UGC opens ODL registrations for HEIs; academic session to start from February 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has started registrations for the recognition of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the academic year 2025-26. Eligible colleges can apply for the recognition certificate through the official website at deb.ugc.ac.in.

Registrations for the recognition of HEIs for ODL and online courses have started and will go on till November 10, 2025. The academic session for the distance learning programmes will begin from February 2026.

The eligible higher educational institutions will be able to submit the hard copy for the original affidavit by November 20. The hard copy should have to be submitted to the address, Joint Secretary, Distance Education Bureau, UGC, 35, Feroze Shah Road, New Delhi 110001, the UGC said in an official notification.

“The mere submission of an application should not be considered as grant of approval and that all application(s) shall be subject to scrutiny with respect to the standards stipulated in the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and its amendments,” the UGC said.

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UGC-recognised Universities for ODL

Here is the list of some of the central universities offering ODL programmes for the academic year 2025-26 and have been UGC-approved.