UGC approves 9 more online degree, ODL programmes; registration open till March 31

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) allowed three more Higher education institutions (HEIs) to offer courses in the online and distance learning modes for academic sessions beginning in January-February 2023. The HEIs approved by the UGC are Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences (Himachal Pradesh), Vivekananda Global University (Rajasthan) and Galgotias University (Uttar Pradesh).

The Commission has accorded approval to these HEIs after obtaining an affidavit ensuring compliance with the UGC (ODL, Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and the prescribed fee notified by the Commission. The last date for admission will be as notified by the UGC for each academic session and HEIs will upload the admission details within fifteen days thereafter. However, for the academic session January- February 2023, the last date of admission is March 31, 2023.

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The Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh will launch Master of Business Administration (MBA) in open and ODL mode. The Vivekananda Global University, Rajasthan will offer three programmes - Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The Galgotias University, Uttar Pradesh will offer five programmes including Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Master of Commerce (MCom).

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According to the official UGC notice, these HEIs are entitled to offer online programmes till they are complying NAAC or NIRF ranking requirements as per the UGC regulations. Previously, commission has also mandated all HEIs offering online and ODL programmes to create Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) IDs of its students and deposit their credits.

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In accordance with the new National Education Policy (NEP), ABC will be a national facility aimed at promoting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary academic mobility among HEls across the country through the use of an appropriate "credit transfer" mechanism.