UGC Secretary Issues Urgent Deadline for Academic Credit Uploads to ABC Portal

The UGC has set a firm deadline of December 31, 2024, for the completion of these uploads. After this date, institutions will no longer be permitted to deposit credits into the ABC ecosystem.

In a significant development for higher education institutions across the country, Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has issued a critical letter addressing the management of academic credits under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The letter outlines the importance of adhering to the deadlines for uploading credit data to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) portal, a key component of the NEP’s vision for a more flexible and integrated higher education system.

The NEP 2020 aims to transform the higher education landscape by promoting large, multidisciplinary universities and colleges with innovative and adaptable curricular structures. This includes the implementation of a credit-based system designed to facilitate flexible, integrated, and lifelong learning opportunities. A cornerstone of this initiative is the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), which digitally stores academic credits earned by students from various recognized Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). This system is intended to support the seamless transfer and redemption of credits, thereby enhancing educational mobility and flexibility.

In his letter, Joshi emphasizes the critical role that HEIs play in maintaining the accuracy and timeliness of credit data uploads. According to the directive, all HEIs are required to upload credit data to the APAAR credit repository and ensure that students’ APAAR accounts are updated accordingly. This process is essential for the efficient operation of the ABC system and the realization of its benefits for students.

The UGC has set a firm deadline of December 31, 2024, for the completion of these uploads. After this date, institutions will no longer be permitted to deposit credits into the ABC ecosystem. This deadline underscores the urgency for HEIs to prioritize the upload of credit data, particularly for the academic years 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Joshi's communication also stresses the importance of real-time updates. Institutions are expected to upload credit information immediately following the completion of assessments and the declaration of results. This will ensure that the ABC system remains current and functional, supporting students' academic progress and the integrity of their credit records.

The UGC's directive is a call to action for all HEIs to adhere to these guidelines and meet the established deadlines, thereby contributing to the successful implementation of the NEP 2020 and the effective operation of the Academic Bank of Credits.