UGC issues guidelines for students enrolling in ODL, online courses; cautions them about prohibited programmes

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued detailed notice advising students to take specific precautions when enrolling in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) programmes. The UGC guidance highlights steps such as verifying the programme's recognition status, meeting all necessary enrollment requirements, and reviewing the list of institutions that are barred from offering such programmes.

According to UGC, students are required to verify that their chosen Higher Education Institution (HEI) is recognized for offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes for the admission session they are interested in by checking the UGC DEB website.

UGC also asks students to review programme details on the HEI’s website, pay attention to prohibited programmes, ensure there is no franchising arrangement, and confirm that all activities for ODL programmes are conducted within the institution's territorial jurisdiction.

Mandatory creation of DEB-ID

The UGC in its 581st meeting on June 25, 2024, introduced a mandatory DEB-ID system to streamline admissions for students enrolling in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Learning (OL) programmes. Starting from the October 2024 academic session (revised from July-August), studentsare required to create a DEB-ID on the UGC-DEB portal by registering with their Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) ID to enroll in approved HEIs for ODL,OL programmes. This unique DEB-ID will be valid for lifelong ODL, OL learning.

Checking details on HEI’s website

According to UGC guidelines , all HEIs authorized to offer ODL and Online programmes are required to post detailed information on their websites. This includes their UGC application, affidavit, approvals from statutory bodies, regulatory authority approvals, and any additional relevant information.

HEIs under ‘No admission’ category

The UGC has specified that the following HEIs have been restricted from offering certain ODL and online programmes and placed in the "no admission" category:

1. Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Rajasthan – Prohibited from offering online programmes for five academic sessions beginning in July-August 2024. Applications for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 sessions will not be accepted, even under the "Entitled Category."

2. Periyar University, Tamil Nadu – Restricted from providing Online programmes for the academic years 2024-25 and 2025-26, starting from the session beginning in July-August 2024, even within the "entitled category."

3. NALSAR University, Telangana – Barred from offering ODL programmes for the academic year 2024-25, starting from the session in October 2024 (revised from July-August 2024).

Prohibited programmes

According to the UGC , students are advised against enrolling in certain prohibited programmes under ODL and Online modes. These restricted programmes include:

• Medical fields and allied health domains, such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Para-medical disciplines, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Dental studies.

• Professional and applied sciences like Architecture, Law, Agriculture, Horticulture, Hotel Management, Catering Technology, Culinary Sciences, and Aircraft Maintenance.

• Specialized areas including Visual Arts, Sports, and Aviation.

Additionally, any programme not explicitly approved for ODL or Online by relevant statutory or regulatory bodies is prohibited. Specifically, yoga and tourism and hospitality management Programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels are restricted in the online mode. Furthermore, MPhil and PhD programmes are not allowed through ODL and online modes across all disciplines.

Also read UGC adds Ayurveda Biology paper in NET exam starting from December 2024

Ensuring all activities within territorial jurisdiction for ODL programmes

Students are advised to confirm that all activities related to the HEI's ODL Programmes, including admissions, counseling, contact Programmes, Programmedelivery, and examinations, are conducted strictly within the HEI's designated Territorial Jurisdiction as specified below.

Prohibition on franchising for ODL and OL programmes:

1. Universities, whether central, state, private, or deemed, are not permitted to conduct admissions or deliver programmes through franchising arrangements for ODL and OL programmes. Admissions must be completed transparently through the HEI’s main headquarters.

2. Learner Support Centers (LSCs) are required to be be directly established and operated by the HEI, without involving any third-party franchise or outsourcing arrangements.

3. The HEI are required to retain full ownership over the ODL and Online Programmes, including all necessary components and online platforms, and must not use any franchise model with private service providers. This is in line with the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.

Learner centre provisions

According to UGC guidelines:

1. Learner mobility: Students enrolled in ODL or online programmes in a UGC-recognized HEI can switch between learning modes within the same institution, provided it aligns with the institution’s statutory provisions. For Programmes overseen by a regulatory authority, approval must be obtained from the relevant body for such mobility.

2. Recognition period admissions: Admissions into recognized ODL or Online programmes made during the validity of the institution’s recognition remain valid until programme completion, even if the institution’s recognition lapses in subsequent years. This is allowed as long as the programme adheres to UGC’s jurisdictional and regulatory norms.

3. Enrollment for ODL mode: Learners across the country may enroll in any UGC-recognized HEI offering ODL programmes. However, institutions must conduct all related activities, including admissions, contact sessions, and exams, strictly within their designated territorial jurisdiction.

4. Enrollment for online mode: Learners, both within India and internationally, are eligible to enroll in any UGC-approved HEI offering online programmes.