The Academic Bank of Credits: A New Pathway to Higher Education

Academic bank of credits
Academic Bank of Credits.

Introduction

The Academic Bank of Credits is closely related to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The UGC is the governing body for higher education in India and has put an important role in developing and implementing the Academic Bank of Credits system in India.

The NEP 2020, which is a comprehensive policy framework aimed at transforming the Indian education system, has also endorsed the concept of the Academic Bank of Credits as a means of promoting flexibility and credit mobility in higher education.

The Academic Bank of Credits aligns with the NEP’s vision of creating a more flexible and student-centric education system that enables learners to pursue their academic interests and career aspirations. It also supports the UGC’s efforts to streamline credit transfer and create a more seamless education system across institutions.

By allowing students to accumulate and transfer credits, the Academic Bank of Credits system enables them to access a wider range of educational opportunities and helps them save time and money in the process.

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In this article, we are covering the various dimensions of the Academic Bank of Credits.

The concept of the National Credit Framework (NCrF)

NCrF incorporates the qualification framework for higher education, vocational and skill education and school education. So, for the creditization and integration of any type of higher education which is supporting the certificate/diploma/ degree with the concept of multiple entry and exit options must follow the National Credit Framework.

The Concept of the ABC

The establishment of the Academic Bank of Credits is based on the National Academic Depository (NAD). In other words, it is the backbone of ABC where academic awards and information of students are stored.  We may call it a digital bank of academics or a storehouse of academics.

The NAD platform serves as a system for ABC that allows students to register and create an ABC ID, which can be used to store, transfer, redeem, and receive recognition for academic credits.

Creating an Academic Bank of Credits account is essential for any student who wants to take advantage of this innovative system. By creating an account, students can track their progress, access their account information, and manage their credits online.

This allows them to plan their academic journey with greater precision and flexibility, making the most of the opportunities available to them. Whether you’re planning to transfer to another institution, pursue a different degree, or simply want to take courses for personal enrichment, having an Academic Bank of Credits account is a major step in achieving your academic and career goals.

To avail of the ABC, scheme the eligibility criteria for the institute are to have the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an β€˜A’ grade and above.

The concept of ABC is based on the recognition that learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom and that all forms of learning should be valued and recognized. The system operates on the principle of credit accumulation and transfer, where credits earned by a student in one institution can be transferred to another institution, and vice versa.

The ABC system provides students with the flexibility to choose their own learning path, and the ability to move between institutions without losing their earned credits. This is especially important for students who may need to transfer due to personal or professional reasons, or for those who wish to pursue further studies at a different institution.

The ABC system also benefits institutions by providing them with a larger pool of potential students, and by enabling them to attract students who may not have considered their institution otherwise. This creates a more competitive and dynamic education market, encouraging institutions to improve their programs and services to meet the needs of students.

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What is Academic credit?

  • Academic Credit: It is a unit by which the course work (theory/ practical/ training) is measured.
  • The required number of instructional hours per week is determined by it.
Semester of (13 -15 Weeks)Theory/ Per WeekTutorial/ Per WeekPractical/ Per WeekTraining/ Per Week
1 Credit 1 Hr.1 Hr.2 Hr.1 week of internship

Credit Management for Students and Institutions through Academic Bank of Credit

Credit Management for Students and Institutions through ABC
  1. Credit Bank: The ABC system functions as a credit bank, allowing students to borrow academic credits to complete their degree requirements.
  1. Credit Transfer: ABC allows students to transfer credits earned from one institution to another, providing a seamless and efficient process for transferring academic credit.
  1. Credit Accumulation: Students can accumulate credits earned from various institutions and programs, allowing them to build a more comprehensive academic portfolio.
  1. Credit Validation: The ABC system validates the credits earned by the students, ensuring that they meet the required academic standards.
  1. Credit Repository: ABC serves as a central repository of all the academic credits earned by the students, making it easy for them to access and share their academic records with different institutions.

Regulations and Major Functions of ABC

The Academic Bank of Credits is a system that promotes academic mobility and flexibility, providing students with the opportunity to create their own personalized learning paths, and enabling institutions to attract a wider range of students.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, the ABC system will become increasingly important in ensuring that students have access to quality education, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Following are the regulations of ABC

  • Only NAAC-accredited universities and colleges with a minimum ‘A’ grade can register under the ABC scheme.
  • Up to 20% of extra seats should be reserved for students enrolling through the ABC scheme at the institute.
  • The learning management system (LMS) of all universities offering online programs should be integrated with the ABC portal.
  • Earned Credit Validity for students is up to 7 years and then expires.
  • Students can enter the ODD Semester and exit after completion of the EVEN Semester.


How ABC works
Working of the Academic Bank of Credits

ABC is having following major functions:

  • Registration of the HEIs under the ABC scheme.
  • Inclusion of all types of courses offered by the HEIs which are recognized by UGC / AICTE along with open/distance learning courses and online courses.
  • NPTEL, MOOC, SWAYAM, and V-Lab courses will be available on ABC Portal.
  • Opening, Validation, and Closure of the ABC accounts of students.
  • Credit verification, accumulation, transfer and redemption of the student.

Point for HEIs to Expand the ABC Program

  • Registration of HEIs on ABC’s official website.
  • Publish student credit data on a regular basis.
  • HEIs need to include the link to the ABC URL on their website.
  • HEIs must assign a nodal officer to carry out the ABC process.
  • HEIs should inform students to open an account on the ABC portal.

Credit Requirements and Qualification Types for Multidisciplinary Degree with Multiple Entry/Exit Options

Typically, students must complete a set number of credit hours to qualify for a degree or certificate. The credit requirements for each level of qualification vary, with students earning a certificate or diploma after completing a smaller number of credits compared to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

The types of qualifications awarded also vary, with some programs offering stackable credentials that allow students to exit with a certificate or diploma and return to complete higher levels of education later.

These multidisciplinary degree programs offer a unique opportunity for students to tailor their education to their career goals and interests while providing the flexibility to enter and exit the program at different stages of their academic journey.

Credit Requirements and Qualification Types for Multidisciplinary Degree

Impact of ABC on the Educational System

ABC promotes quality assurance and standardization in higher education by ensuring that courses meet the necessary standards and are recognized across institutions. Overall, the implementation of ABC has had a positive impact on the educational system by increasing accessibility, promoting quality, and encouraging lifelong learning.

  • HEIs need to maintain continuous improvement w.r.t quality education.
  • University and Autonomous / Affiliated Colleges must undergo the accreditation process on a regular basis.
  • With multiple entry and exit students get the flexibility for learning.
  • Multiple choices to select their academic courses.
  • Students can withdraw at any time and have a choice for earned credits with a certificate or diploma or degree.
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How Splashgain Can Support ABC to HEIs?

  • Splashgain is Fastest Growing & Award-Winning Global EdTech Company.
  • We offer various EdTech solutions such as OSM, Remote Proctoring, DocuExprt, Accreditation systems and so on.
  • We are well-positioned to aid in the realization of the objectives outlined by UGC and NEP 2020.
  • Our support could help HEIs for the smooth execution of the ABC program through our LMS system.
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