UGC Invites Applications From Universities For Approval Of ODL, Online Programmes – News18

Last Updated:March 15, 2025, 14:14 IST

The online application window will remain open till April 3, 2025. Institutes can visit deb.ugc.ac.in to check the details.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited applications from universities and higher education institutes for recognition of their Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and/or Online mode programmes for the academic year 2025-26. The academic session for the 2025-26 year is slated to begin from July-August, 2025 onwards.

 Institutes can visit deb.ugc.ac.in to check the details and register for the courses. As per the official notice, the online application window will remain open till April 3, 2025. The deadline for submission of hard copy of original affidavits and annexures is April 15, 2025.

“The University Grants Commission or UGC has invites fresh online applications from eligible higher educational institutions (HEIs) as per Regulation 3(A) and Regulation 3(B)(b) of UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 and its amendments for recognition of programmes under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode and/or Online mode for the academic year 2025-26, the academic session beginning July-August, 2025 and onwards,” reads the official notice.

The application submission window is open throughout the year for HEls entitled to offer Online programmes and Category-l HEIs to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. The documents need to be submitted to the following address:

Joint Secretary,

Distance Education Bureau,

UGC,

35, Feroze Shah Road,

New Delhi – 110001

“The mere submission of an application should not be considered as a grant of approval and all application(s) must 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 commission added in its notice.

Last year, UGC issued guidelines for students considering ODL and Online Learning courses. Before enrolling, students must verify the recognition and entitlement status of the institute on the UGC website. They must carefully review programme details on HEI websites and ensure that the programme duration, name, and entry requirements meet UGC specifications as notified on the portal.