UGC extends deadline for ODL, online programmes to October 15

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has extended the last date for admission to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Programmes for the academic year July-August 2025 to October 15.

Earlier, the deadline to apply for distance learning online programmes was September 15. However, with representations received from several higher educational institutions (HEIs), the commission extended the admission deadline, as per the official statement by the UGC.

“UGC has decided to extend the Last date to admit learners in ODL/Online Programmes for academic session July August, 2025, from 15th September 2025 to 15th October 2025,” as per the official statement.

The UGC said that all HEIs offering programmes through ODL and online mode must adhere to the revised timeline.

Also read UGC stops ODL programmes in allied and healthcare sciences; existing permissions withdrawn

National Sports Day on August 29

On Thursday, the commission conveyed to all schools and colleges to celebrate National Sports Day on August 29, and organise sports, fitness activities for at least one hour.

The sports day should be celebrated till August 31 to spread well-being among students and staff, the UGC said.

In addition, recently, a parliamentary panel, headed by Congress MP Divijay Singh, suggested that the Sports Authority of India (SFI), under Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports should set up a statutory body for sports education in India.

As per the report, there are a total of 24 National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) for training athletes and sports persons for the Olympics. The panel suggested that besides the sport training of such national level athletes, their basic education should also be taken into consideration for the overall development.

Furthermore, the UGC, on August 20, issued Letter of Content (LoT) to 12 foreign higher educational institutions (FHEIs) to set up their campuses across the country. Around 6 foreign university campuses will be set up in Mumbai, two in Bengaluru, and one in Delhi-NCR, Gurugram, Greater Noida and Chennai each.