UGC Recognition for ODL Programmes: HEIs are required submit online forms by April 3, and affidavit hard copies by April 15.
Alivia Mukherjee | March 14, 2025 | 01:01 PM IST
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.
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.
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.
As per UGC, HEIs offering ODL and online courses are required to disclose the following details on their official websites:
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