ODL at par with degree offered by traditional Universities

NEW DELHI, FEB 26: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notice stating that the Open and Distance Learning Degrees awarded in conformity with the UGC Regulations should be treated as equivalent to the corresponding Degree of the traditional Universities.

The apex higher education regulatory body has notified the UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017 introducing various changes in the ODL programmes being conducted all over the country.

As per recent UGC notice, “the Government of India has envisaged a greater role for the Open and the Distance Education System. The envisioned role may be fulfilled by recognizing and treating the Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates awarded through distance mode at par with the corresponding awards of Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates obtained through the formal system of education.”

However, it has clarified that the technical programmes that require hands-on training cannot be offered through ODL mode. The UGC Regulations, 2OI7 states, “the programmes in engineering, medicine, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy and such other programmes which require hands-on training are not permitted to be offered under Open and Distance Learning mode.”

Open and Distance Education System in the country is contributing a lot to the expansion of Higher Education and for achieving the target of Gross Enrollment Ratio, without compromising on quality.

Nonrecognition of ODL degrees for the purpose of promotion and employment and pursuing higher education is likely to prove a deterrent to many aspiring students.

“The Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates awarded for programmes conducted by the ODL institutions, recognized by the erstwhile DEC/UGC, in conformity with UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees should be treated as equivalent to the corresponding awards of the Degree/Diploma/ Certificate of the traditional Universities/Institutions in the country,” UGC Notice reads.