UGC asks universities to apply for approval of ODL, online courses for academic year 2025-26

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is inviting applications from eligible Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) for recognition to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) online programmes for the academic year 2025-26. As per UGC, the last date to apply for recognition is April 3.

As per UGC notice, HEIs are required to apply as per UGC Regulations 2020 3(A), 3(B), and its amendments. The registration form can be filled on the official website, deb.ugc.ac.in. Institutions are required to submit a hard copy of the original affidavit and annexures by April 15, 2025. The address for hard copy submission is- Joint Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC, 35 Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi – 110001.

The UGC has clarified that HEIs entitled to offer online programmes and category I HEIs eligible for ODL programmes can submit applications throughout the year via the UGC DEB portal. However, submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Each application will undergo thorough scrutiny based on the standards set by the UGC regulations.

Diploma programmes in ODL, online modes

As per UGC regulations, 2020, recognized HEIs may offer certificate and diploma programmes in domains other than those prohibited under clause (2) of regulation 2. However, these programmes are required to be approved by the statutory authorities of the respective HEIs and the relevant regulatory councils before their commencement.

AICTE approval for programmes

As per UGC, universities do not require prior approval or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the AICTE for offering UG, PG or PG Diploma programmes in computer applications, travel and tourism under ODL and online modes. However, deemed-to-be universities still require AICTE’s prior approval for offering such programmes.

As per UGC regulations, courses such as engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy, agriculture, hotel management, and culinary management cannot be offered in ODL mode by any HEI.

Disclosures on HEIs website offering ODL programmes

As per UGC, HEIs offering ODL and online courses are required to disclose the following details on their official websites:

• Recognition letters: Approvals from the UGC and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Programme details: Name, duration, eligibility, fee structure, and other essential information.
• Course information: Syllabus, faculty details, credit structure, and contact points for academic support.
• Admission, academic schedule: Dates for admission, registration, counseling, and assignments.
• Enrollment data: Year-wise and program-wise student enrollment figures.
• Self-Learning Material (SLM): Information about faculty, preparation dates, references, and sources.
• Learner support and exam centers: A list of centers along with the number of students appearing in exams.
• Academic timeline: Admission process period, academic session dates, and term-end examination schedules.
• Quality assurance report: Measures taken to ensure educational quality and compliance with UGC guidelines.