UGC cautions students, institutions against fake notices on online, ODL programmes

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned students and higher education institutions against fake notices on online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. The warning came after the commission noticed misleading public notices being circulated on social media.

“It has come to the notice of the UGC that fake and misleading public notices have been circulated across social media platforms concerning programmes offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online (OL) mode,” the commission said in an official notice.

Warning students and institutions against such notices issued by unauthorised persons, institutions, or organisations, UGC advised them to refrain from engaging with such unofficial communications.

The apex regulator informed that it publishes official notifications only on the official website, ugc.gov.in, and such programme-specific information is provided on the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal.

Also read Biannual admissions, relaxed eligibility, dual programmes in draft UGC guidelines for UG, PG degrees

“It is informed that UGC officially publishes notifications solely on its official website (https://www.ugc.gov.in) and specific notices related to ODL and OL programmes are published through the UGC-DEB portal (https://deb.ugc.ac.in). These websites represent the only credible sources for public notices and information pertaining to the UGC,” it stated.

The commission further asked students and HEIs to report such instances for ‘appropriate’ action. “This notice is issued in public interest to ensure awareness and any such instances of violations noticed may be reported to the UGC for appropriate action.”