Learn how the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system by UGC enables students to earn and transfer credits from online courses offered by top institutions.
Online courses have become increasingly popular among students and working professionals who want to enhance their skills and knowledge in various fields.
However, until recently, online courses did not have the same recognition and value as offline courses in terms of credit transfer and certification. This has changed with the introduction of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the apex body for higher education in India.
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What is the Academic Bank of Credit System?
The ABC system is an academic service mechanism that allows students to create their academic credit accounts and store their credits from different courses and programs, whether online or offline, in a digital or virtual format. The ABC system facilitates student mobility across higher education institutions (HEIs) by enabling them to transfer and redeem their credits through a formal system of credit recognition, credit accumulation, credit transfer, and credit redemption.
The ABC system aims to provide academic flexibility and choice to students, allowing them to select the best courses or combinations of courses as per their aptitude and interest. It also helps students to integrate their learning experiences from various sources, such as online courses, skill development programs, internships, vocational training, etc.
How Does the ABC System Work?
The ABC system lets students use the credits they get from one course or college in another course or college if they agree to it. The ABC system is based on the National Academic Depository (NAD), which is the backbone of ABC, where the students’ academic data and awards are stored and verified.
To use the ABC system, students need to create their ABC IDs through the DigiLocker platform, which is a secure cloud-based platform for the issuance and verification of documents and certificates. Students can then accumulate credits from various courses and programs offered by HEIs, whether online or offline, and deposit them in their ABC accounts. Students can also check their accumulated credits and academic records by logging into the ABC website.
Students can transfer and redeem their credits from their ABC accounts to pursue further education or certification from any HEI that is recognized by the UGC and registered under the ABC system. The HEIs are responsible for issuing certificates and compiling award records based on the credits redeemed by the students.
Benefits of the Academic Bank of Credit System
The ABC system offers several benefits to students, HEIs, and the society at large, such as:
- It promotes student-centric learning and empowers students to design their learning paths and paces.
- It enhances the quality and relevance of education by allowing students to access courses and programs from top institutions, both online and offline.
- It fosters a culture of lifelong learning and skill development among students and working professionals.
- It reduces the dropout rate and increases the gross enrolment ratio in higher education by providing multiple entry and exit options to students.
- It improves the employability and competitiveness of students by recognizing their learning achievements and credentials.
- It encourages innovation and collaboration among HEIs by creating a network of academic credit providers and seekers.
How to Enroll in Online Courses under the ABC System?
Students who want to enroll in online courses under the ABC system can choose from a wide range of courses and programs offered by various HEIs through different platforms, such as:
- SWAYAM: This is the national online education platform that hosts courses from various disciplines and levels, from school to postgraduate, offered by institutions like IITs, IIMs, NITs, etc. Students can earn credits and certificates from these courses, which are recognized by the UGC and the ABC system.
- UGC Online: This is the portal that lists the HEIs that are recognized by the UGC to offer online courses and programs under the UGC (ODL Programmes & OL Programmes) Regulations, 2020. Students can enroll in these courses and programs and earn credits and certificates, which are recognized by the UGC and the ABC system.
- Other Platforms: Students can also enroll in online courses and programs offered by other platforms, such as Coursera, edX, NPTEL, etc., provided that the courses and programs are approved by the UGC and the HEIs that offer them are registered under the ABC system. Students can earn credits and certificates from these courses and programs, which are recognized by the UGC and the ABC system.
Conclusion
The Academic Bank of Credit system is a revolutionary initiative by the UGC that aims to transform the higher education landscape in India by making online courses as valuable as offline ones. It provides students with the opportunity to learn from the best institutions and experts, both online and offline, and earn credits and certificates that are recognized and accepted by all HEIs.
It also enables students to customize their learning journeys and pursue their academic and career goals with flexibility and convenience. The ABC system is a boon for students who want to enhance their skills and knowledge and achieve their full potential.
