How to Download ABC ID From DigiLocker and Find Your Academic ID
If your college, university or examination form asks for an ABC ID, you can usually find it in DigiLocker under the name APAAR ID or APAAR/ABC ID Card. ABC (Academic Bank of Credits) and APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) are linked systems; the student ID is generally a unique 12-digit number used to connect academic records and credits.
The quickest method is: sign in to the official DigiLocker website or app, open Issued Documents, select APAAR/ABC ID Card or Academic Bank of Credits ID, and tap Download. If the document has not been issued yet, use Search Documents to generate or fetch it.
Key Takeaways
- ABC ID is commonly displayed as an APAAR ID or APAAR/ABC ID Card in DigiLocker.
- You need a DigiLocker account, and identity details must generally match Aadhaar and institutional records.
- Your college or university may need your ABC/APAAR number to upload academic credits.
- Never create a second ABC/APAAR ID; official terms warn that duplicate IDs may be disabled.
- If the card is missing, check Search Documents, your Aadhaar details and your institution’s records.
- Download only from DigiLocker, the official APAAR portal or the official ABC portal.
What Is an ABC ID or APAAR ID?
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is a digital system for storing, transferring and redeeming academic credits awarded by recognised higher-education institutions. APAAR is the student identity layer connected to this system.
The official APAAR portal describes APAAR as a “One Nation, One Student ID” initiative. It provides a unique 12-digit identity that can be used to connect marksheets, certificates, degrees, diplomas and other recognised learning achievements. It is intended to support student mobility, credit transfer and flexible learning pathways. APAAR official portal
DigiLocker acts as the secure document wallet where the virtual APAAR/ABC card may be delivered. The National Academic Depository also explains that students can register through the ABC portal and submit the resulting APAAR ID to their institution so credits can be sent to the correct account. National Academic Depository
How to Download ABC ID From DigiLocker
Use these steps when your ABC/APAAR card has already been generated.
- Open digilocker.gov.in or launch the official DigiLocker mobile app.
- Select Sign In and log in with your registered mobile number, username or Aadhaar/VID option.
- Complete OTP verification if requested, then enter your DigiLocker security PIN.
- From the dashboard, open Issued Documents.
- Look for one of these names:
- APAAR ID Card
- APAAR/ABC ID Card
- Academic Bank of Credits ID
- A document issued by Academic Bank of Credits
- Tap or click the document to open it.
- Select the Download icon or download option.
- Save the PDF to your phone or computer. You can print it if your college specifically requests a hard copy.
The exact label can vary between DigiLocker’s website and app. Searching for “APAAR”, “ABC” or “Academic Bank of Credits” can help locate the card.
If You Have Not Created an ABC ID Yet
If Issued Documents is empty, you may need to fetch the card first.
Create or fetch the card on the DigiLocker website
- Sign in to DigiLocker.
- Select Search Documents.
- Open the Education and Learning category.
- Search for Academic Bank of Credits.
- Choose APAAR/ABC ID Card or the similarly named issuer.
- Review the personal information displayed, such as your name, date of birth and gender.
- Enter the requested academic details, which may include:
- Admission year
- Academic institution
- Identity type
- Identity value
- Choose your institution from the list.
- Read and accept the consent statement.
- Select Get Document.
- After the document is issued, return to Issued Documents and download the card.
The identity value is normally an identifier supplied by your institution, such as an enrolment number, registration number, roll number or admission number. Use the format your college or university has instructed. If you are unsure, ask the institution’s ABC/APAAR nodal officer rather than guessing.
Create it through the ABC portal
You can also start from the official Academic Bank of Credits portal. Select the student account option and authenticate using DigiLocker/MeriPehchaan credentials. The portal may ask you to select your institution, admission year and identity type before linking your account.
The portal and DigiLocker are connected, so a card created through the ABC workflow may subsequently appear in DigiLocker’s Issued Documents section. Menus can change, so follow the labels currently shown on the official site.
How to Find Your Academic ID Quickly
If a form asks for your “Academic ID”, “ABC number” or “APAAR number”:
- Open the downloaded card or its digital view.
- Find the 12-digit APAAR/ABC ID printed on the document.
- Enter all digits carefully, without spaces unless the form specifically formats them.
- Compare the number with your institution’s records before submitting it.
Do not confuse the ABC/APAAR ID with your college roll number, university registration number, student PEN, DigiLocker username or Aadhaar number. These are different identifiers, although some may be requested while generating the card.
Requirements and Information You May Need
Requirements vary by student category and the issuing workflow, but keep the following ready:
| Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| DigiLocker account | Used for authentication and document delivery |
| Aadhaar-linked mobile access | Often required for OTP-based identity verification |
| Name and date of birth | Must match identity and academic records |
| Gender and demographic details | Used to match the student profile |
| Admission year | Helps identify the relevant academic record |
| Institution name | Links the ID to your college or university |
| Roll, registration or enrolment number | Used as the identity value |
| Consent | Authorises fetching or linking the document |
For school students, the official APAAR guidance says demographic details should match Aadhaar and that a PEN (UDISE+ student identifier) is required. Minors generally require parental consent through the school process. APAAR FAQs
ABC ID Not Showing in DigiLocker: Troubleshooting
“No document found”
The ID may not have been generated or pushed to your account. Open Search Documents, search for APAAR or Academic Bank of Credits, and check whether the issuer is available. For school-generated APAAR IDs, ask your school to check the status in the UDISE+ APAAR module.
Name or date-of-birth mismatch
A mismatch between Aadhaar and institutional records can stop generation. Ask your institution to correct its student record, or update Aadhaar through UIDAI where appropriate. Do not create another account to bypass the mismatch.
Institution is not listed
Your institution may not yet be onboarded, or its name may appear under a different official spelling. Contact the college examination section or ABC nodal officer and request the exact institution name and identity type to use.
OTP or login failure
Check that you are using the mobile number registered with DigiLocker/Aadhaar, install updates from the official app store, switch between a reliable Wi-Fi and mobile connection, and try the website if the app is unavailable. Never share your OTP or security PIN with another person.
Credits are missing even though the ID exists
Creating an ABC/APAAR ID does not automatically add every mark or credit. The authorised university or institution must upload and link the academic data. Contact your institution’s examination or nodal office to request a credit-upload status check. DigiLocker’s official help material states that credit points linked to APAAR are uploaded by the university. DigiLocker “Ask Our Experts” PDF
Is the DigiLocker ABC Card Valid?
DigiLocker-issued documents are digitally signed by the issuing authority. DigiLocker states that digitally issued documents can be legally valid when used electronically under the Information Technology Act, 2000, but acceptance can still depend on the organisation and purpose. For admissions, examinations or scholarships, follow the specific instructions of the requesting institution.
Use the official DigiLocker domain and app-store listings. Avoid websites offering “instant ABC ID”, unofficial APK files or paid downloads. Such services may collect Aadhaar details, OTPs or passwords, and a downloaded image from an unknown source may not be an authentic issued document.
Also create only one ABC/APAAR ID. The official APAAR terms warn that duplicate IDs can lead to the earlier ID being disabled and associated information becoming inaccessible. APAAR Terms of Use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ABC ID the same as APAAR ID?
They are used together and are commonly treated as the same student academic identifier. DigiLocker may display the document as APAAR ID Card, APAAR/ABC ID Card or Academic Bank of Credits ID.
Where can I find my ABC ID in DigiLocker?
Sign in and open Issued Documents. Search for APAAR or Academic Bank of Credits if it is not immediately visible. Open the card to view the 12-digit number.
Can I download the ABC ID without Aadhaar?
The available authentication method depends on the DigiLocker and ABC workflow. Aadhaar-linked verification is commonly used, particularly where demographic matching is required. Check the current official login options rather than using an unofficial workaround.
Is ABC ID compulsory?
Requirements can differ by institution and programme. Some colleges and universities ask for it for admissions, examinations or credit transfer. Follow your institution’s latest notice and the official ABC/APAAR guidance.
Can I edit my ABC or APAAR ID?
You should not attempt to create a replacement ID. Correct the underlying Aadhaar or institutional information through the responsible authority and ask the ABC/DigiLocker support channel how the existing record should be updated.
Why is my college asking for the ABC ID?
The institution uses it to associate eligible academic credits with your ABC account and support transfer or verification when permitted.
Can I use a screenshot instead of the PDF?
Submit the format requested by the organisation. A DigiLocker-issued digital document or downloaded PDF is preferable because it retains the issuer information and verification features; a screenshot may not be accepted.
What should I do if I created two ABC IDs?
Stop using the duplicate and contact your institution’s ABC nodal officer or official APAAR/DigiLocker support promptly. Duplicate IDs may be disabled under the APAAR terms.
