UGC invites application for ODL programme; only 5 yr old institutions eligible

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 18: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited application from higher education institutions to conduct Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes, for the academic session 2018-19. Degree-granting institutions which has been in existence for more than five years are eligible to apply for the ODL programmes.

The Commission has made the third amendment in the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017, thus, incorporating changes to allow more institutions to offer distance courses.

Institutions not having National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) below 3.26 on a 4 point scale are also eligible to apply as per the amended regulation. These institutions will have to submit an undertaking to the effect that it will attain the score of 3.26 before the end of academic session July 2019-June 2020.

Beyond 2020, UGC will not accord recognition to ODL programmes, if an institution fails to get the required NAAC score. The UGC notice reads, “failing which, the Commission shall not accord any approval to the Open and Distance Learning Programmes of the Higher Educational Institutions.”

The higher education regulator has asked the institutions to send in their applications by October 5.