IGNOU students often see the terms ABC ID, APAAR ID, DigiLocker and DEB ID on admission or examination portals. They are connected, but they do not all mean the same thing. The important step is to create one academic ID, keep the number safely and provide it wherever IGNOU asks for it.
Is ABC ID mandatory for IGNOU? Yes. IGNOU’s Term-End Examination instructions require students to create an ABC ID while filling the examination form. New ODL and online applicants may also need an ABC or APAAR ID before creating the separate DEB ID used for admission.
What Is an IGNOU ABC ID?
Academic Bank of Credits is a digital system for maintaining academic credits sent by recognised institutions. The student receives a unique academic identity, commonly shown as an ABC ID or APAAR ID, while DigiLocker provides access to the related digital card and issued records.
Students cannot upload marks or credits to ABC on their own. IGNOU must send the eligible academic record to the system.
ABC ID, APAAR ID, DigiLocker and DEB ID
| Term | What it means | Use for IGNOU students |
|---|---|---|
| ABC or APAAR ID | A unique academic identity connected with the Academic Bank of Credits. | Used for academic-credit records and wherever IGNOU asks for the ID. |
| DigiLocker | A digital platform used to access issued documents and the APAAR or ABC ID card. | Used during ID creation, verification and document access. |
| DEB ID | A separate identity for learners taking admission in ODL or online programmes. | Created using the ABC or APAAR ID during the admission process. |
| IGNOU enrolment number | Your university student number. | Used inside IGNOU systems; it is not a replacement for ABC or DEB ID. |
Open the Required Portals
Use only the official portals when entering your identity details, OTP or security PIN.
How to Create or Link an IGNOU ABC ID
Sign in to IGNOU Samarth
Open your student account and look for the ABC, APAAR or academic-credit option. The exact label can change.
Continue to the official identity service
If the option is available, it will take you to the approved ABC or DigiLocker process. Do not use an unofficial registration form.
Sign in to DigiLocker
Use your existing account. Students without one can follow our DigiLocker account creation guide.
Complete identity verification
Enter the details and complete the KYC method shown on the official screen. Check that your name and date of birth match your academic record.
Give consent and create the ID
Review the information, provide the required consent and finish the process. Save the unique ID displayed after successful creation.
Return to IGNOU and verify the link
Open the student portal again and check whether the ABC or APAAR number is visible or linked. Enter it manually only when the official portal asks.
If the ABC option is not visible in Samarth, sign in to DigiLocker and search for “APAAR/ABC ID Card” or the similar Academic Bank of Credits service shown under education documents. Portal names and button labels may change, so follow the current official screen instead of an old screenshot.
What to Do After Creating the ID
- Save the ID in a secure place and check the digits before submitting it.
- Verify your name, date of birth and other personal details.
- Check DigiLocker’s Issued Documents section for the available ID card.
- Use the same ID for future academic services instead of creating another one.
- Keep your OTP, DigiLocker security PIN and identity documents private.
Common Problems
Name or date of birth mismatch
Compare the information in Aadhaar, DigiLocker and IGNOU records. A mismatch can stop verification or linking.
ID already exists
Recover and use the existing ID. Do not create multiple ABC or APAAR IDs for the same person.
Credits are not showing
Creating the ID does not add marks immediately. Credits appear after IGNOU sends and matches the eligible academic record.
ABC ID is not linked in IGNOU
Sign in again, check the academic-credit section and confirm the number. Use the correct IGNOU support channel when the problem continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABC ID compulsory for the IGNOU exam form?
IGNOU’s official TEE instructions require students to create an ABC ID while filling the examination form so that grades and marks can be reflected in the academic-credit system.
Are ABC ID and APAAR ID the same?
The current academic ecosystem connects APAAR with the Academic Bank of Credits, and portals may show the identity as APAAR or ABC ID. Use the single unique ID available in your official account.
Is DigiLocker required to create an ABC ID?
DigiLocker is commonly used for identity verification and for accessing the APAAR or ABC ID card. Follow the official route opened by IGNOU Samarth or the ABC portal.
Is DEB ID the same as ABC ID?
No. DEB ID is separate and is used for ODL or online admission. The ABC or APAAR ID is used first to generate the DEB ID.
Can I create another ABC ID if I forget the first one?
No. Recover the existing ID through the official account or support process. Multiple IDs can create record and verification problems.
Why are my IGNOU credits not visible after creating the ID?
The ID only creates the academic account. Credits become visible after IGNOU uploads the eligible record and the personal details match correctly.
1 thought on “IGNOU ABC ID: Is It Mandatory and How to Create It”
Thank you veryyyyy Much i was very confused now i got my answer thankss again