The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a major step to expand higher education access across India. It approved 101 universities and 20 Category-1 institutions to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the 2025–26 academic session. The UGC granted permission to 113 universities to run online courses, and furthermore, it cleared 13 institutions to conduct specialized online learning programmes. Through this initiative, the UGC aims to promote flexible, technology-driven education and to align Indian higher education with the key objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Highlights
- Total ODL Approvals: 101 universities + 20 Category-1 HEIs
- Online Programme Approvals: 113 universities
- Specialized Online Learning: 13 institutions
- Admission Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Applicable Regulations: UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes & Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and amendments
The approval enables universities to admit students into recognized degree, diploma, and certificate courses via both online and distance modes, thereby expanding learning opportunities across diverse regions.
UGC Guidelines and Conditions
The UGC has specified strict guidelines for institutions offering ODL and online programmes:
| Area | Regulation / Requirement |
| Admission Window | All admissions must be completed and uploaded on the UGC DEB portal by October 15, 2025. |
| Institutional Responsibility | Universities must ensure correctness of data; any false declaration will invite strict action. |
| AICTE Approval | Central/State/Private universities do not require AICTE approval for online/ODL programmes in Management, Computer Applications, etc. However, Deemed Universities must seek AICTE clearance. |
| Territorial Jurisdiction | ODL programmes must adhere to the territorial limits prescribed by UGC. |
| Learner Support Centres (LSCs) | Must be set up and maintained in approved areas to guide students. |
| No Franchising Allowed | Online programmes cannot be outsourced or offered through franchise or private partnerships. |
| Academic Structure | Universities must follow UGC norms on duration, credits, faculty, and evaluation systems. |
Partial List of Approved Universities
Some of the major universities approved for ODL and online learning in 2025–26 include:
- University of Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, and IGNOU (Delhi)
- Gauhati University and Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (Assam)
- Nalanda Open University (Bihar)
- University of Mumbai, Shivaji University, and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (Maharashtra)
- Annamalai University and Bharathiar University (Tamil Nadu)
- Utkal University and Sambalpur University (Odisha)
- Panjab University and Lovely Professional University (Punjab)
- Tezpur University and Rajiv Gandhi University (North-East)
- Amity University, Subharti University, and U.P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University (Uttar Pradesh)
- Pondicherry University, Sathyabama University, and VELS University (Tamil Nadu)
A total of over 240 institutions (including all categories) have now been approved to offer ODL and online education for 2025–26.
Important Policy Update
In April 2025, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced and enforced a ban on offering healthcare and allied subjects—such as psychology, microbiology, biotechnology, food and nutrition, and clinical dietetics—through ODL or online modes. With this decision, the UGC aimed to ensure that programmes requiring laboratory work, practical training, or clinical exposure are conducted only through face-to-face learning. Moreover, the move seeks to uphold academic quality, safeguard student safety, and reinforce the importance of hands-on experience in professional education. Ultimately, the policy reflects UGC’s commitment to maintaining rigorous educational and ethical standards across India’s higher education system.
Impact and Significance
This initiative by UGC is expected to:
- Enhance accessibility and inclusivity in higher education, especially for working professionals and rural learners.
- Strengthen India’s position in digital education and global learning networks.
- Support the Digital India and Skill India missions by integrating flexible and affordable education pathways.
- Allow universities to reach a wider learner base, promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
Conclusion
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a significant step toward democratizing education in India by approving over 200 institutions for online and distance learning. Through this initiative, the UGC seeks to enhance accessibility, flexibility, and future-readiness in higher education.
Moreover, by enforcing regulatory compliance, promoting transparency, and maintaining academic quality, it aims to ensure that learners receive credible and value-driven education. As a result, universities across India are adopting technology-driven teaching models that empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue recognized degrees. Ultimately, this transformation bridges the gap between traditional and modern education systems, paving the way for a more inclusive and digitally enabled learning ecosystem.
FAQs
1. What did UGC approve for 2025–26?
Ans: UGC approved 101 universities and 20 Category-1 institutions for ODL programmes, 113 for online courses, and 13 for specialized online learning.
2. Which rules apply to these approvals?
Ans: They follow the UGC (ODL & Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and its amendments.
3. What is the admission deadline?
Ans: All admissions and data uploads must be done by October 15, 2025.
4. Which subjects are banned in online/ODL mode?
Ans: Courses in healthcare and allied fields (Psychology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Nutrition, etc.) are not allowed online.
5. How can students check approval?
Ans: Visit the official UGC-DEB website https://deb.ugc.ac.in to verify approved universities and programmes.
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