Think of it as your “Academic Passport.” Here is the definitive, up-to-date guide to creating your ABC ID using DigiLocker.
What is ABC ID / APAAR?
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a digital storehouse that contains all the credits you earn during your higher education. Under the “One Nation, One Student ID” initiative, this has been merged into the APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry), a unique 12-digit number that stays with you from school through university.
Prerequisites
Before you start, ensure you have:
- An Aadhaar Card: Your name and DOB on Aadhaar will be used.
- Linked Mobile Number: You must have access to the phone number linked to your Aadhaar to receive the OTP.
Step-by-Step: Creating ABC ID in DigiLocker
Method 1: Using the DigiLocker Mobile App (Recommended)
- Download & Login: Open the DigiLocker app and sign in. If you’re a new user, click Sign Up and verify your Aadhaar.
- Go to Search: Tap the ‘Search’ icon at the bottom.
- Find the Document: Type “ABC ID” or “APAAR” in the search bar. Select “APAAR/ABC ID Card” under the Education & Learning category.
- Verify Details: Your Name, DOB, and Gender will be pre-filled from your Aadhaar.
- Enter Academic Info:
- Admission Year: Select the year you started your current course.
- Identity Type: Choose from Roll Number, Registration Number, Enrolment Number, or “New Admission.”
- Identity Value: Enter the number corresponding to the type you selected.
- Institution Name: Search and select your University or College from the dropdown list.
- Get Document: Tap ‘Get Document’. Your 12-digit ABC ID will be generated and saved in your ‘Issued Documents’ section.
Method 2: Using the DigiLocker Web Portal
- Visit digilocker.gov.in and log in.
- On the dashboard, look for the “Academic Bank of Credits” banner or go to ‘Search Documents’.
- Search for ‘ABC ID Card’.
- Fill in the required academic details (Admission Year, Institution, etc.).
- Click ‘Get Document’. You can now download the PDF version of your ID card.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
| “Aadhaar Mobile Mismatch” | Ensure you are using the OTP sent to the number linked to Aadhaar, not just your current login number. |
| “Institution Not Found” | Ensure you are searching for the Parent University (e.g., search for “University of Mumbai” rather than your specific local college). |
| “Record Not Found” | Select “New Admission” or “None” in the Identity Type if your current roll number hasn’t been synced yet. |
Why You Need It Right Now
- Transfer Credits: If you change colleges, your earned credits move with you automatically.
- Exam Forms: Most entrance exams in 2026 now require this ID to complete the application.
- No Paperwork: You no longer need to carry physical mark sheets for every admission process.