UGC amends ABC platform rules to bring all institutions within its ambit

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission has brought all higher education institutions under the Academic Bank of Credit system by amending its ABC regulations from 2019. All universities, colleges and autonomous educational institutions, irrespective of their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) rating and National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranks, are eligible to participate in the ABC system.

“lt was felt that universities and autonomous colleges satisfying sub-regulation (2) of regulation and the institution of National Importance as declared by the Government of India and especially empowered by an act of Parliament to confer grant degrees, irrespective of their NAAC or NIRF ranking should be able to register in the Academic Bank of Credits,” an official notice said. To enable this, the higher education regulator has notified required amendments.

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Earlier only institutions that have been awarded an “A” grade by the NAAC or rated high by a similar body were eligible. The UGC has further asked all educational institutions to take appropriate steps to join the ABC platform.

UGC has allowed all universities, colleges to participate in ABC platform irrespective of NAAC and NIRF status

NEP 2020 and ABC system

In line with the National Education Policy, or NEP 2020, this ABC system intends to provide greater degree of flexibility and easier access to multidisciplinary education.

The ABC system, a virtual repository of credits, will give students the opportunity to choose preferred courses at a preferred time with multiple entry and exit points. Students will be required to open an “academic bank account” to be able to choose courses and preferred institutions. The credits collected by students will hold a shelf life of up to seven years. However, each participating institution will make its own rules on how a degree will be granted under the ABC system.

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So far, 18 higher educational institutions have registered to implement the ABC system. The platform was launched by prime minister Narendra Modi on the first anniversary of NEP 2020.