With the launch of India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the government introduced a unique student identification system to digitally store and manage academic records. This has created curiosity among students, teachers, and institutions:
The simple answer is: Yes – APAAR ID and ABC ID refer to the same digital identity.
- APAAR ID stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry.
- ABC ID stands for Academic Bank of Credits ID.
Both are part of the same initiative to provide every student with a digital academic identity that stores learning credits, marksheets, certificates, and skill data.

What is ABC ID?
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC ID) is a unique 12-digit identification number provided to every student in India.
Key Features
- Stores all academic achievements and credits.
- Helps in seamless transfer between schools, colleges, and universities.
- Acts like a digital report card accessible anytime, anywhere.
- Linked to DigiLocker for secure storage.
- Useful for scholarships, higher education, and job applications.
What is APAAR ID?

APAAR ID is another name for the same Academic Bank of Credits ID.
- APAAR = Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry.
- It is a digital lifelong student identity.
- Every Indian student, from school to higher education, will get one.
Thus, when people ask “is apaar id and abc id same?” → the answer is Yes, they are identical.
ABC ID vs APAAR ID: Are They Different?
To clear the confusion, here’s a comparison table:
Feature | APAAR ID | ABC ID |
Full Form | Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry | Academic Bank of Credits |
Purpose | To provide lifelong academic identity | To store academic credits & records |
Issued By | Ministry of Education, Govt. of India | Ministry of Education, Govt. of India |
Format | 12-Digit Unique ID | 12-Digit Unique ID |
Difference | Just the name | Just the name |
Conclusion | Same | Same |
In short: APAAR ID = ABC ID
How to Create ABC ID (APAAR ID)?
Creating an ABC card is simple. Students can register online through the official Academic Bank of Credits portal or via DigiLocker.
Steps for Registration
- Visit abc.gov.in.
- Click on ABC Registration.
- Choose Student and enter your Aadhaar number.
- Verify via OTP.
- Fill in your education details.
- Your ABC (APAAR ID) will be generated.
Login Process

After creating the ID, students can log in anytime:
- Go to abc.gov.in.
- Click on ABC Login.
- Enter ID number / Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Enter OTP and access your academic records.
ABC ID Card Download
Once registered, you can download your ABCcard in PDF format.
Steps for Card Download
- Log in at abc.gov.in.
- Click on Download ABC Card.
- Save the card as a PDF for future use.
Download from DigiLocker

Students can also use DigiLocker for ABC ID download.
Steps: DigiLocker ABC Create & Download
- Log in to DigiLocker App/Website (digilocker.gov.in).
- Go to Education → Academic Bank of Credits.
- Select DigiLocker ABC create option.
- Verify with Aadhaar & OTP.
- Download DigiLocker ABC ID card directly.
Benefits of ABC ID (APAAR ID)
The ABC card comes with several benefits:
- Single Academic Identity – One ID for your entire education journey.
- Digital Storage – All marksheets, degrees, and skill certificates are stored digitally.
- Credit Transfer – Easy migration between colleges/universities.
- Scholarships & Jobs – Acts as proof of qualification.
- Lifelong Validity – Once created, it stays with you forever.
Common Issues in ABC ID Registration
While creating an abc card, students may face issues like:
- Aadhaar not linked with mobile number.
- Technical error in abc registration.
- Delay in abc card download.
Solution: Make sure Aadhaar is active & linked to your phone before trying abc create process.
Conclusion
Both refer to the same unique academic identity card issued by the Ministry of Education. With features like abc login, abc card download, digilocker abc create, and easy registration, students can now secure their academic journey digitally.
The pm awas yojana gave homes to people, and now the abc id (apaar id) is giving students a permanent digital home for their education records.
FAQs
Q1. Is APAAR ID and ABC ID same?
Yes, both are the same. APAAR is the registry system, and ABC is the actual student ID number.
Q2. How can I do ABC registration?
Visit abc.gov.in, enter Aadhaar, verify via OTP, and complete registration.
Q3. Where can I do ABC login?
On the official ABC portal or DigiLocker.
Q4. How to download ABC card?
After login, click ABC card download option and save as PDF.
Q5. Can I create ABC ID on DigiLocker?
Yes, you can use digilocker abc create feature for fast registration.
Q6. Is ABC ID mandatory?
Yes, it is gradually becoming mandatory for all students under NEP 2020.