UGC issues Precautionary Notice for Distance, Online Courses; M.Phil, PhD prohibited, Check list of Debarred varsities

HEIs offering ODL and/or Online programmes must provide comprehensive details on their websites, including application submissions to the UGC, approvals, and additional information.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently issued a crucial public notice outlining essential precautions for students intending to enroll in programmes offered under Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and/or Online Learning (OL) modes. This notice comes in the wake of the UGC's notification of the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, along with subsequent amendments.

Outlined in the notice are several key points that students must consider before making enrollment decisions:

Students are urged to confirm the recognition status of HEIs for offering ODL and Online education for the intended session of admission.

Information regarding recognition status and entitlement of HEIs to offer programmes in ODL mode and/or online mode is available on the UGC website.

Checking Details on HEIs' Websites:

HEIs offering ODL and/or Online programmes must provide comprehensive details on their websites, including application submissions to the UGC, approvals, and additional information.

Caution Against Admission in Prohibited Programmes:

Certain disciplines such as Engineering, Medical, Law, and others are prohibited from being offered under ODL and Online modes.

M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes in all disciplines through ODL and Online modes are also prohibited.

Ensuring Activities within Territorial Jurisdiction for ODL Programmes:

All activities related to admission, counselling sessions, programme delivery, etc., must be conducted strictly within the territorial jurisdiction of the HEI.

Prohibition of Franchising Arrangement:

HEIs are prohibited from offering programmes through franchising arrangements for admitting learners and conducting courses through ODL and Online modes.

Learner Support Centers (LSCs) must be established and managed directly by the HEI.

Equivalence of Qualification:

Degrees and diplomas awarded through ODL and/or Online modes by recognized HEIs shall be treated as equivalent to those offered through conventional modes.

This notice aims to ensure that students make informed decisions while enrolling in ODL and Online programmes, safeguarding their academic pursuits and interests. It emphasizes adherence to regulatory guidelines and standards set by the UGC for maintaining the quality and integrity of distance and online education.

HEIs debarred/put under `no admission category':

The details of HEls debarred from offering ODL and/or Online programmes and put under 'no admission category' for academic session beginning February, 2024, are as under:-

1. Narsee Monjee Institute of Debar/withheld from offering ODL and Management Studies (NMIMS). Online programmes for February. 2024 Maharashtra academic session. even as Entitled HEI or Category — I HEI.
2. Sri Venkateshwara University. No admission in ODL Programmes for Andhra Pradesh February. 2024 academic session.
3. Periyar University, Tamil Nadu No admission in ODL Programmes for February, 2024 academic session.