7 years
The registration of institutions and services is a critical aspect of the process. The ABC system will securely deposit credits granted by accredited institutions into the Academic Accounts of the students. In the event of a student transferring to another institution, the accumulated credits will be seamlessly transferred to the account of the new institution. Credits may be transferred from one program to another in the same institution or within a different one. Once the credit is redeemed, it is irrevocably debited from the student’s Academic Account.
Allocation of Credits → Accumulation of Credits → Awarding of Credits
Please note: The ABC system will only accept credits for storage and validation if they are submitted by an authorized institution
Benefits of ABC: Academic Freedom and Flexibility
What is the significance of having a centralized online database like Academic Bank of Credits?
ABC is an adaptable and flexible scheme that overcomes the traditional barriers to credit transfer and empowers students to get a comprehensive and holistic education.
1. Enables student mobility with multiple entry and exit points: Students will be able to drop out of an institute during any year/semester and exchange the credits earned thus far with a certificate/diploma.
2. Offers academic flexibility: Upon the student’s consent, credits earned by a student in one program from an institution can be transferred or redeemed by another institution. They can learn anytime, from anywhere.
3. Provides a minimum shelf life: Students can redeem their credits for up to 7 years, giving them the time and opportunity to think about their academic pursuits.
4. Allows students to carve their learning paths: Students can avail of courses and programs from multiple universities to supplement their knowledge and skills. They are granted the freedom to study at their preferred pace
5. Recognises learning achievements: High-performing students can be identified, awarded, and nurtured further. Credit accounting enables the tracking of outcomes.
6. Grants permission to only verified academic institutions to upload credits: Credits are transferred through a single window after confirmation from the source and destination academic institution.
Impact of ABC on The Educational System
According to the official website, more than 10 million students have enrolled in the Academic Bank of Credits.
This is a testament to the ever-evolving needs of students and how learners are looking to take agency over their academic journeys.
HEIs who participate in this scheme will benefit greatly, not only due to the smooth management of credits but also because of improved operational outcomes.
With this new provision, HEIs will be able to empower students to learn the subjects of their choice and develop into skills-oriented graduates.
ABC and Camu
Camu is a unified system that enables institutions to be NEP-compliant and ready to implement.
Institutes must look to embrace NEP’s mission and support students every step of the way.
This begins by helping them manage their credits in a safe, secure, and smart manner.
This is why Camu aspires to offer an efficient solution in the future through a series of user-friendly templates where Camu could help institutions deposit data into the National Academic Depository and provide students with an easy way to access their credits.
