UGC cautions students against taking admissions in unrecognized Online, Distance courses

Students can also check the approval status of the programme on the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website.

University Grants Commission has issued a public notice advising students to take precautions before enrolling in Open/ Distance Learning courses or Online courses being offered.

The higher education regulator has advised students to check the recognition status of the higher education institution before enrolling for the Distance or online course being offered. Students can also check the approval status of the programme on the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website.

The UGC has framed regulations regarding online and distance courses, University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.

These regulations lay down the minimum standards of instruction for the grant of degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and the grant of postgraduate diplomas of a duration of two years in Open and Distance Learning and/or Online mode.

The UGC notice reads: “Students must confirm the recognition status of 11E1 for ODL and Online education, for the session opted for admission on the UGC DEB website, check the details on the HEIs' website, take note of prohibited programmes and prohibition of franchising arrangement and ensure that all activities are within Territorial Jurisdiction for ODL Programmes.”

The commission has also asked all HEIs that are recognized/entitled to offer ODL and/or Online programmes to upload all the details such as application, Affidavit, Regulatory Authority Approval and additional information on their website.

Read more:

• IIT Kanpur introduces 4 eMasters Degree Programs including Data Science & Business Analytics
• Autonomous Colleges can offer UG, PG, Certificate courses in emerging areas: UGC Chairman