How to Create a DEB ID in 2026: Step-by-Step UGC-DEB Guide for Students

Step 1 – Create or Find Your ABC ID

Create or locate your ABC-ID through DigiLocker.

Step 2 – Visit the Official UGC-DEB Portal

Open the DEB-ID registration section of the UGC Distance Education Bureau portal.

Step 3 – Enter Your ABC ID

Enter your valid ABC-ID in the registration form.

Step 4 – Enter Your Personal Details

Provide your Aadhaar name, year of birth, gender and requested consent details.

Step 5 – Verify the Information

Ensure that the information entered matches your ABC/APAAR-linked records.

Step 6 – Enter Email ID and Mobile Number

Provide an active email address and mobile number.

Step 7 – Accept the Declaration and Submit

Read the declaration related to recognized/entitled programmes and admission precautions before submitting the form.

Step 8 – Generate and Keep Your DEB ID

After successful submission, retain the generated DEB-ID for your ODL or Online admission process.

DEB ID vs ABC ID vs APAAR ID

How to Find or Retrieve Your DEB ID

If you have already created a DEB-ID but do not remember the number, visit the official UGC-DEB student portal and enter your ABC-ID along with the required identity details. The portal can show the status linked with your ABC-ID and DEB-ID information. Students should avoid creating another DEB-ID if one has already been generated because the existing DEB-ID remains valid throughout the ODL/Online learning lifecycle.

DEB ID Last Date 2026

Students planning to take admission in an ODL or Online programme should create their DEB-ID before completing the admission process. For the August 2026 academic session, UGC-DEB currently states that the last date for recognized/entitled HEIs to admit learners to ODL and Online programmes is October 13, 2026. Students should not wait until the last date to generate their DEB-ID, as it is mandatory for applicable ODL and Online enrolment. Individual universities may also have their own admission schedules, so applicants should check both the university admission notice and the UGC-DEB portal before applying.

Official Portals for DEB ID and ABC ID

Students should use only official government portals when creating or updating their DEB-ID. The UGC-DEB portal provides facilities for DEB-ID registration, DEB detail updates, recognized programme checking and admission-related information. Students who do not already have an ABC-ID can create one through DigiLocker before proceeding with DEB-ID registration. If there is an error in ABC/APAAR-linked information such as the learner’s name, date of birth or gender, the discrepancy should first be corrected through the ABC support system or DigiLocker before updating the DEB-ID.

Common Problems While Creating a DEB ID

ABC ID Is Not Showing

If your ABC-ID is not displayed or cannot be verified, check whether the details entered on the UGC-DEB portal match the information associated with your ABC/APAAR account. Any mismatch should be resolved before continuing with DEB-ID registration.

Name or Personal Details Do Not Match

The details used for DEB-ID registration should match the identity information available through the linked academic records. If there is a mismatch, correct the relevant ABC/APAAR or DigiLocker information before attempting registration again.

DEB ID Already Exists

If the portal indicates that a DEB-ID has already been generated, do not create another ID. Use the existing DEB-ID for your ODL or Online admission process.

Unable to Complete Registration

Check your internet connection and ensure that all mandatory fields have been entered correctly. If the issue continues, use the support or grievance facilities available on the official UGC-DEB portal.

How to Verify a University Before Admission

Creating a DEB-ID alone does not mean that a university or programme is approved. Before paying admission fees, students should independently check whether the selected Higher Educational Institution and the specific programme are recognized or entitled for ODL/Online education for the relevant academic session.

1. Open the official UGC-DEB portal.
2. Find the list of recognized or entitled Higher Educational Institutions.
3. Search for the university you want to join.
4. Check whether your selected programme is listed for the relevant session.
5. Confirm the learning mode, such as ODL or Online.
6. Only then proceed with the university’s admission process.

Important Points About DEB ID

• DEB-ID is required for applicable ODL and Online admissions.
• An ABC-ID is required before generating a DEB-ID.
• DEB-ID should not be confused with ABC-ID or APAAR ID.
• Creating a DEB-ID does not itself make an unrecognized programme valid.
• Always verify the university and specific programme for the relevant academic session.
• Use the official UGC-DEB portal for DEB-ID registration and verification.
• Keep your generated DEB-ID safely for future admission-related requirements.

Conclusion

Creating a DEB ID is an important step for students planning to enrol in eligible ODL or Online programmes. The process starts with an ABC-ID and is completed through the UGC-DEB portal by entering the required personal details and submitting the declaration. Before taking admission, students should also verify that the selected university and programme have the required UGC-DEB recognition or entitlement for the relevant academic session.